Want to own a pet chicken?

By Jesse Granger

Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 | 2 a.m.

Step aside, cats and dogs. Chickens could be moving into a backyard near you.

City dwellers across the country, including in the Las Vegas Valley, increasingly are channeling their inner farmers and choosing feathered friends over traditional pets.

And although Southern Nevada’s weather isn’t ideally suited for raising chickens, it isn’t impossible. There even are Mediterranean breeds that thrive in hot climates.

Some people enjoy the birds as companions, while others take pride in harvesting freshly laid eggs in their backyards.

Raising chickens in the city, however, isn’t without challenges, and knowing the hoops to jump through before making the leap into poultry ownership is important.

Why do people own chickens?

• For eggs: Some chickens, such as production red hens, can lay as many as 280 eggs per year. That’s a lot of omelets. The best breeds for eggs are Rhode Island Red, Leghorn, Bluff Orpington, Black Star and Ameraucana.

• For meat: Chicken is the most consumed meat in the United States. The average American eats almost 60 pounds a year, according to the Earth Policy Institute. Backyard farming enables owners to raise chickens naturally and organically. The best breeds for meat are Cornish Cross, Jersey Giant, Delaware, Dorking and Buckeye.

• For pets: Chickens are energetic, inquisitive and friendly. But the decision to keep them should not be made lightly, as chickens require dedicated, consistent care. The best breeds for pets are White Bantam Brahma, Partirdge Silkie, Golden-laced Polish and Barred Plymouth Rock.

What are the laws regarding chickens?

• If you live in Las Vegas ...

On Oct. 21, 2009, Las Vegas enacted a municipal code specifying rules for owning poultry. The law requires that chickens must be kept confined at all times within an outbuilding, a coop or an enclosed runway that is clean and free of odors, animal waste, rodents and flies. Chickens cannot be kept in a house, basement or cellar.

Also, hens are permitted with neighbors’ consent; roosters are prohibited if there is another residence within 350 feet.

• If you live in another municipality ...

Henderson’s codes are virtually identical to Las Vegas’.

The rules in North Las Vegas vary slightly. There, chickens can be kept without written consent as long as they aren’t within 60 feet of another residence. Roosters are prohibited.

Note: Even if all municipal rules are followed, most homeowners associations prohibit poultry as pets.

Should I get a rooster?

Roosters are outlawed in most urban areas. While many people are familiar with the birds’ morning crow, they tend to be vocal all day. Experts strongly discourage people from owning roosters, especially if the owners are new to raising chickens.

Roosters aren’t needed for hens to lay eggs. However, to hatch baby chicks, a rooster must fertilize the eggs.

How many chickens should I take on?

Chickens are flock animals, so while keeping a single chicken is possible, it’s not ideal. The birds thrive on social interaction, so owning two or three is much healthier for them.

For those raising chickens for egg production, experts recommend two hens per family member to produce a sufficient amount of eggs.

Where should I get my chickens?

The easiest way to acquire chickens in Las Vegas is to adopt one from Barn Buddies Rescue, 7222 W. Grand Teton Drive, Las Vegas. The nonprofit has helped house displaced farm animals since 1961 and offers a number of poultry for adoption.

An alternative route is to order baby chicks online for delivery to your home. A popular site is eFowl.com, based in Denver. The site sells chickens for as little as $2.41 each but requires a minimum order of 10 hatchlings. Most orders ship in one to three weeks.

Chicken care essentials

Chickens need care that goes beyond food and water.

• Shelter: Chickens must have shelter to protect them from predators and temperature extremes. In Southern Nevada, they also need shade to shield them from the scorching summer sun. Shelters should be insulated and well ventilated, with straw bedding for comfort.

• Nesting space. Hens need a nestbox in which to lay their eggs. They also enjoy dustbathing in loose dirt, sand or peat, and pecking, scratching and foraging in grass.

Chicken coops and pens can range in price from $20 to $2,600. Many reasonably sized coops are available for less than $500.

To hatch chickens, an incubator is necessary. Mini incubators that fit five eggs are sold for about $100, but cabinet incubators can cost upward of $2,000.

• Daily attention. Backyard chickens become entirely dependent on their human owners, both for care and companionship. Be sure to spend time daily watching and interacting with them.

Chicken feed can be bought in 50-pound bags. Feeding five to 10 chickens typically costs $20 to $25 a month.

Like other pets, chickens can require veterinary care if they become ill or injured. Exams can cost upward of $100.