Do chicks count?

[GretasFlock]

So here's the thing. We are at our max number of ducks allowed for in our zoning(sadly only 2

), but I would like to let our broody Khaki Campbell hatch some ducklings. We would sell them when they were a little older(6-8 weeks old probably), but my question is, do chicks/ducklings count as ducks/chickens while they are still young, or would we be allowed to raise them and not keep them? I ask because with dogs and cats they don't count as an extra dog/cat in your home until they are 6 months old, so I'm not sure if there's a similar ordinance in place for ducks. I'm terrible at finding the info so I often ask here as Google searching returns very few results one way or another. Here is our chicken ordinance for reference:

Thanks!

Orem Utah Chicken Ordinance

Are Chickens Allowed in this location Yes
Max Chickens Allowed 20
Roosters Allowed No
Permit Required No
Coop Restrictions chickens must be kept in a predator-resistant coop or chicken tractor at least 10 feet from all property lines at night; the enclosure must be cleaned regularly
City/Organization Contact name Orem City 56 North State Street Orem, Utah 84057 Phone: 801.229.7000 Fax: 801.229.7031
Additional Information The number of hens that can be kept is based on lot size. 5,000sqft = 2 hens 30,000sqft = 12 hens 1 acre = 20 hens Chickens may not roam free in an unfenced yard. slaughtering of chickens is prohibited. No rooster are allowed.
Link for more Information
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700011651/Chickens-welcome-on-small-residential-lots-in-Orem.html , http://www.sltrib.com/utahcounty/ci_14463177
City Code: http://exe.orem.org/CityCode/chap_22.pdf
Information Last Updated 2010-03-17 00:00:00​

 

[cppeace]

hmm I am no expert, but I would think it would be fine as long as you didn't keep them long. I'd try selling them at a week old or so were it me, but if you are really concerned contact the local council and ask for clarification. Tell them your plan to sell/give away the ducklings. Best of luck to you.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I read through a copy of the ordinance passed in 2009 here: http://www.orem.org/DSPlan/Res2010/PC-2010-0002.pdf

I was looking for definition of "chicken" which they did not give. (Always define your terms by the definitions in the ordinance or law. They usually give those in the very first paragraphs). The ordinance just states chickens (or poultry) and no more than 6 for lots under 1 acre size. EDITED TO ADD: and the ordinance makes a real point about how to count different species, if you have 2 different species, you have to halve the total number allowed for that specie so that you keep the total number not above the maximum.

So, technically, yes, it seems they mean ALL chickens or poultry, so imho chicks would count as they have not made a distinction for that and the ordinance states they cannot be considered household pets.

The question is, and the purpose of the ordinance is, disturbance of neighbors. Typically chicks and ducklings are only kept until you can figure out whether they are male or female, and often in the house or garage while they are being brooded and grown out. Your intent is to sell them or give them away very early, before they become noisy or need the back yard.

You can always call city hall and ask the question of whether that would be an issue. Chances are the clerk will say 6 means 6, if you are on less than an acre, but you may be surprised that they allow some grow out time for ducklings and chicks since most of us buy or brood more than we need so that we can glean through to get what we want, at the maximum number allowed. You could state it that way and see what they say.

Where I live, one city allows roosters up to the age of 12 weeks, about the time they crow. The city has defined matters so that male chicks are not considered illegal, though roosters are, as the city realizes the need for grow out time to ascertain the sex.

LofMc

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Here chicks/ducklings are not listed one way or t'other, but with horses, cattle, goat, sheep, if under 6 months it does not count.