I'm not sure what your laws are there, but my town has a 3-hen limit on a 7000sf lot, which we just don't quite qualify for. But I have chickens anyway. My coop is rather inconspicuous, and my neighbors actually enjoy seeing them out in the front yard occasionally. Their clucking and squawks (no roosters) aren't much different than any barking dogs and some neighbors never even realized I've had chickens for a couple years already! I know a few other people also "flying under the radar" as well. I think the most important thing is how your neighbors feel about having chickens around because even if you're within the law, some people can really give you a hard time anyway. I'm not advising you to break any city ordinance, but I think the laws are just to keep any chicken population from getting out of control. The city probably would never even know unless someone reports you. If you have nice neighbors, I'm sure they wouldn't mind at all, especially if you share the eggs!
I've also heard lots of stories about people actually going to city hall and changing chicken laws in a fairly short amount of time. Raising chicks is such a wonderful and rewarding experience in so many ways, and would be so great for your boys. I hope you're able to get some!
We are glad you joined our flock!
BYC is a helpful site providing all the information you need to know about poultry! There is always space for more members on the BYC roost!
