Monday, April 18, 2011

Any readers in Northwest Arkansas want a small flock of egg layers?



To the first responder via comments or the contact form, I will help someone in Northwest Arkansas start their own small backyard flock of egg laying hens.  At no charge for my time and expertise, I will order chicks, design and help you build your coop, and provide advice for your specific situation.  All I ask is permission to photograph and write about the process.  Your identity, picture of yourself, address, etc. won't be published without permission.

Any sized backyard can accommodated a flock.  Unlike roosters, hens are relatively quiet, only emitting a low cooing or cackle when startled.  With a small flock like this, they do NOT smell.  I know that Fayetteville and Rogers specifically allow 4 hens to be kept for backyard egg production.  However, it's a good idea to call your city and learn the specifics of any pertinent ordinances.

Approximate costs:

My help and labor - FREE
4 hens - $10
Coop materials - $50+ depending on design
Feed costs - $8 per month

Return:

2 dozen healthy, fresh eggs per week
The ability to recycle your food scraps without having to compost
The enjoyment of watching your own chickens scratching about in your backyard
Posted by Backyard Fresh Foods, LLC at 7:56 AM
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8 comments:

  1. The Alvarado PlantationApril 18, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    I would LOVE to do this. I have 7 year old twin girls that attend Fayetteville Montessori School and they just hatched some chicks. We were planning to bring a few home but we have to get a coop first. I keep saying, we really need to do that!
    We live in West Fork.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Backyard Fresh Foods, LLCApril 19, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    Great! Send me your phone number and when a good time to call is with the "Contact Us" form at the top right of the page and I will call you.

    Andy

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  3. joyApril 21, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    This is exciting! I hatched the eggs at the Montessori School and am delighted that your offer of help with a coop will allow a school family to adopt our "extras". I breed and raise chickens (critically endangered heritage Black Javas, French Copped Black Marans, Easter Eggers, Ameracaunas, and am developing a line of Olive Eggers) at Terra Studios. I am happy to have found this blog and will be following your posts. I maintain a chicken raising blog if you ever want to check it out!

    joy of charmed life chickens

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  4. Backyard Fresh Foods, LLCApril 22, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Thanks Joy. I'm glad to connect with another northwest Arkansas blogger! I added you to the blog roll on the right and encourage my readers to check it out.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Blog PersonMay 11, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I just found this blog. I are wanting to raise chickens in my parents backyard. Needing some advice and have lots of questions. Where is the best place for us to start with the whole process? I am fully committed to raising chickens; however, my parents are a bit leery is there a good 'things you NEED to know before raising chickens' checklist? - Anne

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  6. Backyard Fresh Foods, LLCMay 11, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    Hi Anne!

    I would suggest you read this post: http://www.backyardfreshfoods.com/2011/02/winter-eggs-and-flock-management.html

    Also, try this: http://www.rural-revolution.com/2011/01/chicken-basics.html

    I offer in-home consultation for a very reasonable fee of $40 for the first two hours and $15 per hour there after if needed. I will visit your backyard and go over the how, when, and what of keeping a backyard flock, help design and build a chicken house that fits your circumstances, and will help you choose what breed is right for you. I also make myself available to my customers via phone and email for questions at no additional charge.

    Andy

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  7. Blog PersonMay 12, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Andy is it too late this year to start raising chickens?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Backyard Fresh Foods, LLCMay 12, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Not at all. Give it a go!

    ReplyDelete

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