Urban Chickens & Turkeys

I wanted to share a bit about our adventure in raising chickens & turkeys in the city of Boise.  I grew up living in the countryside outside of Joliet, Illinois and we always had a bit of Old McDonald’s farm with horses, sheep, goats, the occasional cow, and lots of birds…turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese and even peacocks.  This year I decided if I can’t go to the country I am going to bring it to me…hence my adventures with turkeys and chickens.  They have been really fun to raise and even have some meditative qualities after a stressful day.  It is amazing how watching birds do what birds do relaxes you.

We have 4 hens & 2 turkeys at this moment.  The turkeys are this years holiday meals.  I felt that by raising our own turkeys it really puts the “Thanks” in Thanksgiving.  Our hens are for eggs and should start laying next month.

The chickens are a little mischievous in their ways.  I catch them harassing the tom turkey a lot and getting into places they shouldn’t be – like trying to follow us in the house.  One thing we enjoy giving to the birds is corn on the cob after we have finished eating it.  They go crazy for it!

I let them free range in our backyard during the day.  It is amazing how much grass they eat, we haven’t had to mow our lawn all summer!  They have a coop and enclosed run to go into at night & when they are pestering the turkey to much.  Here is the Tom strutting his stuff – minus a few feathers the chickens have claimed from him.

The chickens make great photographic subjects with their feathers and expressions!

I know people say turkeys are dumb, I find that to be so untrue.  They are very curious in nature and the tom has a regal sense to him.  I thoroughly enjoy having them around with the exception of the mess they make.

If you are interested in raising birds in the city feel free to get in touch with me I would be more than happy to talk to you about my experiences or any questions you may have.

Enjoy the slideshow of our birds!