Backyard Chicken Coops [1]
Backyard agriculture, specifically backyard chicken coops, have been growing in popularity.
Maybe you’ve thought about starting a backyard chicken coop yourself, or maybe you’re now just learning about it. Backyard chicken coops offer a number of benefits - knowing where your food is coming from, a supply of nutritious eggs, self-sufficiency, and of course, chickens are lovable little animals.
Keeping chickens is both rewarding and fun, but there is also a responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of these animals. There are a number of preparations and requirements that should be considered before investing in a backyard chicken coop. There are also some risks you need to keep in mind to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, to avoid owner inexperience errors that may lead to poor animal welfare.
Our friends at Alberta Farm Animal Care have put together a video series outlining everything you need to know; how to prepare, day-to-day care, how to tell if your hens are healthy, biosecurity, and more. Follow the link below to view the whole series.
Also, consult the guide for small flock owners from the Government of Alberta for a comprehensive guide.
If you are thinking about starting your own backyard chicken coop, your veterinarian is a great resource for information, and can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
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