The Nest Best Thing
Cape Cod Life / June 2025 / Nature
Writer: Leslie Hatton
The Nest Best Thing
Cape Cod Life / June 2025 / Nature
Writer: Leslie Hatton
The Rise of Chicken Keeping on Cape Cod
With the price of eggs rivaling a good lobster roll, it’s no surprise many Cape Codders are flocking to local resources and the internet to learn what it takes to raise their own chickens. What was once considered an endeavor for farmers alone, has become trendy and eco-conscious, resulting in more people making the egg-stra effort to become a mother hen—no yolk.
Backyard chicken keeping is having its moment—and perhaps more so than on Cape Cod. Beginning with the COVID pandemic and now due to grocery store shortages or price increases, many locals have done their research and hatched a plan to get fresh eggs right from their own yards. For some local retailers, this new interest is a boon for business. Lizzie Jenks, general manager of Agway of Cape Cod says the demand was so high this year, they sold out in advance all the baby chicks they had ordered and had to institute a waiting list.
But before you make the decision to purchase any chicks, one of the most important things to do, according to both Jenks and local chicken expert and author of Keeping Backyard Chickens for Fresh Eggs and Fun, Liz Martin, is to research your town’s ordinances. Martin explains, “Some towns allow hens but not roosters, some limit the number of chickens you can keep, some have acreage minimums, and some towns require a permit. You don’t want to invest in a coop and equipment only to have to move it or tear it down.” Jenks adds, “These guidelines are in place to help you and to keep your chickens healthy! Keep in mind that each town is different so check with your Town...Want to read this article and more?
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