The following is a guest post from Marguerite Inscoe

For those of us who live an organic lifestyle (or try really hard to), it’s knowing where our food comes from that matters to us most. What confirmed my conversion was learning my son’s developmental delays were due to a dysfunctional digestive system and vitamin deficiency. Since his system can’t efficiently remove toxins, I have to minimize his exposure. My sister’s organic choices are based on healthy eating and being environmentally conscious. Both of us have chicken coops in the backyard because homegrown organic eggs are an important way we can contribute to our family’s health and be environmentally “green."

Many supermarkets today do a terrific job carrying organic products, but that still requires us to trust a label. The term “certified organic” can be really confusing because of differing state regulations and industries. Raising your own backyard hens in a chicken-tractor has some distinct advantages over the carton of organic eggs purchased in a store. It can be achieved in even very small backyards. Here are some of the advantages:

Even with these terrific reasons for raising backyard chickens, many still hesitate. There are the questions of time, money, convenience, city regulations, and all that chicken poop. For you doubters, here are some answers:

1. Make sure the coop is durable against weather and predators. In suburban areas dogs are the biggest problem. Many coops come with a sunroom or run which are good for chickens but can be an area of weakness for predators if not built well.
2. Use accessories like nipple waterers and feeders with a storage bin. This keeps you from having to feed the chickens twice a day (unless you want to).
3. The coop should have nests and a way to collect the eggs externally. You don’t want to climb into a coop and search for eggs. The coop also needs a roost to so the hens can sleep comfortably.
4. A chicken-tractor coop helps keep chicken poop under control. Regular coops require the poop to be removed (that’s a thankless job). A mobile coop moved every day or so spreads the manure as fertilizer. The coop should still be periodically cleaned (sprayed down) a couple times a year. Access doors make this easier. Read here for a comparison between a traditional coop and a mobile coop.
5. If looks are important, there are many cute coops on the market. Just don’t fall victim to only aesthetic charm. Function will matter more to you than form in terms of convenience.

Besides eating healthy, backyard chickens are a great family project or personal hobby. If you have computer savvy kids, get them to research chicken breeds, coops, and social networks for support. Set aside a family day to build or assemble the coop. Pick chicken names. Argue over who gets to collect the fresh eggs. Wow friends and extended family with a tasty, fortifying quiche (spinach from the garden, right?).

Organic living is not just about consumption choices, it’s about quality of life. With homegrown organic eggs there is never a dull moment. You can learn more about chicken coops and care at www.tufclimatecoop.com. Also find your closest source of organic chicken feed at www.organicfeeds.biz.