This isn't the most legal advice but how relaxed are the neighbors? Do many have chickens? Are you going to be in the city limits or county (your address can be in the city but have your land run by the county, this is what we have)? Are the cops/sheriffs strict? I ask all of this because I have over the limit of chickens plus have roosters along with having neighbors who have animals and birds that aren't in compliance with local animal regulations. However, since no one cares and the sheriffs don't come by often, everyone gets away with it. If the area is flexible then you should be fine. I would imagine with 17 acres you should be perfectly ok given that it is also an agricultural zoning area.