Before you have a flock of chickens running around your backyard and providing you with food, there are some steps that you should take and some things to consider. Below are the things you should know when buying chickens in Arizona.
Check If You Are Allowed To Raise Chickens
The first thing that you have to do on a journey of raising chickens is to see if you are actually allowed to do so.
Depending on the particular city or district, keeping chickens may be prohibited. For example, if you live in Sun City, you should not plan on raising chickens as it is forbidden. Luckily for most people of Arizona, many areas of this state permit keeping chickens, with or without some conditions.
If you plan on having chickens in Phoenix, you are in for good news. Keeping up to 20 chickens is allowed, but without roosters, and at least 80 feet from any residential buildings.
Tucson allows up to 24 birds under a couple of conditions. Their coop should be at least 20 feat away from neighboring residences and you are allowed 2 chicks per 1000 square meters.
If you live in Scottsdale, you don’t have to worry about the maximum number of chickens you can raise. There is no cap as long as you don’t have any roosters and your neighbors are not complaining.
Sedona lets you keep up to four chickens for areas that are up to 20 000 square feet big, and up to six chickens for bigger areas. You are required to obtain a permit. Each of your chickens should have at least four square feet in a coop. A coop should be at least 25 feet away from adjacent buildings. If you live in Sedona, keep in mind that you are not allowed to keep roosters.
If you are a resident of Flagstaff, you are allowed to keep five to 25 chickens on your property, depending on its size. They should be kept in a rear yard and at least 20 feet away from neighboring buildings.
The ordinances change from area to area and you should always make sure to check with the local government about the latest implemented decisions and laws. Not meeting the requirements can lead to serious fines and sometimes even jail time.
Arizona Is Fairly Hot
Arizona is one of the hottest states in the USA. While most chicken breeds are usually well-accustomed to cold weather, not many of them are heat-hardy. This is one of the most important things you should know when buying chickens in Arizona for the first time.
Try to choose chickens that do well in hot weather. Some of the breeds that can be suitable are Rhode Island Reds, Brahmas, Egyptian Fayoumis, Easter Eggers, and Orpingtons.
Their body structure and the number of feathers make them less susceptible to heat-related illnesses and make them great breeds for Arizona farmers. These breeds usually originate from all-year-round hot places so they are built to tolerate heat well.
Even when you buy one of the heat-hardy breeds, you need to make sure that they are comfortable when it gets too hot. They should have fresh, cold water available at all times. Do not feed them too much so they don’t get dehydrated often. If you have an option, set up a misting system in your backyard so they can refresh whenever they need.
Finally, watch out for any of the warning signs that one or more of your chickens are experiencing a heatwave. If you see them panting, or if they seem confused, lethargic, or unwell, place them in a cold place as soon as possible and call your vet.
Maintaining Your Chickens
Once you have decided on a breed and taken your new chickens home, you are supposed to take good care of them. They should always have food and water available – make sure to give them high-quality feed and freshwater.
Allow them to free-range and get some snacks by themselves – this will keep them active and happy. Their coop should be properly ventilated and heated when needed.
Your chickens should also have at least four square feet for themselves – they don’t like to be crowded and they need their space. Finally, spend time with them. This will make them content and you will be able to see any potential signs of a disease or illness so you can react in a timely manner.
Summary
Keeping chickens is a great way to make your yard more lively. They can provide you not only with food, but also with love and joy. The first step to raising them is to check if you are allowed to do that, then you should choose one of the hatcheries in Arizona, and finally, you are ready to take care of them and enjoy all of the benefits these animals provide us with.
