We are in Stafford Virginia and ready to get chicks this spring. We are looking for a small flock of 3-5 hens, for pets and eggs, but i cannot get an answer from zoning as to whether this is legal. I am not sure if who I am talking to is just uninformed, but the info she showed me gives very general regulations for R-1. It doesn't say I can own a dog or cat as a pet, so I would assume chickens are OK, it also doesn't exclude them. Any ideas? BTW.. we have just under an acre of land, fenced yard, etc...and Stafford is not the most developed area in Northern Va, only saw major development the last few years, so I can not believe we can't have a few chicks. Thanks! Rebecca
There are people in Stafford with chickens. In fact I had 3 silkies go home to Stafford this past summer. Hi, neighbor!
You really only have to worry about it if neighbours would tell on you. Look in the city regualtions on livestock (as thats what they are listed under). Oh and I lived in Stafford, VA waaaay back
Right, check livestock restrictions, definitions of domestic pet, domestic fowl, animal control, nuisance laws concerning pets etc. Be polite, and check with neighbors as well.
Thanks everyone. We read all of the ordinances and one section refers to poultry as livestock, another refers to all birds as companion animals as well. I am going to call the zoning board back and try to get someone on the phone who knows something concrete. We have no restrictions in the code for R1 that says no poultry or livestock, so I think we are OK. We also know our neighbors really well, and the coop and run will be close to the house and far from their property lines. We only plan to have 3-5 hens, no roos, so noise shouldn't be an issue either. I would think my 3 kids and Newfoundland are more of a nuisance Thanks for all the help, as we get close to ordering chicks and putting up the coop, I know I will have a ton of questions. You guys are great! Rebecca
Just read your post and I understand it's from 5 years ago but we are in Stafford now and were hoping to buy 2 silkie chicks, not roos, and was wondering how it worked out for you?
