ORLANDO, Fla. – Since more Florida cities are giving the go-ahead for residents to raise backyard chickens, more Central Florida residents may be interested in what that entails.
In a web seminar for Central Florida residents, James “JK” Yarborough from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) provided practical advice on raising backyard chickens.
Yarborough discussed how suburban homeowners and hobby gardeners in Central Florida can benefit from keeping chickens for fresh eggs and natural pest control.
He began by emphasizing the need to check local ordinances before starting a backyard flock. Many communities have regulations on the number of birds allowed, setbacks from neighboring properties, and restrictions on roosters. Checking with local planning departments can help ensure compliance.
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For example, Orange County and the city of Orlando allow single-family residential zoned homeowners to keep chickens. However, you have to take a UF/IFAS backyard chicken training class first.
For gardeners, Yarborough highlighted that chickens can naturally control pests and their droppings can be composted into fertilizer. He recommended using mobile coops, or “chicken tractors,” to move chickens around the yard, providing fresh foraging areas and protecting grass.
For those looking for an easier setup, Yarborough noted that a simple coop with a roof and a couple of enclosed sides is adequate for Florida’s climate. He advised securing the coop from predators with hardware cloth and buried fencing, and ensuring at least three square feet of space per bird.
Nutrition is key, Yarborough explained, with chickens needing a balanced commercial feed alongside their foraging. He stressed the importance of providing clean water, especially during Central Florida’s hot summers.
Yarborough shared that each hen can produce 200-240 eggs annually. To maintain egg production, adding artificial light can help extend daylight hours during shorter days.
He also discussed choosing the right breeds for specific goals, whether for egg production or companionship. Mixing breeds can add variety to the flock and egg basket.
Overall, Yarborough’s seminar offered valuable guidance for Orange County residents interested in raising backyard chickens. With proper planning and care, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of fresh eggs and a vibrant backyard ecosystem.
Yarborough’s next class is on March 19. You can register for $5.
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