Introduction of Birds on the Homestead

Chickens Purpose: Fresh eggs, fertilizer for the garden, meat, breeding, tick and insect controlCons: Roosters are loud, roosters have spurs, health concerns, dust from scratching, they scratch up grass and gardens, can fly over fences unless wings are clipped, frostbite in cold climatesHousing Requirements: 2-3 square feet per bird, roosting bards, predator-proof coop and run, nesting boxes, access to food and waterDucks Purpose: Fresh eggs, meat, cold climate hardy, slug and snail control, ...