Whether you’re in possession of vast acres deep in the country or a bite-size backyard, there’s room in your life for chickens. These sweet, feathered friends are easy to maintain with a few essentials. While the space in your heart may be unlimited, recognize that your new best friends need around 3 cubic feet per bird. Visualize the space of around 8 milk jugs stacked together and get creative. Chickens need a safe, ventilated space with at least one nesting box per 4 ladies and a bar to perch on. Be resourceful when deciding on a coop- many old sheds, playhouses, and other structures can be repurposed to house your flock. At minimum, they need protection from predators at night and kept dry from the rain and snow. 

Choose your sweet new babies from a farm store or hatchery and avoid having them mailed to you. Your adult chickens will be more sociable and friendly if you take the time to gently play and hold them as baby chicks. Start your chicks in a brooder with specialized chick starter feed, fresh water, and heat lamp in their first few weeks of life. At 8-10 weeks, your sweet friends can transition to their new home and regular chicken feed. 

Looking forward, make sure your feathered friends always have access to water and chicken feed, as well as protection at night. Your mini, feathered velociraptors enjoy most kitchen scraps, but avoid feeding them chocolate, avocado, potato skins, and dried beans. While you're marveling at the orangest egg yolks in town and lower quantity of bugs in your yard, just make sure you’ve got enough room in your heart to contain all the love. 

 Written by Laura Venable, a Sign Language Interpreter who raises chickens in Springfield, Missouri.