Urban Chicken Farming Shortened Definitions

Definitions

Coop – A chicken coop or hen house is a building where female chickens are kept. Inside there are often nest boxes for egg laying and perches on which the birds can sleep, although coops for meat birds seldom have either of these features.

Feed – Chicken feed is the primary source of nutrition for chickens of all types and ages. Comprised of a variety of nutrients and energy sources, it provides a balanced diet enhanced with minerals and vitamin supplements. 

Compost – A mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil. Chicken waste is a great source of natural fertilizer. 

Predator Proof – The practice of safeguarding a chicken coop from predators. This generally involved the sealing of windows with chicken wire or welded wire. The base of the coop is generally cemented or reinforced with buried wire fence.

Chicken Tractor – A chicken tractor is a moveable chicken coop lacking a floor. Chicken tractors are a lightly built A-frame which one person can drag about the yard easily. This allows the chickens to eat up the vegetation of one area and move onto the next leaving behind a fertilized area for regrowth.

Run - An outdoor area where chickens can roam freely, usually attached to the chicken coop. Under supervision this allows for the chickens to live a more humane life. 

Chicken Plucker – A chicken plucker is a machine that strips the chicken of feathers without breaking the skin. They are commonly built using low cost recycled materials. 

Ordinance – Local law created by a municipality or other local authority. These ordinances often result in limitations and fines being placed on those raising chickens in the urban environment. Outcry against these ordinances in various cities across the country has lead to a better organized and locally politically active Urban Chicken Farmers working to change legislation. 

Urban Gardening – Urban farming is generally practiced for income-earning or food-producing activities, though in some communities the main purpose is recreation and relaxation. Urban agriculture contributes to food security and food safety.