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Warwick Chickens

2. Chickens will bring in Avian bird flu.

Avian flu comes from wild birds which is another reason to keep your backyard chickens fully enclosed from predators. Transmission to humans is extremely rare and human-to-human transmission has never been reported.

Here are some additional prevention tips:

Monitor your flock: Regularly check your chickens for signs of illness and report any suspected cases to your veterinarian.

Keep your coop clean: Disinfect and sanitize your coop, feeders, and nesting boxes regularly.

Prevent contact with wild birds: Cover your coop to keep wild birds out.

FDA recently approved a livestock vaccine for avian flu. Consult with your veterinarian about vaccination options.

3. Do I need a rooster for my chickens to lay eggs?

No, you don’t need a rooster for your chickens to lay eggs.

4.  What do I do if I end up with a rooster?

Well, the good news is that roosters don’t start practicing their crow until 8-9 weeks of age. By this time, you will know if you have a rogue rooster.

Join the Warwick NY Backyard Chickens group on Facebook. There are plenty of people that will take the rooster off your hands.

5. My neighbor’s chickens will end up in my yard.

Free range chickens are at risk of being preyed upon by hawks, foxes, or other predators. Chickens should always be kept in a fully enclosed, predator-proof area to prevent escape.

6. Do Chickens Smell Bad?

‘The misconception that chickens smell bad often comes from situations where the coop is not cleaned regularly. This is similar to other pets—if a dog kennel or a cat box isn’t cleaned, it will start to smell. The key is proper care and maintenance.

There are a few techniques that help prevent a coop from smelling bad. The practice of a “chicken tractor” and “deep litter method” can be researched to help prevent the odor of manure.

7. Chicken flocks produce a lot of poop and waste.

Chickens produce very little solid waste, and what they do produce can be composted into great fertilizer. For comparison, an average dog produces around a pound of waste per day, while a flock of four hens generates less than half of that—about 1.5 ounces per hen. Four chickens produce less waste than a medium house cat. Composting chicken manure is also beneficial for gardens, which is why gardeners often keep chickens. Unlike dog or cat waste, animal manure from plant-eating animals like chickens is more nutritious for plants.

8. Laying hens are loud!

A flock of laying hens is actually quite quiet, much quieter than dogs. Hens cluck when they lay an egg “hello, your egg is ready”, which can happen once a day or much less, depending on the breed, age, and season.

There are certain breeds of chickens that are well suited for backyard chickens. These breeds include, Buff Orpingtons, Australorps, Wyandottes, and Delaware. These breeds are known for their gentle temperaments, strong health, and reliable egg production, even in colder climates.

9. Chickens will attract wild animals to my neighborhood!

We live in a rural area where these predators already have habitats. That’s why it is important to keep our chickens properly enclosed and keep everything clean and tidy. Raising chickens doesn’t attract rodents or pests any more than having a pet cat or dog. Predators may be attracted to spilled or unsecured chicken feed, just as they would be to spilled cat or dog food, bird seed, or unsecured food waste.

In fact, chickens can help reduce pests such as ticks, mosquitoes, and grasshoppers. Some breeds even catch and eat small rodents, like mice, moles, and more. While chickens are more vulnerable to small predators than dogs, even small pets like dogs and cats can fall prey to wild animals. This isn’t a reason to believe that chickens will attract predators to the neighborhood.

10. My neighbors will be upset

Rather than causing division, chickens often spark conversations, especially with unique breeds. Today’s small chicken coops are designed to be attractive, adding charm to the yard. Remember, neighbors who keep chickens care about their property values and community just as much as anyone else. Many chicken owners are also involved in other hobbies, like gardening and growing fruit, which can enhance the neighborhood. A community where neighbors share fresh eggs, produce, and kindness is the kind of environment that fosters friendship and a sense of belonging.

11. What if I do not want chickens but I want to allow my fellow citizens to exercise their freedoms?

You can show your support by signing the petition, putting up a yard sign, and show up at the Warwick Village board meetings.