How do I know if I'm able to keep chickens where I live?

[Jamiecarn]

I live in Pennslvania in Elk county how do I know if I'm able to keep chickens?Where do I go to make sure I'm allowed to have Them?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Welcome to BYC!

I would call your county extension office (814-776-5331) and then, if you live in town, look up your zoning regulations. Unless you live in town, there usually aren't a lot of rules to worry about.

 

[Jamiecarn]

Thank you so much do a lot of area allow chickens?

 

[Floppy Pheasant]

Just call your local courthouse, they would know......hope you can!

 

[sylviethecochin]

Thank you so much do a lot of area allow chickens?

Many towns did not used to allow chickens within their limits, but due to the rising interest in backyard chickens, a lot of those laws are being modified. There's a whole section on BYC devoted to repealing laws that ban chickens. Depending on the town, there are often zones that have always allowed chickens.

And, of course, if you live outside town, there are usually very few laws restricting livestock ownership.

 

[Floppy Pheasant]

Many towns,county's restrict the raising of chickens due to they may become a nuisance to your neighbors,if you have a cockeral, they crow day and night,free ranging is not an option,as they will go into your neighbors yards,chickens will eat anything...dog food,cat food...they poop everywhere.
Chickens can be penned up their entire lives but I believe in free ranging my chickens,they get stressed,feather plucking... You want to provide the best life for the lives you bring into this world.
If you can't give 100% ,I wouldn't do it..I waited 15 years to raise my pheasants and chickens.
I would wait until you have the space... chickens deserve to... be chickens...lol.