With rising food costs and demand for organic eggs, urban chicken-keeping is growing rapidly in Indian cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. A small flock (3–6 hens) can supply fresh eggs daily, reduce kitchen waste, and even serve as natural pest control.
This guide covers legal considerations, breed selection, housing, and care—tailored for Indian climates and urban spaces.
✔ Allowed in most residential areas if kept for personal use (not commercial farming).
✔ Banned in some gated societies (check housing society rules).
✔ Restrictions on roosters (noise laws in Mumbai, Bengaluru).
⚠️ Must-Follow Rules:
Breed | Eggs/Year | Why Choose? |
Kadaknath (Desi) | 80–100 | Heat-tolerant, black meat (high demand) |
Gramapriya | 200–250 | Govt.-approved, great for beginners |
White Leghorn | 280–300 | Best egg production, needs shade |
💡 Where to Buy?
✔ Space: 2–3 sq.ft per bird (balcony/terrace setups work)
✔ Protection: Wire mesh to stop cats/dogs
✔ Ventilation: Bamboo/wooden slats for airflow
✔ Nesting boxes: 1 per 3 hens (use old crates lined with straw)
📌 Pro Tip: Elevate the coop 1–2 ft to avoid flooding in rains.
🚫 Never Feed:
💧 Water: Change twice daily (summer dehydration kills fast).
Disease | Symptoms | Solution |
Ranikhet | Green diarrhea, death | Vaccinate chicks (Day 1) |
Mites | Feather loss, itching | Neem oil spray |
Heat stress | Panting, wings spread | Shade + electrolytes in water |
✔ 16 hours of light/day (use a 6W LED bulb in winter)
✔ Calcium supplements (crushed oyster shells)
✔ Stress-free environment (avoid loud noises)
Egg Type | Price (₹ per egg) |
Regular (Farm) | 5–7 |
Organic/Desi | 10–15 |
Fertilized (for hatching) | 20–30 |
A 3-hen setup fits even in city balconies, costs under ₹5,000 to start, and provides daily fresh eggs.
alice
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2025.04.11