Tag: #Homesteading

Can Your HOA Ban Chickens, Even If the City Allows Them?


Playing with the idea of having a few backyard chickens for fresh eggs, but live in an HOA community? Well, you just hit a major roadblock, with one exception, and we’ll get to that in a bit. Many people assume that if their city or state passes an ordinance allowing backyard hens, they are automatically cleared to build a coop. Unfortunately, the reality of property laws across the United States tells a completely different story.
To put it simply, just because the city says you can have chickens doesn’t mean your HOA has to let you. In almost all of the United States, your HOA can completely ban you from keeping chickens, even if your city and state say it’s legal.
An HOA only loses its power to restrict your flock if a state legislature passes a law that explicitly voids private contracts. While many states have stepped in to protect things like solar panels or flags from HOA overreach, almost none have extended that same protection to poultry. What does “almost” mean? Florida stands out as a rare exception with legislation that stripped HOAs of their power to ban backyard chickens, provided the coop is hidden in the backyard.
But beware, HOA boards frequently use vague nuisance clauses regarding odors, flies, noise and especially complaints to shut down anything they don’t like… such as chicken coops. The golden rule for homeowners across America is simple, never assume a government green light means your HOA won’t shut you down… because they will try, and most likely succeed .

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Urban Chicken Keeping, Yes or No?

Keeping a small backyard flock in the city comes with a mix of rewarding benefits and practical challenges. On the positive side, hens provide fresh, nutritious eggs, natural fertilizer for gardens, and effective pest control. However, suburban chicken keeping isn’t without its drawbacks. There are zoning laws and noise ordinances to consider, coop maintenance and biosecurity needs to manage, and potential conflicts with neighbors over smell or noise. Additionally, predators, even in the suburbs, can pose a risk. Weighing these pros and cons helps ensure a happy and responsible flock-keeping experience.
To find out if you can keep chickens in your area, start by checking your city or county’s official government website. Look for sections labeled “Municipal Code,” “Zoning,” or “Animal Ordinances,” and use the search bar to find terms like “chickens,” “poultry,” or “urban farming.”

How Many Chickens?

For a family of four, keeping 4 to 6 hens is usually enough to provide a steady supply of fresh eggs. Most healthy hens lay between 4 to 6 eggs per week, so with five hens, a family can expect around 20 to 30 eggs weekly, typically more than enough for everyday use. When starting a backyard flock, you can choose between buying pullets or chicks. Pullets are young hens close to laying age, making them a convenient option for those who want eggs sooner and prefer less early-stage care. Chicks, while more affordable and available in a wider variety, require more attention, including special feeding, heat, and several months before they begin laying. Chickens can be purchased at local feed stores, particularly during the spring, or through online retailers that ship chicks directly. Local breeders or small farms are also a good source and may offer helpful advice tailored to your region.

Want Lots of Eggs? These Two Breeds Won’t Disappoint

White Leghorn: 280-320 eggs per year
Rhode Island Red: 250-300 per year

Start-up Cost?

Considering you’ll need a coop and run, a brooder if you start with baby chicks, supplies, feed, and of course, unexpected expenses, plan to initially spend at least $1,000 to $1,500.
Note: You will NOT save money by keeping backyard chickens. Farm-fresh eggs are significantly more expensive to produce than buying eggs at the store.

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