Chickens: anyone that thinks that having backyard chickens will save them money has to really think that through. It’s actually more costly than store bought. The cost of building a coop, watering system, predator proofing, the cost of feed, the cost of the chickens themselves and in 29 the cost of shading in summer and warmth in winter is a factor.
All of that being said, I have had chickens for over 60 years and have it down to a science where I’m at a break even and have the freshest eggs.
And keep in mind that if you are not an early riser and a disciplined chicken owner don’t get them. Feed at 6am and 4pm, clean chicken poop up every day, deal with the occasional death. Just go to the store for your eggs.
Community gardens: community gardens are a feel good endeavor, rarely is there enough produce to offset your food bill compared to the time you have to put in. Gardening in the desert is difficult, for many of the same reasons that chickens are. And community gardens in the desert are not like gardens in San Diego or Florida where the extremes are not as severe. Add to that those particular garden members that do the least amount of work and want the most produce(you know who I’m talking about)
And the subject of the under 120 sqft structure, yes they can be built without permits, sort of, if you bring power or water to them they require permits. And setbacks and easements may need to be taken into consideration.
Chickens: anyone that thinks that having backyard chickens will save them money has to really think that through. It’s actually more costly than store bought. The cost of building a coop, watering system, predator proofing, the cost of feed, the cost of the chickens themselves and in 29 the cost of shading in summer and warmth in winter is a factor.
All of that being said, I have had chickens for over 60 years and have it down to a science where I’m at a break even and have the freshest eggs.
And keep in mind that if you are not an early riser and a disciplined chicken owner don’t get them. Feed at 6am and 4pm, clean chicken poop up every day, deal with the occasional death. Just go to the store for your eggs.
Community gardens: community gardens are a feel good endeavor, rarely is there enough produce to offset your food bill compared to the time you have to put in. Gardening in the desert is difficult, for many of the same reasons that chickens are. And community gardens in the desert are not like gardens in San Diego or Florida where the extremes are not as severe. Add to that those particular garden members that do the least amount of work and want the most produce(you know who I’m talking about)
And the subject of the under 120 sqft structure, yes they can be built without permits, sort of, if you bring power or water to them they require permits. And setbacks and easements may need to be taken into consideration.