Back Yard Chickens

Last week I did a little research into having chickens in the city of Fulton. I first checked the city ordinances:

Sec. 14-22. – Limitations on livestock and fowl.

(a) The following per acre limits apply to the keeping of livestock or fowl in any combination of species:

1. One adult horse, mule, donkey, or other animal of like kind or cow per acre,
2. Three adult goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, ostriches, or emus per acre; and
3. Ten adult rabbits, chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, geese, or ducks per acre.

(b)  It shall be unlawful for any person to keep more livestock or fowl on any premises than as set out in subsection (a) of this section.

The city ordnance seemed a little vague to me so I went to the city hall to seek clarification. Since I live on a city lot that is far less than one acre, my logic tells me that I should be able to keep less than ten chickens, rabbits, turkeys, etc. But knowing that logic seldom comes into play with city ordinances, I just had to ask.

I posed my “logic” conundrum to at least three folks in the city office and after admitting that I had less than an acre, it was the consensus of the “meeting of the city employees” that I could have 5 chickens as long as they are confined and the neighbors didn’t mind. A suggested no rooster clause was suggested.

In other words; First, talk to your neighbors and if no one objects, get your self 5 chickens, or rabbits or what ever.

I should get my baby chicks next week.