Legal in city illegal in HOA.

[joeyg4583]

Totally true and I will keep as many as we need but really I would just like to make our area’s perception of chickens more positive so hopefully more people will keep them and no one will have to fight like I am now.

Personally, I'd not be giving away the eggs. Yes, the occasional box of free eggs, but not as a regular occurrence. You will work hard for those lovely butt nuggets, and they don't come free! By the time you've built your coop, bought and raised your birds, bought all their feed for 4 - 6 months, as well as the bedding, your first egg may cost you $500.oo to 1K! Add to that all the time spent tending them, and needing to be home every morning and evening to be sure they are shut in, let out, fed and kept safe, you will realize just how much those eggs cost!

 

[lazy gardener]

True that, but I've found that that which is free is not valued as much as it is if one pays for it. You will find your own comfort level in this area, just as you will in all other aspects of poultry husbandry.

 

[wyoDreamer]

One problem with a box is maintaining temp. In the summer it may get very hot in a box outside and you run the risk of giving someone a spoiled egg ...
I know if I had a box outside for eggs, there is one neighbor who would take them all and not let anyone else have a chance to get any. He asked one of my neighbors if it would be OK to pick some apples from their tree in the side yard and she said he could and gave him a bag to put them in. He has picked that tree clean for 6 years and helps himself to the pears and peaches while he is at it. "but you said I could have them"

 

[joeyg4583]

9 yes and 2 maybes. I’m not sure what’s next but I think I have a decent shot.

 

[joeyg4583]

One problem with a box is maintaining temp. In the summer it may get very hot in a box outside and you run the risk of giving someone a spoiled egg ...
I know if I had a box outside for eggs, there is one neighbor who would take them all and not let anyone else have a chance to get any. He asked one of my neighbors if it would be OK to pick some apples from their tree in the side yard and she said he could and gave him a bag to put them in. He has picked that tree clean for 6 years and helps himself to the pears and peaches while he is at it. "but you said I could have them"

That’s so terrible. Booo

 

[Redhead Rae]

9 yes and 2 maybes. I’m not sure what’s next but I think I have a decent shot.

Way to go! Looks like you should have enough to change the rules!

 

[Ggg]

Beg for permission or ask for forgiveness?

Generally the more restrictive of 2 rules trumps that of the least restrictive. By ignoring what the HOA says you’re taking a huge chance. You said you were upset once before when you had to rehome your chickens, are you ready to relive that? Are you willing to give away more pets when you knew very well this could happen? If you have family or friends that Would take them in (if you were to be caught) until you could move to another property that allows chickens, then I would say go for it. Otherwise, it’s not worth the heartache and it’s not fair to the chickens.

I did something similar with the placement of my chicken pen 8 years ago (too close to the property line). I knew it when it was constructed. But I ALSO knew the worst thing that could happen if the township found out or my neighbor complained.... I would have to spend $1200 to request a variance (knowing the approval of the variance was not guaranteed!) OR I would have to spend $1200 to have the darn thing moved another 45 feet from the property line. Either way I knew I was not putting The girls at risk.