Let's talk poultry.  Again.  More and more people are raising their own if their city ordinance allows it. I found this blog this morning and I'd like to share it. Dayton area farm life is published in the Dayton Daily News and gives local information regarding urban-ag in Dayton and backyard poultry has a fan in this gal!  You can also find Dayton Urban Ag on Facebook.

If poultry is permitted within city limits there are usually restrictions such as the number of hens allowed. You don't want just one, 3 is usually minimum and 6 will keep your family and another in eggs.  Most city ordinances don't allow roosters.  You don't need a rooster anyway since hens will lay all on their own and a rooster would, no doubt, make you the most hated in your city neighborhood.  I honestly haven't dug through the Dayton City Ordinances but found Dayton Animal Ordinances at the Animal Law site. I'm guessing some people would consider them a nuisance.

If you hear roosters in your neighborhood and you live in the city there is always the possibility of cockfighting. Should you suspect any activity such as this please contact your local animal control officer or the police. 

Now for the food aspect of keeping backyard poultry.  I don't eat mine but I do like chicken.  I'm eating it for dinner this evening.  And my hens have been lousy at laying this year. They are obviously not happy about something and I think it's their diet.  I (gasp!) have been feeding more of a commercial feed rather than organic when it comes to their scratch and supplemental layer mix. They free range every day and bring themselves home at night but I have 3 that I know are older and I know 3 are still well within laying age.  My seventh was found in the city of Beavercreek and is a consistent layer.

This would be the time most people retire their hens to the soup pot.  I just can't do it.  I know the process, I appreciate the process and I can't join the process.  For me they control bugs so they are dual purpose for me.  I haven't had a tick on a horse, dog, or barn cat since I got my girls.  They are worth their weight in gold and if they won't lay another egg they're worth keeping around for that!

If you're inclined to read more about keeping chickens this is a very user friendly place with a lot of information.         


 Disclaimer: Sinclair Community College is not responsible for the content of this blog!  This is just my opportunity to offer information and my opinion.