In order to have chickens, we're going to have a yard of our own. I'm fairly certain the apartment dwellers will not want to share their yard with 6 hens. Since our first house will probably be in the city limits of town, I looked up the laws that I'll have to abide by.
* Six hens is the maximum number allowed per tract of land regardless of the number of dwelling units.
* No roosters.
* No breeding or fertilizer production for commercial purposes.
* No at-large (free roaming) chickens allowed. Must be kept in an enclosure or fenced area at all times. Chickens shall be secured in a henhouse or chicken tractor during non-daylight hours.
* Enclosures must be kept in a clean, dry, odor-free, neat and sanitary condition at all times so as not to cause odor or noise problems with neighbors. Enforcement is complaint-based.
* Enclosures must be located no closer than three feet from property line and at least 25 feet from another residence or business.
* Enclosures must provide adequate ventilation and adequate sun and shade and must be impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators, including dogs and cats.
* Enclosures shall only be located to the rear of the dwelling or other main structure and may be located in the rear yard as required by the zoning code.
* The chicken owner shall take necessary action to reduce the attraction of predators and rodents and the potential infestation of insects and parasites.
* Chickens found to be infested with insects and parasites that may result in unhealthy conditions to human habitation may be removed by an animal control officer.
* The chicken owner must provide for the storage and removal of chicken manure. All stored manure shall be covered by a fully enclosed structure with a roof or lid over the entire structure. No more than three cubic feet of manure shall be stored. All other manure not used for composting or fertilizing shall be removed.
* Any violation of the ordinance that constitutes a health hazard or that interferes with the use or enjoyment of neighboring property is a nuisance and may be abated under the general nuisance abatement provisions of the city.
* Each day that a violation continues is a separate offense.
I really want hens but there is not a hen house any where that is impermeable to predators.
I'm also not sure what to do with the chicken poo. Our yard won't be big enough for me to move the hens around and let them 'graze', distributing the poo evenly over our lawn.
I think I'll wait till we have a house and yard before I start thinking more seriously about hens. Or maybe we'll find a house in the country.
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