The Legal Aspects Of Raising Chickens At Home
Raising chickens at home does require a lot of care and attention. Not to mention some monetary expenses. But the most important issue you have to consider when planning to raise chicken in your backyard is the legal aspect.
It is not uncommon to see chickens running around in a suburban area. People want to raise the bantams at home and many communities are bowing to public pressure and allowing chicken keeping.
Unfortunately, not all communities have such ruling.
Does your neighborhood allow you to keep chickens at home?
The family raising chicks in their backyard may be breaking the law unknowingly.
Therefore, before you head out to buy some chicken for your backyard, make sure you check with the local county and verify if there are any laws forbidding you to keep the bantam.
If you look into the local land code, almost all properties are classified into zoning areas. The only places with no zoning are undeveloped areas.
Each type of zoning has laws which state what can and cannot be done in that particular zone. This is to regulate the growth of the community and to keep property use in an area uniform.
Zoning classification is the responsibility of local governments. Hence, the best place to check on local ordinances is at the county office.
This is highly recommended just in case your neighbors complain about the noise made by your chicken. The chickens can be confiscated and you may end up with a hefty fine.
Related blog post:
1) Bill Keene’s chicken coop plans review
2) Mobile chicken coop design – Portable chicken coop that works
In Australia, more spcifically Melbourne, it is important to check with your local council to see weather you are allowed to keep chickens in you yard, and if so, how many are you legally entitled to keep. If you do that, you will know which chicken coop plans are most appropriate for you.