GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – An agriculture official is reminding prospective chick owners that they require long-term commitment as Easter approaches, a holiday when chicks are commonly bought as gifts.
Each spring, interest in raising backyard chickens rises around the Easter holiday. Andy Burlingham, an agriculture and livestock extension agent with NC Cooperative Extension, said raising chickens can be a valuable life lesson for families with children, but preparation is essential.
Burlingham said prospective chicken owners should plan for a secure coop, regular feeding, and protection from predators and potential illnesses. He also warned about the risk of avian influenza.
“We have the avian influenza coming from the wild birds. We have outbreaks in North Carolina every winter,” Burlingham said. “So, thinking about biosecurity and keeping our chickens healthy and safe, not letting them come into contact, particularly with wild waterfowl and wild ducks, is very important because that’s the main carrier.”
Burlingham noted that new owners should also be prepared for the egg-laying timeline and volume that comes with a backyard flock.
“It’s going to be about eight to nine months before they’re going to start laying, but when they start laying, if you have five chickens, you’re looking at a dozen eggs a week or more. You need to be prepared for that additional influx of eggs when they actually do start laying,” he said.
Burlingham stressed that chickens are a multi-year commitment, making them more than a seasonal gift. He also reminded anyone considering a backyard flock to check local ordinances before getting started.
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