In the pursuit of self-sufficiency, many suburban homesteaders are turning to raising animals as a sustainable food source. When it comes to raising backyard poultry, not only do these feathered friends provide a natural and organic source of food, but they also offer a range of other benefits.
If you’re considering raising backyard poultry on your suburban homestead, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a variety of options to choose from.
Let’s explore seven types of backyard poultry and their unique advantages!
1. Chickens
Chickens are perhaps the most popular choice for backyard poultry, and for good reason. Not only do they provide a steady supply of eggs, but they can also be raised for meat.
With proper care, raising backyard chickens is relatively low-maintenance, requiring a coop for shelter and a secure outdoor area for foraging. They are generally easy to raise, making them an ideal choice for beginners in poultry keeping.
Chickens Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dual-purpose: Eggs and meat.
- Regular egg production.
- Sociable and low-noise.
- Easy to raise with moderate care.
Cons:
- Require some space.
- May attract predators.
- Coop cleaning needed.
- Can be prone to diseases.
Related Article: Best Backyard Chicken Breeds for Suburban Homesteading
2. Ducks
Raising ducks offers several advantages over chickens. Ducks are excellent foragers and can help naturally control pests in your yard, including slugs and snails. While they may not lay eggs as frequently as chickens, duck eggs are prized for their rich flavor and larger size.
Ducks do require access to water for bathing and foraging, but they can adapt well to a variety of environments.
Ducks Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Flavorful meat and eggs.
- Cold-hardy and good foragers.
- Less coop cleaning needed.
- Relatively quiet.
Cons:
- Need access to water.
- Can be messy.
- Some breeds are flighty.
- May require protection from predators.
3. Geese
Known for their strong maternal instincts, geese can be excellent guardians for other poultry on your homestead. While they are primarily raised for meat, some breeds also produce eggs, though not as prolifically as chickens or ducks.
Geese require ample space to roam and graze, as well as access to water for bathing and drinking.
Geese Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent foragers.
- Good guardians.
- Cold-hardy.
- Minimal shelter needs.
Cons:
- Limited egg production.
- Loud honking.
- Aggressive towards strangers.
- Larger space requirements.
4. Turkeys
Raising turkeys can be a rewarding endeavor, particularly around the holiday season when demand for fresh, homegrown birds is high. Turkeys are primarily raised for meat, though some heritage breeds also lay eggs.
They require more space than chickens and ducks, along with specialized care to prevent health issues such as leg problems and respiratory ailments.
Turkeys Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Abundant meat.
- Large eggs.
- Good foragers.
- Beautiful plumage.
Cons:
- Limited egg production.
- Require larger space.
- Vulnerable to diseases.
- Can be aggressive.
Related Article: How to Make a Thanksgiving Turkey: Easy Turkey Recipe
5. Quail
Quail are a smaller alternative to traditional poultry, making them well-suited for small-scale homesteading. They are prolific layers, producing small eggs prized for their delicate flavor.
Requiring minimal space, quail can be housed in relatively simple enclosures, making them a convenient option for urban and suburban homesteaders.
Quail Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Prolific egg layers.
- Small and efficient.
- Rapid maturity.
- Minimal space requirements.
Cons:
- Fragile eggs.
- Flighty nature.
- Specialized diet needs.
- Vulnerable to stress.
6. Pheasants
While less common than other types of poultry, pheasants offer unique benefits to homesteaders. They are primarily raised for their flavorful meat and striking plumage.
Pheasants require more space and specialized care compared to chickens and ducks, making them better suited for larger properties with ample room to roam.
Pheasants Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Flavorful meat.
- Ornamental beauty.
- Hardy and adaptable.
- Thrive in large outdoor spaces.
Cons:
- Limited egg production.
- Flighty and easily stressed.
- Require spacious outdoor areas.
- Vulnerable to predators.
7. Guinea Fowl
Guinea fowl are valued for their excellent foraging abilities and pest control prowess. They are also known for their distinctive calls, which can serve as a natural alarm system against predators.
While guinea fowl are not prolific layers, their eggs are considered a delicacy and fetch a premium price. They require minimal shelter and can adapt well to a variety of climates.
Guinea Fowl Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent foragers.
- Effective alarm system.
- Hardy and low-maintenance.
- Unique flavored eggs.
Cons:
- Loud and noisy.
- Can be aggressive.
- Flighty and may roam.
- Limited egg production compared to chickens.
Benefits of Raising Backyard Poultry
Raising backyard poultry is popular for a reason. This practice offers a multitude of benefits for suburban homesteaders, and here are just a few!
Consistent Food Source
Backyard poultry can provide a reliable source of fresh eggs and meat, leading to cost savings and better food security.
Pest Control
Many types of poultry, such as ducks and guinea fowl, are natural predators of insects and pests, helping to keep your yard and garden free from unwanted visitors.
Fertilizer & Compost
Poultry manure is an excellent source of nitrogen-rich natural and organic fertilizer, perfect for nourishing your garden and improving soil fertility. Additionally, poultry bedding and kitchen scraps can be composted to create nutrient-rich compost for your plants.
Repurpose Your Kitchen Waste
Feeding kitchen scraps to your backyard poultry not only allows you to recycle your food waste but also provides them with nutritious treats and supplements their diet.
Related Article: Feed Your Flock the Right Way: How to Make Homemade Chicken Feed
Self-Sufficiency
By raising your own poultry, you can take control of your food production and reduce your dependence on store-bought goods, leading to greater self-sufficiency and resilience.
Can You Raise Different Types of Backyard Poultry Together?
While it is possible to raise different types of backyard poultry together, careful consideration must be given to their individual needs and behaviors. Some species, such as ducks and geese, may cohabitate well with chickens, while others, like quail and pheasants, may require separate housing to prevent aggression or competition for resources.
Related Article: Ducks vs Chickens: How to Decide Which to Raise
Make Your Backyard Poultry Dreams Come True!
Raising backyard poultry on your suburban homestead can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Whether you choose a popular type of bird like chickens or a more unique type like pheasants, each type of poultry offers its own unique benefits and challenges.
By selecting the right species for your environment and lifestyle, you can enjoy a sustainable source of food, contribute to pest control and soil health, and enhance your overall self-sufficiency.