All I want is fresh eggs and help in the garden (Virginia)

[hittjw]

... SW parts of VA. Does that mean towards the Mts or SW of Wmsbg? Like someone mentioned as long as you are not in a city you should be good. BUT check before you buy!! Never now. We left the Hampton Roads area 10 yrs ago. ...

Chiefs Mess,

I meant SW like Martinsville VA. Spent 40 minutes going over municipal code and posted details about City of Martinsville (VA) keeping of poultry over on laws, https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/687633/city-of-martinsville-va-keeping-of-poultry (Prohibition established in 2004, would have rather seen a limit.)

It's interesting how many cities allow chickens (in compliance with noise ordinance.) But for a population of 14,400 in the city, you would think a few hens would be okay -- I'm sure there are some around here. Maybe I can find someone out of the city that would lease some space for a setup or let me buy into something.

Anyway, thanks for the welcome. More homework to do.

Sincerely,

Justin

 

[Stephanie739]

Stephanie,

I worked at Goshen for a summer, one of my ancestors was President (Henry Ruffner) of Washington Lee College in Lexington VA. That's a good area. Roanoke sounds pretty progressive to allow small number of chickens in the city.

I'll be relocating to Martinsville VA, most of the houses my wife really likes are within city limits. But I'll look at Roanokes legislation to see if relevant can be adopted under permit (like dog and cat licenses.)

My wife's happiness overrules chickens right now, even though she had the original idea -- but I'll be sure to show her pictures of the neat looking chickens you have. Until then, I'll be looking for someone to borrow chickens from to till garden to see if anyone complains.

Best,

Justin

Justin,

Roanoke County might be less stringent than Salem. I'm not sure...The Salem issue just came up. From my understandings, chickens were not prohibited until a few years ago, but enforcement was not common, unless a complaint arose. In June 2012, they changed their ordinance which is less stringent than the ruling from a few years ago and now allows the small number of hens. The change arose after a complaint led to enforcement which led to public outcry of the unreasonable restrictions.

I believe the city of Lexington now allows a small number of hens too. The chicken community has been working on it for awhile.

I have many young chickens available, if you want some.

Now that I am completely taken with raising chickens, I will never move to an area that prohibits them! I thought I would have liked Glasgow. I am so glad I chose a home in the county instead. Glasgow says no to all chickens. If your wife had the original idea about chickens, while she might initially like the homes and atmosphere within the city limits, I will take a guess that her chicken fondness will return, and she will later regret not being FREE to own a chicken.

Check Henry County ordinance. I bet poultry restrictions are few outside city limits.

Good luck!

Stephanie

 

[hittjw]

...
Check Henry County ordinance. I bet poultry restrictions are few outside city limits.
...

Stephanie,

Henry County municipal code (Chap. 5) only restriction is containment. In summary, it's a $250 fine if your fowl trespass into highway, public, or private property. Just need to keep them contained on private property and healthy. They also have nuisance ordinance, which is fair enough.

I do have a few houses on our short list that are "Henry County" and within 5 minutes of the city. Thanks for the conversation, might have allowed her to have both of what she wants. Plus more space to garden. Will keep pullets in mind, barred rocks and buff brahma have some character to them.

Best,

Justin

 

[Stephanie739]

Justin,
I have barred rocks and brahmas
Let me know if you want some babies or started chicks.
Stephanie