These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out where they live
You can ask"Do you live inside Silver City town limits, in another town, or out in the county?"
You can ask"Do you own your place, or rent? Renters need the landlord's OK."
You can say"A few hens give fresh eggs most of the year. They also cost money for feed every month."
2Silver City's rules
Inside town limits, hens need a permit from the Town. The permit has cost $25.
Up to 6 chickens with a $25 town permit, renewed each year. Ask Animal Control about roosters (news reports say hens only).
Eggs are for the household only, not to sell.
The coop must be at least 20 feet from property lines, with about 4 square feet per bird.
Hens must be screened from neighbors and kept clean, with fresh water. No rotting food scraps.
Town of Silver City - Code Enforcement / Animal Control
Code enforcement and animal control (report)
575-388-8840
Silver City · 24/7
3Know the costs
SNAP cannot buy chicks, hens or chicken feed.
A hen eats about 1/4 pound of feed a day. A 50-pound bag feeds 3 hens for about 2 months.
Hens lay best in their first 2 to 3 years. They lay fewer eggs in winter.
4Keep hens safe and healthy
Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, bobcats and hawks hunt chickens here.
Lock hens in a strong coop every night. Use hardware cloth, not chicken wire.
Give fresh water every day. It freezes on winter mornings, and hens need shade in summer.
Wash hands after touching chickens, eggs or the coop. Chickens can carry salmonella. Keep small children from kissing birds.
5Learn more
NMSU Cooperative Extension Service - Grant County
Cooperative Extension (nutrition, gardening, 4-H)
575-388-1559
2610 N Silver St, Silver City · Weekday business hours
The Extension office has free guides on backyard chickens.
NMSU Grant County Cooperative Extension / 4-H
4-H youth program and family/nutrition classes
575-388-1559
2610 N Silver St, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
More help like this
Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.
See all guides in Food and basics →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.