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Wants to raise chickens for eggs

Use when someone wants a few backyard hens for eggs and needs to know Silver City's chicken rules, the costs, and how to keep birds safe and healthy.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
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.
In this guide
  1. Find out where they live
  2. Silver City's rules
  3. Know the costs
  4. Keep hens safe and healthy
  5. Learn more

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
Website ↗

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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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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
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.