Baby chick at Nicole Sauce's farm in spring 2008.
With the first day of spring come fluffy baby chicks to co-ops around the region. Chickens provide excellent nourishment both for the soil and for families.
Many cities and towns allow residents to keep several chickens but no roosters. Before raising livestock, it is important to look into the rules and regulations in your area.
Nashville code allows chickens so long as they do not disturb the peace or run free. However, certain neighborhoods may have tighter restrictions. Be sure to thoroughly research the regulations before setting up an in-city coop.
Baby chicks are easy to raise and care for. They simply need to be kept warm, have access to food, water and exercise, and to be kept clean and healthy. At peak egg production, many breeds give an egg a day. Keeping only two chickens in the back yard can provide 14 eggs per week.
Getting started is easy and this video by Self Sufficient Life provides an excellent introduction to the process:
So, where can you get chicks in Nashville? Here are a few options:
- Online community: Craigslist farm and garden section has both licensed and non-licensed suppliers.
- Mail order hatchery: For shipments of 25 chicks or more, the baby birds can be obtained from hatcheries like McMurray Hatchery or Central Hatchery.
- Co-op/ farm supply:
- Davidson Farmers Co-op will have them after April 1st.
- Tractor Supply has chicks now.
Before you buy
Many local stores run out of chicken feed and supplies. Before buying that cute chick, make sure you have a brooder at home that is heated up, and that you have enough food and equipment to care for the animal(s) for several weeks.
Additional reading
Email Nicole Sauce at examinersauce@gmail.com.
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