Livestock can make a great addition to any urban farm site. Animals do require more care and attention than even the neediest vegetable plant, but if you have the inclination and time, including livestock in your project can be delightful and productive. Most urban livestock are of only a few types: chickens (and other small birds like ducks), miniature goats, and bees! Fortunately, these animals can all create a lot of food and provide years of enjoyment.
Contact us today for rates and scheduling!
Chickens
Ever dream of collecting eggs for breakfast from your own chickens? Many people don’t believe it possible to have this experience in the city, but laying hens’ small space requirements and pleasant dispositions make them a wonderful addition to any backyard. Managing your own chickens is an extremely rewarding experience. You’ll have a source of fresh, nutritious eggs right out your back door; and the satisfaction of knowing that your hens are fed a healthy, well-balanced diet and have plenty of space to roam and eat bugs, weeds, and grass. Chickens make a great pair with a garden, as they love to eat your vegetable scraps and leftover greens. Chicken care is a fun and educational experience for children, and will give them a connection to their food that they’ll never forget.
Chickens don’t require much space for a happy and healthy life. The more space you provide for them, the better; but 3 laying hens can live comfortably (with plenty of room for scratching, exploring, and roosting) in a 3 by 10 foot space. Many people are concerned that a chicken coop will have a strong odor, but a properly managed coop has almost no smell other than that of fresh straw.
If you’re interested in having a chicken coop in your yard, we offer services ranging from planning and design to installations to monthly maintenance. We’re happy to help you learn how to manage and care for your hens, and can provide you with local sources for organic feed and bedding.
SEATTLE CHICKEN REGULATIONS:
Domestic Fowl
- Up to eight domestic fowl may be kept on any lot in addition to the small animals allowed. On lots greater than 10,000 sf. ft. that include either a community garden or an urban farm, one additional fowl is permitted for every 1,000 sf. ft. of lot area over 10,000 sf. ft. in community garden or urban farm use.
- Roosters are not permitted.
- Structures housing domestic fowl must be located at least 10 feet away from any residential structure on an adjacent lot.
Contact us today for rates and scheduling!
Goats
For those ready for a more advanced step into producing their own food, mini-goats add a whole new dimension to your urban farm. Imagine pouring fresh goat’s milk in your coffee every morning, or teaching your children to make cheese with milk from their own goat. Goats have pleasant dispositions, are easy to care for, and can help you clean up those pesky blackberry brambles encroaching on your yard.
If you’re interested in raising goats, you’ll need a pen of at least 400 square feet and a small “mini-barn” for them to bed down in. Goats require regular care and more skill and time to manage than chickens. The time and attention needed to properly care for goats is similar to that needed to care for dogs, so we urge you to consider how they’ll fit into your lifestyle before taking the mini-goat plunge.
We’re here to help you with designing and building your goat pen, teaching you how to care for your goats, and sourcing hay, feed, and supplements. For those who are ready, there’s no more rewarding addition to your urban farm than mini-goats!
SEATTLE GOAT REGULATIONS
- Up to three small animals are allowed (cats, dogs, rabbits, goats, etc.), accessory to each dwelling unit or business establishment.
- On lots of 20,000 sf. ft. or more, up to four small animals are allowed.
- One additional small animal is permitted for each 5,000 sf. ft. of lot area in excess of 20,000 sf. ft.
- In no case is more than one miniature potbelly pig allowed. Miniature potbelly pigs may be no greater than 22 inches in height at the shoulder or more than 150 pounds.
- Goats may be kept if they are Miniature, Dwarf or Pygmy. Goats must be dehorned, and male goats must be neutered.
Contact us today for rates and scheduling!
Bees
Bees are a vital part of our food ecosystem here in Seattle and around the country. Not only do they provide honey (a nutrient rich local sweetener!), they pollinate and improve production in many garden and commercial agricultural crops. Unfortunately, Colony Collapse Disorder and other diseases have threatened and greatly decreased bee populations in recent years. Thus, we need all the new beekeepers we can get! Keeping a hive or two in your yard will provide pollination benefit to your urban farm and urban farms around the city.
SEATTLE BEE REGULATIONS:
Bees are allowed outright when registered with the State Department of Agriculture. No more than four hives, each with only one swarm, are allowed on lots less than 10,000 sf. ft. Hives may not be located within 25 feet of any lot line, except when hives are 8 feet or more above or below the grade immediately adjacent to the lot on which they are located.
We work with Corky Luster from the Ballard Bee Company to bring hives of productive, resilient, and gentle honeybees to your yard. If you’re interested in this important service, or would like more information, please contact us or contact:
email: corky@ballardbeecompany.com
phone: 206.459.4131
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