I am new to owning chickens, and just a couple of months ago before making plans and ordering chicks I had to call my local city official to find out what was allowed. I live in Ottawa, IL, pop about 19,000, we're about 90 miles south of Chicago, near Startved Rock State Park (for those familiar with the area). I was told there is no specific law or ordinance in our chicken regarding chickens, but a nuisance ordinance could come into play if there was a complaint and an official deemed the situation an actual nuisance, due to smell, noise, or chickens running loose into others' yards. I told him when I called that should not be an issue since I don't care for noisey animals ( I won't be keeping an roosters, and hopefully did my research in selecting breeds that are on the quieter side), I don't wish my backyard to smell (I like most all my neighbors, and they like me, I'd like to keep it that way), and because I have 2 large dogs we have a 6 ft privacy fence surrounding our backyard and the chickens ever getting out would be unlikely (they will have a large enclosed run and won't be in the yard too much anyway).
I have already spoken with my neighbors and they very excited about the chickens and of course already asking if they will be able to buy eggs from me. Hopefully all goes well, I don't know of anyone else in town who has chickens, and I would hate to be the cause of the city feeling the need to impose restrictions that could hinder myself or others.
I have already spoken with my neighbors and they very excited about the chickens and of course already asking if they will be able to buy eggs from me. Hopefully all goes well, I don't know of anyone else in town who has chickens, and I would hate to be the cause of the city feeling the need to impose restrictions that could hinder myself or others.
