Pet Barnyard Birds: Chickens, Ducks, and Geese

Photo by Dušan veverkolog. https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-yellow-rooster-on-brown-slab-Fxg394rc6JQ

Before you rescue or adopt any of these birds, you must first check if it’s legal in your city to keep them. Local laws vary widely, and some places may allow chickens and ducks but not geese, or impose specific regulations about the distance your bird enclosures must be from neighboring properties. For instance, some cities may require a chicken coop to be at least 100 feet away from the nearest home, which could be impossible if your yard is small. It's essential to fully understand the local zoning laws, restrictions, and regulations before bringing any pet bird into your home. Failing to comply with these rules could lead to fines or even the confiscation of your birds. It’s always better to ensure you're in full legal compliance before getting your new feathered friend, even if it means working to change local laws first.

In many cities where chickens are allowed, there are often restrictions on keeping roosters. This is primarily due to the loud crowing that roosters make, which can be disruptive to neighbors. If you unknowingly adopt a rooster, you may face the difficult situation of needing to rehome it or, in some cases, even cull it. Neither option is ideal for most pet owners, especially if you are not prepared for this responsibility. Before adopting any chickens, it's crucial to check the laws in your area to ensure you're getting hens instead of roosters, and to understand the potential challenges of raising chickens in a residential setting.

Photo by Michael Romanov. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pekin_bantam_female.JPG

There is a wide variety of chicken, duck, and goose breeds, each with its own unique characteristics. However, just like people, each individual bird within any breed also has its own distinct personality, making them even more interesting to keep as pets.

Bantam chickens, in particular, are a smaller version of standard chicken breeds and can be a great choice for urban living, where space might be limited. Due to their smaller size, they require less room to roam, and their quieter nature makes them more suitable for city environments. Some popular bantam breeds include Barred Rock, Brahma, Easter Eggers, and Leghorns. Despite their size, these bantam chickens still retain the same charming and often feisty personalities as their larger counterparts, making them delightful pets for those looking to keep chickens in smaller spaces.

.

Photo by TIVASEE: https://www.pexels.com/photo/chickens-and-duck-on-eating-on-the-ground-6430988/

Feeding your backyard birds is a straightforward process, but it requires some attention to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Chicken and duck feed, which can be bought at most feed stores, is a staple of their diet. These commercial feeds are specially formulated to provide all the essential nutrients your birds need. It's recommended to feed them once or twice a day, depending on their age and activity level. However, simply providing feed isn't enough—supplementing their diet with fresh vegetables and occasionally fruits is crucial for a balanced and varied nutrition. Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale, as well as fruits like berries, apples (without seeds), and melons, can be great additions.

Geese, on the other hand, are avid grass eaters. They love grazing on fresh grass, and it should make up the bulk of their diet. In addition to grass, geese enjoy grains such as corn, oats, and barley, which provide extra nutrition and variety. Vegetables such as peas, carrots, and leafy greens can also be included in their meals. It's essential to monitor their intake of grains and vegetables to ensure they're getting a good mix without overfeeding.

Providing free outdoor time for all of these birds—chickens, ducks, and geese—is also beneficial. Allowing them to roam around and forage for worms, bugs, and other natural food sources supplements their diet and promotes healthier, more active birds. Free ranging also helps keep their digestive systems active and allows them to express natural behaviors like scratching and pecking.

And, of course, don't forget the most important component: fresh, clean drinking water. All poultry needs access to clean water at all times, especially in warmer weather. Without proper hydration, they can become lethargic, and it can lead to other health issues. Be sure to regularly change the water, especially if they spill or dirty it while foraging.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peabody_ducks_swimming_pool_by_PSavary.jpg

Geese and ducks are water-loving creatures, and they require access to water where they can swim, splash, and fully wet their bodies. A backyard pond is an ideal solution, providing them with ample space to swim and engage in natural behaviors. If you don’t have the space for a pond, a child’s swimming pool can also work well for your birds. Just make sure the pool is deep enough for them to fully submerge and bathe comfortably. Regardless of the type of water source, regular cleaning is necessary to keep it free from debris and bacteria, ensuring the health of your birds.

If you live in a smaller space or prefer to keep your geese and ducks indoors, providing them with a place to swim is still possible. Many pet owners have used their bathtubs as makeshift ponds, allowing their birds to enjoy a little swim time while keeping them indoors.

For indoor living, there are also creative solutions to help keep your home clean while still letting your birds roam freely. You can find specially designed diapers for ducks, geese, and chickens on websites like Etsy. These quirky, functional items can help prevent messes around the house and make it possible to enjoy having waterfowl indoors without worrying about accidents. Not only are these diapers practical, but many of them come in cute designs, making your feathered friends even more charming while they waddle around the house!

However, whether inside or outside, it’s important to ensure that your birds have access to water frequently and are able to express their natural behavior, such as swimming, for their overall well-being.

Photo by Martin Boháč. https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-brown-rooster-perched-on-metal-10475469/

Birds like chickens, ducks, and geese are highly intelligent creatures that thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. Providing them with a variety of enrichment opportunities will keep them entertained and engaged while promoting their natural behaviors.

Perches are a must for all these birds. They love to climb and roost, so make sure their living space includes plenty of places for them to perch at different heights. A simple yet effective option is to place an old Christmas tree in their pen. Not only does this give them something to climb, but it also provides them with a natural hiding place. Adding ramps and platforms helps to mimic the environments they would find in the wild, giving them a sense of freedom and exploration.

Hiding spots are also essential. Birds like to feel secure, so offering them places where they can retreat to when they feel overwhelmed is key. You can use boxes, shrubs, or even logs for this purpose. Additionally, placing crickets or other insects in their pen will create an exciting, interactive hunting experience. It’s fun to watch chickens chase after the crickets, and it helps satisfy their foraging instincts.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with their enrichment. Try a chicken swing, and your birds might have hours of fun rocking back and forth. Alternatively, placing food on a xylophone can lead to an amusing sight, with chickens pecking at the keys—sometimes they may even play it just for fun! The key is to provide a variety of activities that allow your birds to engage in natural behaviors, keeping them both physically and mentally fit.

For ducks and geese, a pond is essential. They love to swim and dive, and having access to water encourages exercise and good hygiene. You can enhance their swimming experience by placing bright, enticing objects at the bottom of the pond. This encourages them to dive down and explore, making their water time even more fun and stimulating.

To add an extra layer of entertainment, consider adding moving visual stimuli. A mirrorball, pinwheel, or even a TV set to nature documentaries can captivate their attention. These types of visuals simulate movement and activity, keeping their curiosity piqued. Birds are naturally drawn to motion, and these moving objects provide extra mental stimulation.

However, while enrichment is important, it’s crucial not to overdo the food-related activities. While it’s fun to scatter treats or make feeding time interactive, be mindful of your birds’ health. Overfeeding, especially with high-calorie treats, can lead to obesity. Obesity can make it difficult for birds to move around, and it can cause various health problems. Keeping a balanced approach to food and enrichment will ensure your birds stay happy, healthy, and active.

By offering a diverse array of activities and carefully considering their health, you’ll ensure that your backyard birds enjoy a fulfilling, well-rounded life.