Local Chicken Farmers: Portland's Best Kept Secret

Portland has seen a rise in the popularity of keeping backyard chickens, with residents connecting with their food sources and embracing sustainable living practices. The city allows residents to keep up to four chickens, ducks, pigeons, or similar-sized fowl, and those with larger lots can keep up to six. Chicken owners must adhere to local regulations, ensuring proper housing, waste management, and pest control to maintain neighborhood harmony. For those interested in connecting with small chicken farmers in Portland, local resources include farmer's markets, feed stores, and online platforms, offering opportunities to purchase chicken products and connect with the farming community.

Local chicken farmers' markets

Portland is home to several farmers' markets, many of which feature local chicken vendors. The city's six quadrants each host their own markets, so there is sure to be one close by, no matter where you are in the city.

One popular market is the Shemanski Park Farmers Market, located behind the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. It runs on Wednesdays from May through Thanksgiving and features over 30 stalls offering organic produce and sweet treats.

The Hollywood Farmers Market is another bustling hub, hosting 50+ vendors every Saturday year-round. The Kenton, St. Johns, and Hillsdale Farmers Markets are also sure to delight with their live music, local goods, and seasonal produce.

For those looking for a more international experience, the Lents International Farmers Market is Portland's only international market. It features fresh produce, international foods, musical entertainment, chef demonstrations, and kids' activities.

If you're specifically interested in pasture-raised chicken, Marion Acres and Helvetia Farm Market is a family-run farm and store offering these, along with grass-fed artisan meats, fresh local veggies and fruits, and locally made food products. Sherwood Pastured Meat is another small family farm offering free-range, grass-fed chicken, nestled in the heart of Oregon's wine country.

For those unable to make it to the markets, there is also an online farmers' market for Aurora, Canby, Wilsonville, and the surrounding areas. You can purchase local products online and then pick them up at your chosen location.

Regulations for keeping chickens in Portland

Portland has seen a rise in the popularity of keeping backyard chickens, with residents taking advantage of the opportunity to connect with their food sources and educate their families. The city has established regulations to balance this trend with the maintenance of neighbourhood harmony.

In Portland, Oregon, residents are allowed to keep up to four chickens, ducks, pigeons, or other similarly-sized fowl on any residential lot without the need for a special permit. For larger lots measuring 10,000 square feet or more, up to six chickens can be kept. Additionally, up to four small domestic fowl under 12 weeks of age are permitted, regardless of lot size. These regulations apply to both the city of Portland and Oregon state, and compliance with both is necessary.

While permits may not be required, there are specific regulations that must be followed for keeping chickens in Portland. Chickens must be kept in a secure coop at night and have access to a fenced outdoor area during the day. This enclosure must be a minimum of five feet high, with secure sides and a secure top and bottom attached to the sides, or with sides embedded in the ground by at least one foot. The ground cover of the enclosure should be absorbent and replaced regularly to prevent odour and pest breeding. Straw or wood shavings (except for cedar) are recommended, and bare dirt should never be used.

To prevent disturbances to neighbours, effective noise and odour management are crucial. Roosters are typically prohibited in urban settings due to their loud crowing, unless the property is zoned for agriculture. It is also essential to implement pest control measures to keep rodents and insects away from the coop. Rats can enter through small spaces and may carry Salmonella, so covering any holes larger than a quarter of an inch is important. Additionally, regularly cleaning and refreshing water sources can help prevent pests.

Finally, it is important to regularly check chickens for signs of illness and isolate sick chickens immediately to prevent the spread of disease. Purchasing feed from reputable stores and ensuring it is stored in sealed containers can reduce the chances of feed-related illnesses.

Chicken coop requirements

Chicken coops are a great way to have your own source of protein right from your backyard. Before setting up a chicken coop, it is important to check the laws in your city. In Portland, for instance, you are allowed to have up to four chickens on any lot, with up to six small domestic fowl on lots that are 10,000 square feet or larger. Additionally, lots that are 20,000 square feet or bigger with agricultural uses have no maximum number restriction.

Now, let's dive into the requirements for a chicken coop:

Space and Configuration

Each chicken should have at least two square feet of indoor space and ten square feet of outdoor run space. This space should be well-ventilated but not drafty, as drafts can affect the chickens' health. Cracks and small openings should be closed to prevent snakes, mice, and other rodents from entering.

Ground Cover

The ground cover should be absorbent and replaced regularly to prevent odour and the breeding of vectors like rats. Straw or wood shavings (except cedar) are recommended. Bare dirt should never be used as it can lead to unsanitary conditions.

Enclosure

The chicken coop must be enclosed securely to prevent chickens from roaming off the owner's property. The structure should have secure sides and be at least five feet high. Depending on the design, it may require a secure top and bottom attached to the sides, or the sides should be embedded in the ground by at least one foot.

Feeding and Watering

Chickens should have access to clean water at all times. Feeding and watering practices should not attract vectors like rats. Food should be available for no more than 30 minutes at a time, and excess food should be removed. Feed should be stored in sealed containers that are not penetrable by rodents or other animals.

Lighting

Chickens' reproductive cycles are regulated by natural light, so adequate lighting is crucial. Windows are the best way to provide natural light, and artificial soft yellow light can be used during winter months with fewer daylight hours. However, continuous light is not recommended, as it can affect egg production.

Roosts and Nesting Boxes

Chickens sleep best off the ground, so providing roosts inside the coop is important. Roosts should be installed higher than the nesting boxes, as chickens seek the highest perch for sleeping. Nesting boxes provide a quiet place for hens to lay eggs and should be kept dark and lower than the roosting bar to prevent soiling.

Bedding

Chickens prefer to nest and lay eggs in soft bedding. Bedding options include straw, wood shavings, shredded newspaper, chopped cardboard, sand, and grass clippings. However, some chicken owners have found straw to be challenging due to its tendency to hold moisture and create dirty conditions.

Where to buy chicks

If you're looking to buy chicks in Portland, there are several options available to you. Firstly, you can check out feed stores in the area, such as Foster Feed and Garden Store, Old Farmhouse, or Aloha Feed and Garden Store. Farm stores like Wilco Farm Stores and Coastal are also an option, and they often have resources to help you choose the right breed for your needs.

Another option is to contact local breeders to inquire about purchasing chicks. This can be a great way to find specific breeds and support local businesses. You can also try Burns Feed Store, which offers a variety of chicks, but they recommend calling ahead to confirm availability and reserve your chicks, as it can be challenging to find walk-in availability during busy seasons.

Additionally, some hatcheries, like Cackle Hatchery, allow you to reserve chicks ahead of time and ship them directly to your local post office. This can be a convenient option if you're looking for a specific breed or live in an area with limited local options.

It's important to note that before purchasing chicks, you should research and consider the responsibilities and requirements of raising chickens. This includes understanding the local laws and regulations regarding the number of chickens you can own and the necessary permits, if any. Additionally, you'll need to prepare a suitable enclosure and be mindful of feeding and watering practices to prevent attracting pests.

Benefits of raising chickens

If you're interested in connecting with small chicken farmers in Portland, it may be worth looking into local breeders and feed stores, such as Foster Feed and Garden Store, Old Farmhouse, and Aloha Feed and Garden Store. Wilco Farm Stores and Coastal are also farm stores in the area. These stores can provide resources and information to help you successfully raise chickens.

Raising chickens has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of raising chickens:

Fresh, Nutritious Eggs

One of the most well-known benefits of raising chickens is having access to fresh, nutritious eggs. Eggs from backyard chickens can be fresher and contain higher levels of certain nutrients compared to store-bought eggs. They are also free from the antibiotics and hormones often found in commercially produced eggs. Studies suggest that these eggs may have better nutritional profiles, including higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and beta carotene.

Sustainable and Cost-Effective

Raising chickens can contribute to sustainable living. Chickens can be fed kitchen scraps, vegetable waste, and garden produce, reducing food waste. They also produce manure that can be used as fertilizer for your garden, improving soil quality and increasing plant growth. Additionally, raising chickens for eggs and meat can be cost-effective, as the cost of feed is reduced, and there are potential savings on groceries.

Pest Control and Waste Reduction

Chickens are excellent pest controllers and can help keep your garden and home pest-free. They also contribute to waste reduction by consuming kitchen scraps that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Companionship and Entertainment

Chickens are social animals and can make great companion pets. They are entertaining to watch and interact with, providing hours of amusement and stress relief. Many people enjoy the relaxation and connection to nature that spending time with their chickens brings.

Educational Opportunities

Raising chickens can be an educational experience for both children and adults, fostering a sense of community and providing an opportunity to learn about sustainable living and animal care.

It is important to note that while raising chickens has many benefits, it also requires commitment and research. Ensuring that you comply with local laws and regulations regarding chicken ownership is essential.

Frequently asked questions