THE BLACK HAMMOCK HATCHERY

Your Local Choice for Backyard Chickens.

Welcome to Black Hammock Farm, your trusted resource for raising happy, healthy backyard chickens. Whether you're looking to enjoy farm-fresh eggs, embrace sustainable living, or create a more enriching outdoor space, owning a backyard flock is a rewarding journey. Before you dive in, it's essential to consider a few key steps to ensure success. From understanding local regulations and selecting the right chicken breeds to building predator-safe chicken coops and maintaining your flock for maximum productivity, our comprehensive guide has you covered. Explore the four essential steps every homeowner should follow to create a thriving backyard chicken setup and unlock the joy of keeping chickens in your own yard. Let Black Hammock Farm help you make your backyard flock a source of pride and delight.

Want To Know How To Own Backyard Chickens?

Follow These 4 Simple Steps.

Step 1: What Do I Need to Get Started?

What Do I Need to Know to Get Started?

Owning backyard chickens begins with understanding the fundamentals to set your flock up for success. Start by researching local regulations to ensure compliance with zoning laws and homeowner association rules, which may dictate the number of chickens allowed or require permits. Next, choose the right chicken breeds based on your climate, space, and goals—whether it’s high egg production, dual-purpose use, or friendly, family-oriented birds. Finally, select the perfect chicken coop and location, ensuring it provides adequate space, ventilation, and predator protection. By laying this foundation, you’ll create a safe and productive environment for your backyard flock.

Step 2: Make Alliance With Local Farm

Strategic Alliances with Local Farms!

Building relationships with local farms is a game-changer for backyard chicken owners. These partnerships provide invaluable resources, including access to high-quality feed, chicks, and expert advice on chicken health and care. Establish open communication with nearby farms to develop a support network for emergencies, such as feed shortages or veterinary needs. Collaborating with local farms can also enhance your knowledge through workshops, shared experiences, and community events. By fostering these alliances, you’ll not only strengthen your ability to care for your flock but also support sustainable agriculture in your area.

Step 3: Enjoy and Protect Your Chickens

How to Enjoy and Protect Your Chickens.

Raising backyard chickens is a rewarding experience, offering the joy of fresh eggs and the companionship of your flock. To fully enjoy this lifestyle, it’s essential to create a safe and enriching environment. Spend time observing and interacting with your chickens to build trust and understand their behaviors. Protect them from predators by securing the coop and run with durable materials and proper locks. Provide enrichment through perches, toys, and rotational grazing to keep them active and healthy. By combining care with enjoyment, you’ll cultivate a harmonious backyard where your chickens thrive and bring daily rewards.

Step 4: Maintenance of the Flock and Coop

Care and Maintenance of the Flock and Coop to Maximize ROI!

Consistent care and maintenance are the keys to a productive and cost-effective backyard flock. Daily routines like feeding, watering, and collecting eggs ensure your chickens remain healthy and your investment thrives. Regularly clean and inspect the coop to prevent disease, enhance egg production, and maintain a safe environment. Seasonal adjustments, like adding ventilation in summer or insulation in winter, help keep your chickens comfortable year-round. By monitoring expenses, optimizing egg production, and planning for long-term sustainability, you can enjoy both the financial and personal rewards of backyard chicken keeping.

STEP 1: What Do I Need to Get Started?

INTRODUCTION

What I need to know to Get Started With My Backyard Chicken

Starting a backyard chicken flock begins with understanding the essentials to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. The first step is to familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations. Many municipalities have specific ordinances regarding the number of chickens allowed, restrictions on roosters, and coop placement. If you live in a neighborhood governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), it’s vital to confirm their policies on backyard chickens to avoid potential conflicts. Resources like UF/IFAS or local agricultural extensions can provide guidance on navigating these regulations.

Next, consider the type of chickens you want to raise. The breed you choose should align with your goals, whether that’s maximizing egg production, having dual-purpose chickens for both eggs and meat, or selecting friendly breeds for family interaction. For example, Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds are excellent layers, while Buff Orpingtons and Plymouth Rocks are great dual-purpose breeds. Additionally, Florida's climate makes heat-tolerant breeds like Naked Necks or Andalusians ideal choices for backyard flocks.


Once you’ve decided on the breed, selecting the right coop and location is crucial for your chickens' health and safety. A well-designed coop should provide at least 2-3 square feet per chicken indoors and 8-10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run. It must also include proper ventilation, predator-proofing with durable materials, and adequate nesting boxes for egg-laying. Depending on your needs, you can choose a stationary coop for stability or a mobile “tractor” coop for rotational grazing. Position the coop in a location that offers morning sunlight and afternoon shade, while ensuring good drainage to prevent muddy conditions.


With these foundational steps, you can create a safe, productive, and enjoyable environment for your backyard chickens, setting the stage for a rewarding experience. Taking the time to plan and prepare will help ensure that your flock thrives and brings you years of enjoyment and fresh eggs.

Local Central Florida Manicupalities That Allow Backyard Chickens

STEP 2: Make Alliance With Local Farm

Why Make an Alliance?

Local Farm Know and Care About What They Sale.

At Black Hammock Farms, we believe the worst mistake a homeowner can make is buying their backyard chickens from a retail store. While the retail experience may dazzle you with adorable chicks, colorful coops, and plenty of supplies, the support often ends once you leave the store. Chickens are living creatures that require proper care, guidance, and resources—things a retail chain simply can’t provide. This is why forming an alliance with a local farm or hatchery is the key to a successful and enjoyable backyard chicken journey.

Partnering with a local farm or hatchery ensures you’re working with experts who know the ins and outs of raising healthy flocks. A reputable farm doesn’t just sell you chicks; they offer advice on breed selection, coop setup, and ongoing flock care. These farms can guide you through challenges such as health issues, predator protection, and egg production problems. When things go wrong, having a trusted source to turn to can make all the difference. Unlike retail chains, local farms are invested in your success as a backyard chicken owner.

Additionally, an alliance with a local farm provides you with options if backyard chicken keeping turns out not to be the right fit. Many farms or hatcheries will buy chickens back or help you rehome them, ensuring the birds are cared for even if you decide to step away from the commitment. This safety net is invaluable, especially for first-time owners who may find the experience more demanding than anticipated. Happy chickens thrive when they have happy, well-supported owners.

By supporting local farms, you not only gain a wealth of knowledge but also contribute to your community’s agricultural sustainability. Whether it’s attending workshops, exchanging ideas, or purchasing supplies, this partnership strengthens your ability to provide a safe, healthy, and productive environment for your flock. At Black Hammock Farms, we encourage every aspiring backyard chicken owner to start their journey with the support of a local farm or hatchery. Together, you’ll ensure that both you and your chickens enjoy a successful and rewarding experience.

STEP 3: Enjoy and Protect Your Chickens

Protecting The Flock

Watch. Enjoy. Love.

Raising backyard chickens isn’t just about fresh eggs; it’s a rewarding experience that brings joy, connection, and education to your home. At Black Hammock Farms, we believe that happy chickens create happy owners, and part of that happiness comes from creating a safe, enriching environment for your flock while ensuring their well-being. Enjoying your chickens means understanding their needs and building a strong relationship with them through daily care and interaction.

Start by making your backyard an engaging and safe haven for your chickens. Spend time observing and interacting with your flock to understand their personalities and behaviors. Chickens are naturally curious creatures, so adding enrichment like perches, dust baths, and treat-dispensing toys can keep them entertained and active. Rotating their access to different areas of your yard not only provides fresh foraging opportunities but also helps maintain a healthy lawn.

Protection is equally critical to enjoying your chickens. Predators are a constant concern for backyard flocks, so it’s essential to predator-proof your coop and run. Use durable materials like hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, which is less effective against raccoons and other predators. Secure coop doors with sturdy latches and install motion-activated lights to deter nocturnal threats. For added peace of mind, consider livestock guardians like dogs or geese to help keep your chickens safe.

Caring for your flock’s health ensures a long, productive life for your chickens. Regular health checks are essential to spot early signs of illness, such as changes in appetite, unusual droppings, or lethargy. Providing a clean, well-ventilated coop and plenty of shade and water is particularly important in Florida’s heat. Seasonal adjustments to their care, like offering cooling treats in summer or insulation in winter, keep your chickens comfortable year-round.

Finally, make caring for your chickens a family activity. Collecting eggs daily, tending to the coop, and raising chicks can be a fun and educational experience for children and adults alike. By combining joy with responsibility, you’ll create a harmonious environment where both you and your chickens thrive. At Black Hammock Farms, we know that a well-cared-for flock brings countless rewards, from fresh eggs to lifelong memories. Protect your chickens, enjoy their company, and embrace the fulfillment of backyard chicken keeping.

STEP 4: Proper Care and Maintenance = Maximize ROI

It's Not About The Money

It's About 💖and Routeen

At Black Hammock Farms, we know that consistent care and maintenance are essential to getting the most out of your backyard chicken investment. When your flock is healthy, productive, and well-cared-for, the rewards—like fresh eggs and pest control—far outweigh the effort. Proper care not only ensures happy chickens but also maximizes your return on investment (ROI), whether you’re raising chickens for eggs, meat, or simply as part of a sustainable lifestyle.

Daily care routines are the foundation of flock health and productivity. Feeding your chickens a high-quality diet, providing fresh water, and collecting eggs every day are simple yet crucial tasks that keep your flock thriving. Proper feeding reduces waste and ensures your chickens receive the nutrients they need for optimal egg production. Regular egg collection prevents damage, contamination, and the risk of chickens developing bad habits like eating their own eggs.

Routine maintenance of the coop and surrounding areas is just as important. Clean out old bedding and droppings weekly to maintain a healthy, odor-free environment and prevent the spread of disease. Monthly deep cleans using poultry-safe disinfectants keep the coop in excellent condition. Inspect the coop regularly for signs of wear, such as loose boards, rusted hardware, or breaches in predator defenses, and address these issues promptly.

Seasonal adjustments to care help protect your flock year-round. During Florida’s hot summers, provide shade, ventilation, and plenty of water to prevent heat stress. In cooler months, ensure the coop is insulated and draft-free, while maintaining ventilation to avoid moisture buildup. These adjustments not only improve your chickens’ quality of life but also ensure consistent egg production despite seasonal changes.

1579 Walsh Street Oviedo, Florida 32765