Can Ihave chickens in the city and how many can I have?

[Chickenlover211]

Hi
I am looking into getting some chickens and I need to know if I can have them in the city. I really only want three.
Thanks!

 

[Fred's Hens]

That is entirely up to your local municipal ordinances. Many cities and towns are not particularly chicken friendly, that way. Plus, watch out for your neighborhood or subdivision special ordinances, covenants and association rules.

 

[wingless]

Whether you can have chickens is not always determined at the local level. In Michigan we have a very strong, state-level Right to Farm Act that was amended in 1999 to protect all commercial farming operations which follow good management practices from local regulations.

I know this sounds contrary to what most people assume, but the wording of the amendment is unambiguous, and both the courts and legal scholars have come to the conclusion that our state Right to Farm law protects chicken operations in residential areas, even when local regulations attempt to restrict those activities.

http://sustainablefarmpolicy.org/the-courts/

http://sustainablefarmpolicy.org/the-scholars/

There is also a remarkable discussion on these issues in this BYC thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...farm-law-what-does-it-mean/1220#post_11629602

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Whether you can have chickens is not always determined at the local level. In Michigan we have a very strong, state-level Right to Farm Act that was amended in 1999 to protect all commercial farming operations which follow good management practices from local regulations.

I know this sounds contrary to what most people assume, but the wording of the amendment is unambiguous, and both the courts and legal scholars have come to the conclusion that our state Right to Farm law protects chicken operations in residential areas, even when local regulations attempt to restrict those activities.

http://sustainablefarmpolicy.org/the-courts/

http://sustainablefarmpolicy.org/the-scholars/

There is also a remarkable discussion on these issues in this BYC thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...farm-law-what-does-it-mean/1220#post_11629602

While you are correct for Michigan, for MOST locations it is local, not state that makes the determination, and even for Michigan, there are certain requirements that must be met. "Pet" chickens or chickens simply for one's family are not covered. Keeping them must be commercial in nature (even if the amount of commerce is almost none).

 

[wingless]

Agreed!

 

[cphinney]

I actually am into code enforcement which animal control is part of that. It's not what I "do" but I'm involved in it in several municipals here in Texas. Surprisingly most the smaller communities have heavy restrictions against poultry, typical homes can not have poultry. However many cities do not actively enforce rules unless they get complaints or they simply see the birds while driving by. They don't go look in peoples back yards.

That being said I live in a area that poultry isn't allowed but decided to risk it. I get along well with my neighbors so hope none will complain. Also have no rosters for the obvious reasons. I don't free range. I have built a very nice coop (see pics below). Also you have to pay more attention to keeping it clean, even a friendly neighbor might get tired of being swarmed by flies and odors while in their yard.

 

[chickortreat]

Don't ask, don't tell. I never thought much of playing "Mother-May-I" as a child. I certainly don't enjoy it as an adult.