Pros/Cons of Chickens in Portland

 

Do you live in Portland? Have you thought about getting chickens? Do you have some extra space in your backyard and like to eat eggs? If you’re like me, then all of these apply and this blog post is for YOU! Let’s learn about chickens together, shall we?

Hi. My name is Erin, and I grew up on the Southern Oregon Coast. My family had land and over time, we had what some might refer to as a farm. At one point, we had dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, chickens, and horses! I think my parents were fond of the “we’ll-get-them-animals-so-they’ll-learn-how-to-do-chores” way of teaching responsibility. And I think I kind of miss that way of life. Or maybe I just miss the country…

Now living in Portland, I think fondly about the time when we had chickens. My tiny quarter-acre lot East of 82nd is a far cry from a farm but it sure is fun to cultivate. So should I get chickens again? I reached out to a few friends and clients to find out what they thought about owning chickens in the city.

PROs

  • Fertilizer! Chicken poop is a great composting tool AND fertilizer for your garden
  • They’re fun to have around, everyone I talked to sang their chickens praises in terms of personality & character
  • Delicious eggs – better than anything you can get at the store
  • Hallmark of sustainable living: fertilizer, eggs, and they’ll eat your scraps!
  • Great icebreaker for meeting neighbors: do you want some eggs?
  • Children love chickens!!
  • Baby chicks, ‘nough said 

CONs

  • Daily egg collecting – it needs to happen
  • Coop needs to be cleaned
  • Beware of pests & predators: raccoons, rats, coyotes, skunks, hawks, eagles, etc.
  • Require pet sitting if you’re out of town longer than a weekend
  • Chickens can be messy: poop and their dinosaur-like talons will really tear sh*t up if you let them out

BASIC MAINTENANCE

  • They need a secure coop to prevent pest/predator access, preferably with a perch and nesting box
  • Fresh water
  • Fed daily
  • Coop cleaning
  • Regular egg collection or risk them pecking at and potentially destroying their own eggs

So this all sounds doable IF I choose to get them. I was actually most worried about the noises they might make (I like my quiet time) and whether or not neighbors would complain. But no one mentioned neighbor complaints and most said their noises were cute or funny. One client actually got quite animated when telling me about the squawking that occurs after they’ve laid an egg, “they like to brag about it! Chickens can be quite boastful!” She said noises are most likely to occur when the chickens are unhappy, sending out a warning cry, or after they’ve laid an egg. Ok, I think I can deal with that.

Last but not least, since I live in a city and a city has rules, what does Portland want residents to know about having chickens?

  • You can have up to 4 on any sized lot,
  • You can have up to 6 on 10k sqft lot or greater
  • No permits required as long as you abide by their rules
  • Secure enclosure means a minimum of 5’ high

Some local resources to help you get started:

Raising Chickens in Portland” with Portland Pet Store

Chickens, Birds & Bees” with LivingScape

If you or someone you know is looking for a property in Portland that already has a coop OR you want to share your OWN experience with chickens, please get in touch. And stay tuned to see if I make the leap! *Cluck cluck*

{Photo from MLS# 23504472, Listed with Sharon Bloudek at Living Room Realty}

Just Listed – CULLY CAPE COD CUTIE

IMPORTANT NOTICE

We care about the health of our community.

Keeping agents and clients safe is our top priority. We will be offering a hand washing station in this listing and ask that only one party is in the home at a time. We have left the house in a way that you should be able to minimize the need to touch or open anything during your viewing. Please take care and use your best judgment.

Thank you!

NOW TO WHAT YOU’RE HERE FOR…

 

CULLY CAPE COD CUTIE  $349,000

5133 NE 73rd Ave
Step into this story book cape cod with stylish updates. Tucked away on a quiet street on the east end of Cully. Come find a great home at the right price. Extra space abound with a fourth non-conforming bonus room, converted garage for extra living space, large mud/laundry room all on a wonderful large lot . Back yard provides all the garden options: raised beds, storage shed, edibles /native plantings and chicken coop! Steps to the new Tom Cully Park, Sacajawea Park with off leash dog area and running path, Kʰunamokwst Park and Gartners Meats. Close to restaurants on Cully Blvd and 42nd ave. Showings for Pre-Qualified buyers only. 
3 bed | 1 bath | 1451 sq. ft.
MLS# 20434144 | Taxes: $2991 | Lot Size: .17 Acre

Hip Tranquil Vibe

3903 SE Lambert Street

PORTLAND, OREGON 97202


OFFERED AT $319,000

2 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 1,011 SQFT
MLS #
19148686| TAXES:$2,647.14

This 1940’s rancho is tucked away on a large, enchanting corner lot in Powellhurst-Gilbert.  The house looks out on lumbering fir trees, with a covered patio and chicken coop in the back for summer enjoyment.  Thoughtfully updated with new tile in the bathroom, refinished wood floors in the living room and bonus space, and new stainless steel appliances in the updated kitchen with eat-in nook.  The home offers a new roof (2019), furnace, and AC (2014). Includes a big detached garage with workbench that would make a perfect studio. The hip, tranquil vibe provides plenty of opportunities for the first time home buyer to enjoy and make their own.

Love Every Day

Start 2019 off right in a home that you love. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to think about love at a whole other level. Living in the beautiful and energy efficient Net Zero home could bring you love every day of the year. With an open plan that let’s in plenty of light and a master on the main, this could be your dream home. You’ll also love the courtyard and patio that is great for entertaining, too.
Step inside the Net Zero home

Pringle Creek Community is also an extension of the Net Zero home, and a great way to feel connected with nature and neighbors. Your dream home extends into the orchards, the green houses, and the babbling creek. It doesn’t stop there, there’s also Painters Hall, the community center and events space. This is a resident amenity, where you could join in on the fun of finding your inner peace with yoga or perhaps finding kinship at the book club, where books are optional and the conversation is lively.

Relax in an comfortable open plan and take in the sunshine.

Wander into the historic Lord and Burnham greenhouses and say, “Hello,” to expert Urban Farmer, Colleen Owen. The community has a 25 share CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) that you could join, and a farm stand to boot. You might find yourself at Cluckingham Palace. Yes, just like the name, it’s a chicken coop filled with chickens that are held to the highest regard being fed organic produce to make the farm fresh eggs even yummier and nutritious.

The Net Zero home is a home to fall in love with, and it’s in a place to live a happy and healthy life. Curious about what the Net Zero home looks like? Experience it for yourself. There’s an open house happening this Saturday, February 2, from 11:00 – 2:00pm. See what living sustainably looks like.

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, February 2, 11:00am – 2:00pm