Local Laws
Before deciding to purchase chicks to raise in your backyard, it would be best to keep these ordinances in mind. Poultry raising takes a lot of consideration. It would be heartbreaking if you have already ordered your chicks only to find out that your state has a quantity limit or prohibits roosters in the area.
CityWhat is the maximum number of chickens allowed?Are roosters allowed?Do you need to secure a permit?What are the coop restrictions?Link to ordinanceKansasDepends on size of propertyyesyes-Fences or enclosures are required and must be inspected.
-Control of odor and proper disposal of manureKansas City Ordinance Clay CenterUp to 12 hens (zoning ordinance applies) noyesNoise, sanitation, building, proximity and zoning ordinance appliesClay Center Animal CodeLawrence12 to 20 hens, depends on the plot sizenonoSafe coop is required with a 5 feet setbackLawrence Animal OrdinanceLenexaDepends on your zoningyesnoCoop must not be within 100 meters of adjacent dwellingLenexa City Code and PoliciesManhattanNo limityesnoCoop must be 25 feet away from neighboring residencesManhattan City CodeTopekaNo limityesyesCoop must be 50 feet away from other housesTopeka Municipal CodeWichita12 hensyesnoCoop must not be less than 50 feet away from any adjacent housesWichita Municipal Code
Climate
Extreme weather conditions are a regular occurrence in Kansas. Winters can be bitingly cold, while summers can be scorchingly hot. Choosing breeds that can survive the variability of the state’s climate needs extra care and attention.
Almost any breed can adapt to a wide range of conditions as long as they are provided with the appropriate protection from winter winds and the summer sun. It would also be best to remember that your flock needs the right amount of food in winter and plenty of cool water in the summer.
During summer, temperatures in Kansas can reach as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat can be an issue for chickens, weighty ones like the Cornish-Rock Cross. Some densely feathered breeds such as Cochins, Pekins, and Belgian D’uccles can have a tough time when it’s hot, so you need to provide them with extra care to ensure their survival.
Breeds with large combs are also more prone to frostbite during winter. You could choose to raise cold-hardy birds with relatively smaller combs like the Wyandottes, Ameraucanas, Brahmas, and Rose Island White.
On the other hand, Silkies will have a hard time tolerating both ends of the temperature spectrum. If special housing to meet their needs is not viable, it would be a good idea to skip raising this breed while you’re in Kansas altogether.
Selling for Profit
Some poultry keepers want to raise chickens for personal meat or egg consumption, while others want to sell these poultry by-products. Before you buy chickens intending to make a profit, you need to check with your local ordinance first.
Some areas, like Prairie Village, prohibit keeping chickens for profit. It doesn’t allow commercial chicken operations. As stated in the Kansas animal cruelty law, you can’t also kill chickens on a residential lot.
Free-Range or Not?
Almost all cities in Kansas require that owners keep their chickens inside a coop. Free-range poultry raising is not a viable option for now. So, it would be best to choose chicken breeds that don’t mind being kept in a coop. Penedesencas get stressed and aggressive when kept in an enclosure, so steer clear of this breed.
Before you build the poultry housing, it would help to check with the local governing authorities for regulations. Some cities are strict with the requirements for chicken housing, so plan accordingly.
Summary
Poultry raising may not be as popular in Kansas compared to other midwest states, but it’s not too late to start this worthwhile endeavor. Some excellent local hatcheries and suppliers can serve your needs. However, you can always check other hatcheries from nearby states or order online. The important thing is that you choose a breed that can thrive in extreme climate conditions.
It would also make your operations smooth sailing if you check out and abide by the local ordinances. It can be heartbreaking to let go of your male chicks, for example, after you find out that roosters are not allowed on your property.
