More and more people are raising backyard chickens, but there’s a lot to consider before proceeding. Did you know that most hens can live 6 or more years (sometimes longer)? And although it does not have to take up a lot of space, does your city allow this and what would your neighbors think? Chicago has no ordinances on this, but even still most people prefer to proceed without a rooster — hens still lay eggs without them. Its also helpful to stick to a regular cleaning schedule for the coop, in the summer things can get nasty, though some food grade Diatemaceous Earth will help keep the bugs, and smell at bay.
Check out this link below from Rodales has even more info you’ll need to consider.
Brad Szczecinski