Raising Backyard Chickens in Revere, MA
A Practical Guide for Urban Poultry Enthusiasts
Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular among residents of Revere, Massachusetts, as a means to foster a more sustainable lifestyle and ensure a steady supply of fresh eggs. The city has recognized this trend and taken steps to formalize the practice, promoting urban agriculture. Through the adoption of the Urban Farming Ordinance, Revere has opened the door for local residents to legally keep chickens, subject to specific regulations. These regulations aim to balance the benefits of raising chickens with the need to maintain public health and safety standards.
In navigating the regulations for raising backyard chickens in Revere, it is essential for potential and current chicken owners to stay informed about the legal requirements and best practices. A license obtained from the city's Health Department is mandatory, and guidelines stipulate that chicken coops and runs must be placed at a reasonable distance from neighboring properties—specifically, at least 10 feet from the rear lot line and 50 feet from any dwelling—to minimize any potential nuisances. Compliance with these rules ensures that both chickens and neighbors can coexist peacefully.
Additionally, chicken keepers in Revere are required to prioritize the well-being of their poultry. This includes ensuring chickens are free from disease, providing regular veterinary check-ups, and managing waste effectively to prevent any health-related issues. By adhering to the established guidelines, residents can enjoy the rewards of raising chickens while contributing positively to the community's fabric through responsible urban farming practices.
Understanding Local Laws and Regulations
When raising backyard chickens in Revere, Massachusetts, residents must be aware of and comply with specific local laws and regulations established by the local government to ensure responsible and lawful poultry keeping.
Zoning and Property Line Restrictions
In Revere, zoning laws dictate the permissible areas for raising chickens. Coops and runs must adhere to property line restrictions, often requiring a set distance from neighboring properties. For instance, some zoning regulations may necessitate that chicken enclosures be located at least 10 feet from the rear lot line and 50 feet from any dwelling.
Permits and Local Government Procedures
The Revere Board of Health mandates compliance with the Urban Farming Ordinance. Residents must obtain the necessary permits before starting to raise chickens. Permits typically involve an application process, a nominal fee, and sometimes, a site inspection. Approval from the City Council may also be required as part of the local government procedures to ensure adherence to urban farming regulations.
Number of Chickens and Flock Size Rules
Local regulations may cap the number of chickens one is allowed to keep. Revere officials have set these rules to avoid overstocking and potential nuisances. While the specific flock size is determined by the local authorities, residents are often limited to a reasonable number of hens, with roosters sometimes being restricted due to noise concerns. Compliance with these flock size rules is closely monitored by the local government to maintain community standards.
Choosing the Right Chicken Breeds
When selecting chicken breeds for a backyard flock in Revere, MA, it’s important to consider their primary purpose, heritage qualities, and the birds' temperament. Addressing these aspects ensures the flock meets the specific needs and fits well with the owner's lifestyle.
Distinguishing Between Egg-Layers and Meat Birds
Different chicken breeds excel in different roles; some are prolific egg-layers while others are raised mainly for meat. For example, Lohmann Browns are renowned for their egg-laying capacity, often exceeding 300 eggs per year. On the contrary, breeds like the Jersey Giant are valued for their larger size, making them suitable for meat production. Residents of Revere, MA should assess their space and needs to decide:
Egg-layers: Ideal for continuous egg production.
Meat Birds: Raised for their meat yield and size.
Benefits of Heritage Breeds
Heritage breeds are traditional varieties that were common on farms before industrial agriculture greatly reduced breed variety. These breeds often have better disease resistance and longevity than their commercial counterparts. Examples include the Sussex and Araucana, both of which are suitable for the climate in Revere, MA. Heritage breeds can provide:
Genetic diversity and hardiness
Dual-purpose use in both egg-laying and meat production
Temperament and Handling Characteristics
The temperament of a chicken breed affects its suitability as a backyard pet or producer. Breeds such as the Silkie and Buff Orpington are known for their docile nature, making them excellent choices as friendly pets for families and easier to handle. When choosing breeds based on temperament, consider:
Friendly Breeds: Tend to be calmer and more suitable for frequent handling.
Active Breeds: May require more space and be less inclined to human interaction.
Setting Up Your Chicken Coop
Setting up your chicken coop in Revere, MA, requires careful consideration of location, space, and design to ensure the safety and health of your chickens.
Coop Location and Security
The coop should be situated in a well-drained area to prevent flooding, and it's essential to maintain a distance from neighbors as per local regulations. Security is paramount; a solid fence or enclosure will protect chickens from predators. They recommend the fence to be buried several inches underground to deter digging animals.
Designing for Adequate Space and Ventilation
Each bird should have 2-3 square feet within the chicken coop, and 8-10 square feet in the outdoor run. Ventilation is crucial to remove moisture and ammonia, so adequate vents or windows should be included. Ensure they are covered with sturdy mesh to keep predators out.
Adequate Space inside the coop:
Minimum: 2-3 square feet per chicken
For the run: 8-10 square feet per chicken
Ventilation considerations:
Vents or windows on opposite sides for airflow
Secure mesh over openings
Building Nesting Boxes and Roosts
Nesting boxes should be provided at a ratio of one box for every three to four hens and filled with clean, dry bedding such as straw or wood shavings. Roosts should be sturdy and placed higher than the boxes to reflect the birds' natural instinct to roost at the highest possible point.
Nesting Box guidelines:
Ratio: 1 box per 3-4 hens
Recommended bedding: straw or wood shavings
Roosts:
Placement: Higher than the nesting boxes
Spacing: At least 8 inches of roosting space per bird
Raising Chicks to Pullet Age
Raising chicks to pullet age requires careful management of their environment, diet, and safety. This period, extending from hatch until they are 4-6 months old, is crucial for developing healthy adult chickens.
Incubating Fertilized Eggs
Temperature and humidity are critical factors in the successful incubation of fertilized eggs. In Revere, MA, where the climate can vary, maintaining an incubator temperature of 99.5°F and a humidity level of 50-65% during incubation is essential. To support a uniform hatch, eggs should be turned at least three times a day up to day 18, after which eggs must remain still for hatching.
Feeding and Nutrition for Chicks
Chicks require a balanced diet to grow into healthy pullets. From hatch to 8 weeks, they should be fed an 18-20% protein chick starter feed to support rapid growth. At 8-14 weeks, a 16-18% starter/grower feed is appropriate. This diet ensures that chicks get the necessary nutrients for development.
Managing Heat and Safety for Young Chicks
Newly hatched chicks in Revere, MA, must be kept warm, especially during the colder months. A heat source, such as a 250-watt heat lamp, should be employed to maintain a brooder temperature of 95°F during their first week, reducing by 5°F each week until they are acclimated. Secure the lamp safely to prevent any contact with flammable materials and ensure chicks can move away from the heat if they become too warm.
Daily Care and Maintenance
Maintaining a healthy flock of chickens requires attention to diet, sanitation, and disease prevention. Each aspect is critical in ensuring the wellbeing of backyard chickens in Revere, MA.
Feeding Chickens a Balanced Diet
For optimal health, chickens should be fed a balanced diet consisting primarily of commercial chicken feed that is formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients. It is essential to provide a diet that includes:
Proteins: Aids in growth and egg production.
Vitamins and Minerals: Especially calcium, crucial for strong eggshells.
Grains: Serve as a source of energy.
One should always ensure clean, fresh water is available, and kitchen scraps or garden produce can be given as treats, but should not exceed 10% of the chicken's diet to maintain nutritional balance.
Cleaning and Waste Management
Keeping the coop clean is paramount to prevent disease and pests. A regular cleaning schedule should include:
Daily: Remove feces from the coop and run.
Weekly: Change bedding in the nesting boxes.
Monthly: Conduct a thorough cleaning of the entire coop, including scrubbing surfaces and replacing all bedding.
Proper waste management entails composting chicken manure away from the coop to reduce the risk of disease.
Preventing Common Diseases and Health Concerns
Prevention of illness in backyard chickens entails:
Regular Observation: Monitor the flock's behavior and appearance for any signs of disease.
Vaccinations: Administering vaccinations, if available, to prevent common illnesses.
Pest Control: Implement measures to control mites, lice, and other pests that can affect the chickens' health.
Maintaining a clean environment, practicing good biosecurity measures, and providing a nutritionally balanced diet are the best ways to keep common health concerns at bay.
Egg Production and Collection
Raising backyard chickens in Revere, Massachusetts, involves understanding their egg laying patterns and ensuring their nesting boxes remain clean and accessible. Egg production can be influenced by the chickens' environment, health, and the frequency of egg collection.
Understanding Egg Laying Patterns
Chickens generally follow a consistent pattern of egg laying that is influenced by factors such as breed, daylight exposure, and age. The most prolific egg production period is within the first two years of a hen's life, with a gradual decline following thereafter. One can expect a typical hen to lay an egg almost daily, although shorter daylight in winter months can reduce this frequency.
Breed: Some breeds lay more frequently than others.
Daylight: 14-16 hours of light can maximize egg production.
Age: Younger hens lay more frequently than older ones.
Maintaining Clean and Accessible Nesting Boxes
Providing an optimal environment for egg laying is essential. Nesting boxes should be kept clean to ensure the health of the hens and the quality of the fresh eggs. Accessibility is also important, as hens prefer a secluded and safe place to lay their eggs.
Cleanliness: Regularly remove droppings and soiled bedding.
Accessibility: Nesting boxes should be easy for hens to enter and exit.
Safety: Nesting areas should offer protection from predators and environmental stressors.
Regular collection of eggs from the nesting boxes encourages hens to continue laying and prevents eggs from becoming dirty or damaged. It’s best to collect eggs at least once a day.
Enhancing the Backyard Experience
When one raises chickens in their backyard in Revere, MA, the overall experience can be substantially improved by integrating thoughtful landscaping and creating an environment conducive to the chickens' health and happiness.
Landscaping for Chickens
Landscaping for chickens goes beyond aesthetics; it serves practical purposes such as providing shade, shelter, and food sources. Chicken enthusiasts should consider planting hearty grasses and shrubs that can withstand some foraging. Safe plants that chickens can feed on, like clover and certain herbs, can be interspersed throughout the yard, doubling as a food source and natural decor.
It's also beneficial to have a designated dust bath area. Chickens naturally bathe in dust to maintain feather health and ward off parasites. A simple mix of sand, ash, and soil can serve this purpose. Additionally, incorporating elements like logs or stumps can encourage natural behaviors such as perching and foraging.
Creating a Chicken-Friendly Environment
A chicken-friendly environment supports the well-being of the flock while also offering advantages for the backyard itself. Here are key elements to consider:
Chicken Run: Ensure there’s a spacious and secure chicken run attached to the coop. The run should provide ample space for the chickens to move around — if space allows, 10 square feet per chicken is a good rule of thumb.
Fertilizer and Composting: Chickens produce manure, which is an excellent source of nitrogen, one of the essential components of effective fertilizer. A system for composting this manure along with other organic kitchen waste can be set up to create a nutrient-rich fertilizer for the garden.
Mealworms: Introducing mealworms to the backyard setup can be a win-win situation. These are protein-rich treats that chickens love, and they can be sustainably farmed right in your backyard, further enhancing the chickens' diet.
With these practices in place, individuals can cultivate a backyard that not only thrives but also provides an enriching habitat for their feathered friends.
Ethical Considerations and Community Engagement
In Revere, MA, ethical considerations and community engagement play crucial roles in the practice of raising backyard chickens. Residents must ensure humane treatment of the birds and foster positive relationships with neighbors, potentially sharing surplus eggs.
Promoting Humane Treatment
Raising backyard chickens in Revere, MA, necessitates adhering to ethical standards that prioritize the birds' welfare. It involves:
Appropriate Flock Size: A suitable number of chickens ensures each bird has enough space, reducing stress and promoting healthier living conditions.
Veterinary Care: Regular health check-ups from qualified veterinarians help maintain the flock's overall well-being.
Proper Nutrition: Providing a balanced diet suitable for the chickens' age and breed contributes to their longevity and productivity.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about best practices for ethical husbandry to meet the needs of their backyard flocks.
Interacting with Neighbors and Sharing Surplus
Engaging with the community is another significant aspect of urban poultry farming.
Noise and Odor Management: Implementing measures to minimize disturbances such as excess noise and odor is essential in maintaining good neighborly relations.
Egg Sharing: An abundance of eggs can be an opportunity to engage with neighbors. Residents might consider sharing surplus eggs to foster community bonds.
Thus, Revere inhabitants are responsible for not just their flock's welfare but also the impact of their poultry practices on the community.
Budget and Financial Planning
Raising backyard chickens in Revere, Massachusetts requires careful financial planning. One must consider both initial setup costs and ongoing expenses to create a sustainable budget.
Calculating Initial Setup Costs
The initial investment for setting up a chicken coop ranges from $100 to $1,000 or more, varying greatly based on the size and features of the coop. Prospective poultry farmers should budget for the following items:
Chicken Coop: Depending on construction, materials, and size, costs can vary. On average, a coop can cost between $200 to $500.
Chickens: The price for each chick typically falls between $2 to $40. The exact cost depends on the breed and age of the chickens.
Feeding Equipment: Feeders and waterers are essential, with prices starting from around $20 upward.
Fencing: Protective fencing to safeguard chickens from predators can range from $50 to $200.
Ongoing Expenses and Potential Revenue Streams
After the initial setup, chicken owners in Revere should prepare for recurring monthly expenses.
Feed: Chicken pellets range from $0.25 to $1.50 per pound. Monthly costs average around $55, depending on flock size.
Healthcare: Routine veterinary care and occasional medical treatment should be factored into the budget, although specific costs can vary.
Potential revenue from selling eggs or even mature chickens can help offset these costs. The local egg prices, after spiking to a record high of $4.82 per dozen in January 2023, illustrate a revenue opportunity for backyard chicken farmers, especially with the cost per dozen showing a tendency to rise.
Advanced Topics
In the city of Revere, Massachusetts, backyard chicken enthusiasts who have mastered the basics may be interested in more complex aspects of poultry husbandry, such as breeding show birds and engaging in sustainable practices. It is important to note the critical aspects of these practices including genetics, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.
Breeding and Raising Show Birds
Breeding chickens for show requires an understanding of genetics and an eye for birds that meet specific breed standards. Exhibitors strive for perfection in feathering, color, and conformation. They may often start by selecting the finest specimens from their flock, paying close attention to traits like plume density and patterns of coloration. Breeding entails meticulous record-keeping, and hatching eggs from these selected birds. Potential show birds must be raised in environments that encourage natural behaviors such as scratching and dust bathing, as this promotes healthy feather growth and overall wellbeing.
Sustainable Practices and Organic Feed Production
Backyard chicken keepers in Revere can adopt sustainable practices to reduce waste and improve their flock's health. Composting chicken manure efficiently recycles waste into valuable fertilizer for gardens. As for feed, producing organic feed means ensuring the chickens consume a natural diet free from pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic feed production might involve cultivating a garden of chicken-friendly plants and herbs that benefit the birds' health and contribute to the flavor of their eggs. Keepers may also implement systems to collect and reuse water, as well as manage broody hens to naturally incubate and hatch eggs.
