HILLIARD, Ohio – Americans are becoming more independent in response to the challenges brought on by the pandemic and that includes how we eat.
Sharon Maish is one Ohioan who is taking “farm to table” to a whole new level.
Statistics from The American Veterinary Medical Association report at least 1,397,000 households in the U.S. raise some variety of poultry.
For the last eight years, Maish has raised roosters and hens in her backyard.
“I have 24 chickens and 14 different breeds,” she said.
Her breeds include Barred Plymouth Rock, Olive Egger, Black Speckled Sussex and Red Dorking.
“They talk to me and they interact with me and they’re feeding me eggs every morning. I love feeding them. They’re affectionate. They’re all named. I wouldn’t be able to live without them. I am a crazy chicken lady,” she said.
Maish teaches the backyard basics of raising roosters, meat chicken and egg-laying hens through the Columbus Garden School.
“It’s so easy. You can have a very small backyard and still keep chickens. Chickens are good in groups of at least three, so you can keep three hens in a small backyard. You can spend as little as 10 minutes a day with them if you want. I spend a heck of a lot more than that, but they’re good with 10 minutes a day. You feed them. You water them in the morning. You collect your eggs and that’s the gift they give you back,” she said.
If you are interested in raising chickens or any livestock, be sure to check your local ordinances for rules and regulations.
