Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
2
Housing and Supplies
ONCE YOU HAVE DECIDED
poultry is the thing for you, it's time to figure out a way to
house and care for the birds. If you have recently purchased a farm, or already have some
outbuildings on your land, then you are probably ready to go with just a few minor modi-
fications. If you are starting from scratch, or hoping to keep a few birds in the city or on a
small plot of land in an urban or suburban area, then you need to do some research, make
a plan, buy some materials, and if you're a do-it-yourselfer, start building.
Planning a Home for Your Future Flock
Before you can decide what type of structure to provide as housing for your poultry, you
must consider such things as area zoning laws, regional climate, and possible building
sites on your property. You must know which species of birds you plan to raise.
Other chapters in this topic discuss various species and breeds to help you determine
which are a good fit for you. This chapter will start you thinking about how you'll house
your birds and what your limitations and freedoms are in terms of land and building use.
It also contains some tips about accommodating a flock in specific climates.
To help you narrow down your breed options, and make sound, reasonable decisions,
weigh your top choices for species and the numbers you hope to care for against legal re-
strictions, climate limitations, available space, and housing options. Costs, naturally, must
also be part of your planning, and a budget is recommended.
Know the Local Laws
First and foremost, research your town's building codes and zoning ordinances. Even in
rural areas, building codes exist that dictate the possible ways one can construct a poultry
structure. Just because someone else in the neighborhood has a small poultry house, do
not assume that ordinances allow poultry buildings or even poultry. It may have been built
many years ago under older, now-defunct regulations and allowed, or “grandfathered in,”
