Can I Have Chickens in My Garden?

Many people have asked me if they can keep chickens in their gardens . First, I tell them to check with their city or county Planning Departments and look for land use ordinances. You can easily go to your county or city websites and do this. If you live in the County of San Luis Obispo, you can find the information here. We live in the county and are allowed to keep 20 hens but no roosters. The chickens need to be housed at least 50 feet from the nearest existing residence. This proves to be a problem for small lot owners.

Some other things you might consider: Do you have predators that might be of danger to your chickens? Do you have room for a properly sized coop. Chickens will scratch up and eat your garden if you free-range so we only let our chickens out when we are gardening and can supervise.

I rather enjoy gardening with my hens clucking by my side. They have become experts at ridding my garden of crawling bugs. It is quite humorous to watch them come upon a giant potato bug, their favorite treat, pick it up and begin running with the others in close pursuit.

As do all animals, hens need a bit of care. They need to be locked in at night if your entire coop is not predator proof. They need a constant supply of food and water. And their coop needs periodic cleaning. The manure that you collect from under your roost will make fabulous fertilizer in your garden.

I’ve provided some information on keeping backyard chickens on my website Backyard Hencam . I am currently writing another article on space for chickens on that website. Subscribe there and you will be one of the first to receive it.