Comments on: Backyard Chickens http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens On Point is a live, two-hour morning news-analysis program, produced by WBUR 90.9 and NPR. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:30:23 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Ira Mann http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-30174 Ira Mann Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:04:25 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-30174 I think it is a great idea. More of use should be self sufficient. I hope more people should jump on the band-wagon. Thanks. I think it is a great idea. More of use should be self sufficient. I hope more people should jump on the band-wagon. Thanks.

]]> By: Maven Koesler http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-29263 Maven Koesler Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:51:46 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-29263 Putney, I eat my spent layers. They are fantastic crock-pot birds. However, I do not consider them "spent" at 2 as most factory birds are. My current oldest bird is 5yrs and still laying. I also butcher excess roosters at 6 months to a year of age, selecting the yardbirds according to temperament and conformation. The trick is to chill the birds for 24 hours in the fridge after cleaning and plucking or skinning to let the rigor relax before putting them in the freezer. In home grown birds, the meat is more flavorful, the bones thicker (even the commercial cornish x rock crosses), and the skin a nice bright yellow. Store birds are pallid, flavorless, brittle boned cornish x rock crosses that are on average 6 to 13 weeks old and must be brined before cooking to taste like anything. Their bones are so thin they can break under their own weight. A friend of mine adopted several spent commercial layers, and after moulting, they produced for several more years. However, they did die easier than her hatchery birds and she post-mortemed then when this occurred to make sure she didn't have problems developing in her flock. She told me that the commercial layers were full of cancers and odd growths - even after spending a few years in a free range situation! Putney, I eat my spent layers. They are fantastic crock-pot birds. However, I do not consider them “spent” at 2 as most factory birds are. My current oldest bird is 5yrs and still laying.
I also butcher excess roosters at 6 months to a year of age, selecting the yardbirds according to temperament and conformation. The trick is to chill the birds for 24 hours in the fridge after cleaning and plucking or skinning to let the rigor relax before putting them in the freezer.
In home grown birds, the meat is more flavorful, the bones thicker (even the commercial cornish x rock crosses), and the skin a nice bright yellow.
Store birds are pallid, flavorless, brittle boned cornish x rock crosses that are on average 6 to 13 weeks old and must be brined before cooking to taste like anything. Their bones are so thin they can break under their own weight.
A friend of mine adopted several spent commercial layers, and after moulting, they produced for several more years. However, they did die easier than her hatchery birds and she post-mortemed then when this occurred to make sure she didn’t have problems developing in her flock. She told me that the commercial layers were full of cancers and odd growths – even after spending a few years in a free range situation!

]]> By: Maven Koesler http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-29256 Maven Koesler Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:18:06 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-29256 I suggest Ms Miriam Jones do some research on chicken habits and behavior, as well as the practices of mail order chicken hatcheries before she condemns the shipping of day-old chicks. Shipping day-olds isn't like shipping cats, dogs, or even week-old poults. I purchase my chicks from Ideal Poultry in Cameron Tx, and have NEVER had a dead on arrival chick, e-v-e-r. Newly hatched chicks are equipped by nature with a marvelous thing called a yolk sack. They absorb this for 3 days after hatching and it provides their nourishment during that time. This is why they can be shipped. The big concern is chilling. Hatcheries refund for DOA chicks, and it is in their best interest to get those peepers to you alive. It isn't heartless commodities trading. As for "taking the babies from their mommas" Unless the hen is broody, she could care less. I must gather eggs at least twice a day and watch to make sure my free range chickens don't return to the nests to snack on their own eggs! The eggs from hatcheries and most backyard breeders are brooded in incubators, not under hens because it is unusual for modern hens to go broody. I made the move to raise my chickens 12 years ago when I reached the ethical decision that I could not in good conscience eat meat if I could not take responsibility for providing it myself. I raise my chickens free-range and on a healthy diet. They live as chickens, not meatsacks in foot square cages. I suggest Ms Miriam Jones do some research on chicken habits and behavior, as well as the practices of mail order chicken hatcheries before she condemns the shipping of day-old chicks. Shipping day-olds isn’t like shipping cats, dogs, or even week-old poults.
I purchase my chicks from Ideal Poultry in Cameron Tx, and have NEVER had a dead on arrival chick, e-v-e-r. Newly hatched chicks are equipped by nature with a marvelous thing called a yolk sack. They absorb this for 3 days after hatching and it provides their nourishment during that time. This is why they can be shipped. The big concern is chilling. Hatcheries refund for DOA chicks, and it is in their best interest to get those peepers to you alive. It isn’t heartless commodities trading.
As for “taking the babies from their mommas” Unless the hen is broody, she could care less. I must gather eggs at least twice a day and watch to make sure my free range chickens don’t return to the nests to snack on their own eggs!
The eggs from hatcheries and most backyard breeders are brooded in incubators, not under hens because it is unusual for modern hens to go broody.
I made the move to raise my chickens 12 years ago when I reached the ethical decision that I could not in good conscience eat meat if I could not take responsibility for providing it myself. I raise my chickens free-range and on a healthy diet. They live as chickens, not meatsacks in foot square cages.

]]> By: Putney Swope http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-29214 Putney Swope Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:24:10 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-29214 Peter hens for eggs are not raised for eating and by the time they are to old to lay eggs they are kind of tough as roasters. If you want to eat them soup is the way to go. Or you can just let them live out there lives keeping the garden free of pests. My cousin informed that chicken poop is not good for gardens unless it is mixed with compost or let to break down with hay. If you put the poop on your garden it can burn the plants as it's apparently hot, which was the term she used. To acidic. Yes, home raised chickens taste a lot better than anything you get in the store. Peter hens for eggs are not raised for eating and by the time they are to old to lay eggs they are kind of tough as roasters.

If you want to eat them soup is the way to go. Or you can just let them live out there lives keeping the garden free of pests.

My cousin informed that chicken poop is not good for gardens unless it is mixed with compost or let to break down with hay. If you put the poop on your garden it can burn the plants as it’s apparently hot, which was the term she used. To acidic.

Yes, home raised chickens taste a lot better than anything you get in the store.

]]> By: Peter Nelson http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-29193 Peter Nelson Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:11:01 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-29193 Everybody talks about the eggs but what about the meat? Do home-raised chickens taste better than factory-raised ones? I'm guessing the meat would be leaner because they can run around the chicken-yard all day - is this true? Does the feed you give them affect the flavor of the meat? Also, someone suggested only eating them after they were past their egg-laying prime. Are "old" chickens still good to eat? Everybody talks about the eggs but what about the meat? Do home-raised chickens taste better than factory-raised ones? I’m guessing the meat would be leaner because they can run around the chicken-yard all day – is this true? Does the feed you give them affect the flavor of the meat?

Also, someone suggested only eating them after they were past their egg-laying prime. Are “old” chickens still good to eat?

]]> By: Alan http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28955 Alan Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:33:54 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28955 As one who dwells in a log cabin in the woods, thirty miles from the nearest small city, I would not raise chickens unless my life depended on it. But, I say, "Hooray!" for the chicken ranchers. It is a sad commentary on our prissy and perfumed society that anyone would complain about the "noise" and odor of backyard chickens in the care of responsible "ranchers." Perhaps to "anti-chicken" crowd should focus their energies on "odor" and noise caused by automotive traffic and the pervasive sound of blasting car stereos. In the meantime, let the backyard chickens cluck on! Now, if you will excuse me, I must attend to that grouse drumming in the tall grass above the marsh. As one who dwells in a log cabin in the woods, thirty miles from the nearest small city, I would not raise chickens unless my life depended on it. But, I say, “Hooray!” for the chicken ranchers. It is a sad commentary on our prissy and perfumed society that anyone would complain about the “noise” and odor of backyard chickens in the care of responsible “ranchers.” Perhaps to “anti-chicken” crowd should focus their energies on “odor” and noise caused by automotive traffic and the pervasive sound of blasting car stereos. In the meantime, let the backyard chickens cluck on! Now, if you will excuse me, I must attend to that grouse drumming in the tall grass above the marsh.

]]> By: Todd http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28932 Todd Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:48:48 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28932 We have a small flock of hens in a small village in northern New York state. We love them, and our oldest "retired" hen is 8 years old. Here's a haiku I wrote about them last spring: "Cooped up all winter, six plump hens now bathe in dirt. We call it 'the spa.'" We have a small flock of hens in a small village in northern New York state. We love them, and our oldest “retired” hen is 8 years old. Here’s a haiku I wrote about them last spring: “Cooped up all winter, six plump hens now bathe in dirt. We call it ‘the spa.’”

]]> By: Susan Tordella http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28919 Susan Tordella Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:34:06 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28919 I was a city person and never had much experience with animals while growing up. The chicken movement swept me up and I knew I had to do it. I was scared at first, and one young chicken [3 mos. old] died the day after I brought it to my coop. I LOVE collecting eggs, feeding them weeds and kitchen waste and listening to them and watching them. I plan on butchering the roosters and other birds when they stop laying. I feel connected to the cycles of the world with backyard chickens, and can't wait to eat food that I have raised. Ayer, MA I was a city person and never had much experience with animals while growing up.

The chicken movement swept me up and I knew I had to do it. I was scared at first, and one young chicken [3 mos. old] died the day after I brought it to my coop.

I LOVE collecting eggs, feeding them weeds and kitchen waste and listening to them and watching them.

I plan on butchering the roosters and other birds when they stop laying.

I feel connected to the cycles of the world with backyard chickens, and can’t wait to eat food that I have raised.

Ayer, MA

]]> By: Yuhfen http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28910 Yuhfen Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:19:32 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28910 I would like to say something about allowing chicken into the community might affect the house value. We are looking for a house right now. Due to all the possible limitation from HOA, we try to look at places without HOA. We talked to our gardening friends that most of them advice not to get a house in any where there are strong home owner groups. So as a matter of fact, we are willing to pay more for anywhere they allow chicken. And I believe there is a growing group of people who have similar mind set that would pay more for houses allowing chicken. So keeping chicken not only give you fresh eggs everyday, it also might help increase the home value. I would like to say something about allowing chicken into the community might affect the house value.
We are looking for a house right now. Due to all the possible limitation from HOA, we try to look at places without HOA. We talked to our gardening friends that most of them advice not to get a house in any where there are strong home owner groups. So as a matter of fact, we are willing to pay more for anywhere they allow chicken. And I believe there is a growing group of people who have similar mind set that would pay more for houses allowing chicken.
So keeping chicken not only give you fresh eggs everyday, it also might help increase the home value.

]]> By: Beginning Farmers » Blog Archive » NPR Story on the Rise of Backyard Chickens http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28884 Beginning Farmers » Blog Archive » NPR Story on the Rise of Backyard Chickens Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:26:25 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28884 [...] On Point did a great story about the rise of backyard chickens. You can access the show here: http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens Interviews include: Joining us from Pine Plains, N.Y., is Susan Orlean, staff writer for The New [...] [...] On Point did a great story about the rise of backyard chickens. You can access the show here: http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens Interviews include: Joining us from Pine Plains, N.Y., is Susan Orlean, staff writer for The New [...]

]]> By: Brian http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28883 Brian Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:26:06 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28883 A couple years ago a friend of mine sent me a Myspace invite for a profile she created in support of Urban Chickens in Oklahoma City. Up to this point I had little idea that there was such a movement, or that such a movement would face any opposition. When I heard this broadcast I realized that I had to write and give some props to both my friend Haley who started the profile, and to all those who are attempting to live in a more sustainable manner. If you want to check out the Myspace profile, it's at myspace dot com slash urbanchickens. Cheers! A couple years ago a friend of mine sent me a Myspace invite for a profile she created in support of Urban Chickens in Oklahoma City. Up to this point I had little idea that there was such a movement, or that such a movement would face any opposition. When I heard this broadcast I realized that I had to write and give some props to both my friend Haley who started the profile, and to all those who are attempting to live in a more sustainable manner. If you want to check out the Myspace profile, it’s at myspace dot com slash urbanchickens.

Cheers!

]]> By: Abby @ New Urban Habitat http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28881 Abby @ New Urban Habitat Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:37:23 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28881 I love my four urban chickens. I've been chronicling my adventures with them on my blog, New Urban Habitat. If you're thinking about adopting some chicks, you can find out what you may be in for here: http://newurbanhabitat.com/category/backyard-chickens/ I love my four urban chickens. I’ve been chronicling my adventures with them on my blog, New Urban Habitat. If you’re thinking about adopting some chicks, you can find out what you may be in for here:

http://newurbanhabitat.com/category/backyard-chickens/

]]> By: Louise http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28875 Louise Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:20 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28875 Brett, chicken ranching would be the perfect career change for a washed-up old prune like yourself. Your already full of chicken sh#&. Brett, chicken ranching would be the perfect career change for a washed-up old prune like yourself. Your already full of chicken sh#&.

]]> By: Red Hen http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28870 Red Hen Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:07:05 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28870 I loved the piece on backyard chickens. It reminded me of the three RI Reds I had a few years ago. It was a wonderful experience for all of the reasons mentioned by listeners, and far exceeded our expectations of providing a few eggs. They may be my favorite pet,complete with wonderful individual 'personalities', and they give back to us eggs and meat(if we can accept this aspect of hen raising). I gave my two remaining hens away after loosing my favorite to a Fisher Cat attack, noticing an increase in the Rat population. I do believe this is a problem for the urban and suburban poultry raiser for the following reason; I hypothesis that Rats can gain nourishment from ingesting the chicken feces as well as any dropped feed. Chickens, incidentally will kill and eat frogs and mice. Most cats employed for rodent control seem to avoid chickens and won't kill adult birds. Another reason I gave away my hens was the concern at the time about the possibility of a bird flu epidemic. I didn't want anyone to think I was irresponsibly exposing anyone to this possibility. Any potential exposure my hens could ever have would be from migrating birds, and the virus never materialized in our region anyway. I'll bet the Canadian Geese,ducks,and pigeons that live in parks and on golf courses might have posed more of a risk factor. Anyway, I enthusiastically encourage anyone who has any interest to try raising a few hens-never just one-that would be cruel-these are sociable flock animals,and intelligent,too. It is very rewarding, just be aware that there are some pitfalls as well. I loved the piece on backyard chickens. It reminded me of the three RI Reds I had a few years ago. It was a wonderful experience for all of the reasons mentioned by listeners, and far exceeded our expectations of providing a few eggs. They may be my favorite pet,complete with wonderful individual ‘personalities’, and they give back to us eggs and meat(if we can accept this aspect of hen raising). I gave my two remaining hens away after loosing my favorite to a Fisher Cat attack, noticing an increase in the Rat population. I do believe this is a problem for the urban and suburban poultry raiser for the following reason; I hypothesis that Rats can gain nourishment from ingesting the chicken feces as well as any dropped feed. Chickens, incidentally will kill and eat frogs and mice. Most cats employed for rodent control seem to avoid chickens and won’t kill adult birds.
Another reason I gave away my hens was the concern at the time about the possibility of a bird flu epidemic. I didn’t want anyone to think I was irresponsibly exposing anyone to this possibility. Any potential exposure my hens could ever have would be from migrating birds, and the virus never materialized in our region anyway. I’ll bet the Canadian Geese,ducks,and pigeons that live in parks and on golf courses might have posed more of a risk factor.
Anyway, I enthusiastically encourage anyone who has any interest to try raising a few hens-never just one-that would be cruel-these are sociable flock animals,and intelligent,too. It is very rewarding, just be aware that there are some pitfalls as well.

]]> By: Brett http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28868 Brett Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:54:57 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28868 I WAS disappointed at the off-handed, casual way the mail-order idea was brought up... I live in a small town where the local ordinances won't allow people to have chickens within the city limits. I am fortunate to live close to a rural area with a few organic farms. I have a friend who owns a farm and provides me with organic eggs from true free-range chickens. The eggs have thick shells (better calcium content) and yolks that have a deep yellow color (indicating lots of beta carotene). My friend also has goats, and I get homemade yogurt and great goat cheese. I WAS disappointed at the off-handed, casual way the mail-order idea was brought up…
I live in a small town where the local ordinances won’t allow people to have chickens within the city limits. I am fortunate to live close to a rural area with a few organic farms. I have a friend who owns a farm and provides me with organic eggs from true free-range chickens. The eggs have thick shells (better calcium content) and yolks that have a deep yellow color (indicating lots of beta carotene). My friend also has goats, and I get homemade yogurt and great goat cheese.

]]> By: Miranda Mueller http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28867 Miranda Mueller Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:50:40 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28867 I love my pullets! I've got a Silver Wyandotte, Chantecler, Buff Orpington, and the sweetest chicken of all Soot the Australorp. I bought them all as day old chicks. I was originally concerned about the difficulty of raising chicks, but it couldn't have been easier- and was so nice to snuggle with them on the couch every night. They're not about 3 months old, still quite tame, transitioning from peeps to clucks, and are the best little composters and friends i could think to have. I live in Austin Tx and am NOT alone in my suburban chicken rearing. I love my pullets!
I’ve got a Silver Wyandotte, Chantecler, Buff Orpington, and the sweetest chicken of all Soot the Australorp. I bought them all as day old chicks. I was originally concerned about the difficulty of raising chicks, but it couldn’t have been easier- and was so nice to snuggle with them on the couch every night.
They’re not about 3 months old, still quite tame, transitioning from peeps to clucks, and are the best little composters and friends i could think to have.
I live in Austin Tx and am NOT alone in my suburban chicken rearing.

]]> By: Marcella http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28866 Marcella Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:44:38 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28866 I have had backyard chickens for almost 5 years. I have 2 hens left from my first batch, and those old girls are still laying steadily. I acquired a rooster from our local animal shelter that was in a fighting ring, and he is a great pet, too. He is not mean, and keeps his girls very safe. Since he became part of the flock last year, we haven't lost a single bird to a predator. Our neighbors don't mind him crowing, and said they think it is a very pleasant sound (we also give our neighbors free eggs, so I am sure that helps). Our chickens give us eggs, are a great source of entertainment, make great litter for the compost pile, and I had a record vegetable garden this year as a result. I could not imagine life without my chickens. I have had backyard chickens for almost 5 years. I have 2 hens left from my first batch, and those old girls are still laying steadily.

I acquired a rooster from our local animal shelter that was in a fighting ring, and he is a great pet, too. He is not mean, and keeps his girls very safe. Since he became part of the flock last year, we haven’t lost a single bird to a predator. Our neighbors don’t mind him crowing, and said they think it is a very pleasant sound (we also give our neighbors free eggs, so I am sure that helps).

Our chickens give us eggs, are a great source of entertainment, make great litter for the compost pile, and I had a record vegetable garden this year as a result. I could not imagine life without my chickens.

]]> By: Suz http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28862 Suz Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:21:44 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28862 I have five hens and one rooster. I previously lived in Los Angeles, and until I moved to Tennessee had never even thought of getting chickens. One reason to get them is they are SO MUCH FUN!!! I just laugh out loud when I go to get the mail, and the "flock" is following me. For anybody who does get chicks make sure the flock get to free range. Not only will your eggs be more nutritious, but it is hysterical to see them interact while in the pasture. They are happier, and you will be too. My rooster is not quite a year old... and I have only heard him crow twice. Which is sad... I love the sound of a rooster crowing. (I think the "girls" have him intimidated!!) They become pets so quickly.. each with a different personality. The rooster loves to be picked up and petted. My cat gets along with them, and I have not seen a tick since they have been free ranging. That in itself makes keeping hens a really smart thing to do. Lyme disease is not something I would ever want to get. I have five hens and one rooster. I previously lived in Los Angeles, and until I moved to Tennessee had never even thought of getting chickens. One reason to get them is they are SO MUCH FUN!!! I just laugh out loud when I go to get the mail, and the “flock” is following me. For anybody who does get chicks make sure the flock get to free range. Not only will your eggs be more nutritious, but it is hysterical to see them interact while in the pasture. They are happier, and you will be too. My rooster is not quite a year old… and I have only heard him crow twice. Which is sad… I love the sound of a rooster crowing. (I think the “girls” have him intimidated!!) They become pets so quickly.. each with a different personality. The rooster loves to be picked up and petted. My cat gets along with them, and I have not seen a tick since they have been free ranging. That in itself makes keeping hens a really smart thing to do. Lyme disease is not something I would ever want to get.

]]> By: John Valentine http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-2#comment-28857 John Valentine Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:13:21 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28857 Make that "I sleep much better NOW". Make that “I sleep much better NOW”.

]]> By: John Valentine http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/backyard-chickens/comment-page-1#comment-28856 John Valentine Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:12:40 +0000 http://www.onpointradio.org/?p=15253#comment-28856 I live in an urban neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky. A couple of years ago, a neighbor on the next street began keeping chickens and a rooster. Unlike their cartoon counterparts, real roosters begin crowing before dawn and keep crowing several times a minute for hours. While our city ordinances permit a certain number of poultry, they do not permit unreasonable noise. Since roosters are not necessary for hens to lay eggs, I had the city order the rooster removed from the property due to the noise. I sleep much better not. I live in an urban neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky. A couple of years ago, a neighbor on the next street began keeping chickens and a rooster. Unlike their cartoon counterparts, real roosters begin crowing before dawn and keep crowing several times a minute for hours. While our city ordinances permit a certain number of poultry, they do not permit unreasonable noise. Since roosters are not necessary for hens to lay eggs, I had the city order the rooster removed from the property due to the noise. I sleep much better not.

]]>