Want to raise backyard chickens? What to look for when buying a home

Chickens aren’t just for farms anymore. Today, you’ll find them clucking around many city and suburban backyards. According to the American Pet Products Association, the number of U.S. households with backyard chickens has grown from 5.8 million in 2018 to about 11 million today.

So why the surge? Well, raising chickens was one of the many things people started doing more at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more time spent around the house, people picked up new hobbies and looked for ways to become more self-sufficient. For some, that meant starting a flock of their own. More recently, rising egg prices have given people another reason to consider backyard chickens.

If raising chickens is part of the lifestyle you want, there’s a lot to consider before buying a home. Local laws, HOA rules and even the size and layout of the property can determine whether your plans will work.

Check local laws and HOA rules

Before you fall in love with a property and start deciding where the coop will go, make sure chickens are actually allowed. Laws vary from one city or county to another. But even if local laws allow chickens, you still might not be in the clear if the home is part of a homeowners association. The HOA may have its own regulations on keeping chickens, including prohibiting them. In some instances, an HOA may actually allow chickens, but the local jurisdiction doesn't.

Start by checking the local ordinances and zoning rules for the property. Depending on where you live, there may be limits on how many chickens you can keep, minimum lot-size requirements or rules about where a coop can be placed. Some localities require coops to be a certain distance from property lines, neighboring homes or other structures. Roosters are also often prohibited in residential areas because of noise concerns. Keep in mind that chicks sold as females can occasionally turn out to be roosters. If that happens, you’ll need to find another home for them.

Finding a chicken-friendly property

You may legally be allowed to keep chickens on a property, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good fit for them. As you tour homes, think about whether there’s enough yard space for a coop and outdoor run that will fit the size of flock you want.

Look for an area with good drainage and some shade, especially during hot summer months. You should also consider how easily you can get water to the coop and whether you’ll need access to electricity. Existing fencing or an outbuilding may be useful, but don’t assume an existing shed is ready to become a chicken coop without modifications.

Predators are another thing to consider, even in suburban neighborhoods. Hawks, raccoons, foxes and neighborhood dogs can all pose a threat, so look for a spot where you can place a secure coop and enclosed run.

Finally, look at what’s around you. A coop near someone else’s patio or bedroom window probably isn’t going to make your neighbors very happy. Leaving some distance between your chickens and nearby homes can help reduce concerns about noise, smell and flies.

What to know before starting your flock

Fresh eggs right from your backyard sound nice, but chickens come with more responsibility than filling a feeder and collecting breakfast each morning. Before starting your flock, here are a few things you may not have considered:

• Lifespan: Depending on the breed and level of care, chickens can live for several years, even though their egg production typically declines as they get older.
• Daily care: Chickens need fresh food and water, eggs need to be collected and the coop needs regular attention. You’ll also need someone to take care of them when you travel.
• Flock size: Chickens are social animals and do best as part of a flock, so don’t expect to bring home just one.
• Cost: Fresh eggs aren’t necessarily free eggs. You’ll need to budget for a coop, feed, bedding and other supplies.
• Egg production: A productive laying hen can produce around four to six eggs a week, so even a small flock can leave you with more eggs than you know what to do with. On the other hand, age, shorter daylight hours in winter and molting can mean fewer eggs.
• Cleaning: Chicken coops need regular cleaning to prevent odors, flies and other pests. You’ll also need a plan for what to do with manure, whether you compost it or dispose of it.

Work with an agent who understands backyard chickens

If you want to raise chickens in your next home, working with an agent who understands what that actually requires can make your home search much easier. Several Liz Moore & Associates agents have flocks of their own and know firsthand what can make one property a better fit than another. One of our top agents, who owns 20 chickens herself, says that experience can come in handy in ways buyers might not expect.

“Sometimes the chickens can even become part of the transaction,” she says. “You’ll find a home that already has chickens, and that’s their space. For some buyers, having the chickens already established and everything set up can make one property more desirable than another.”

Our agents can help you navigate the rules and find a property that works well for raising chickens. Ready to find a place where you and your flock can settle in? Contact a Liz Moore & Associates agent to get started.