I have located them as far back on the property so as not to disturb the neighbors and share eggs when I have an abundance. I have never been bothered by any smell. It is necessary to clean your coop out but if you do it often enough you should have no problems. I clean mine once a month.

Also make sure that you’re prepared to deal with the “unpleasantness” of farming, especially the killing part. I’ve been called in to help a neighbor who couldn’t take care of this herself, but it is an essential part of raising chickens. Even if meat isn’t your goal, it’s still a necessary evil.

Good luck!

On Chickens:
I’ve done more research, and all of your comments have helped, thank you. So happy some laughed, mused, or held your noses over backyard chickens. If you live somewhere in Canuck land, then the Chicken Farmers of Canada state the rules for private chickens. Basically, you can keep a few clucks.

On Smells:
Yes. Lots of chickens wreak. I’m thinking just a few though, like 3-4 birds. Keeping a small coop away from the house is not a stinky situation, me thinks, hopes.

On food for clucks:
I live in the middle of a forest. I compost almost everything. The wildlife attack my compost. I’m thinking the chickens can eat my compostables (new word). Kinda solves a lot of problems with what to do with the odd produce and stuff. Plus I get eggs. I’ll take eggs over dirt most days of the week.

Next Steps:
My better half and I are drafting some simple coop designs. I’ll keep ya posted.

Feel free to continue this clucky conversation.

Have to check your city ordinances.

You should be ok on a farm tho.

Thanks for the link.

Mike

I think when we move next we are going to move just far enough out of the city so that we can have some chickens and not disturb our neighbors.