Are backyard chickens legal?
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Question by : Are backyard chickens legal?
In the state of Connecticut can you keep backyard chickens for meat and eggs. How many chickens would be enough for a family of seven, I also have meduim sized backyard. How much would one chicken cost, coop and fence to keep chicken from wandering, feed and coyotes out. (Price on average)
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5 Responses to Are backyard chickens legal?
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It probably depends on if you live in town or in the country. Chickens usually lay an egg a day except in cold weather, then they slow down some. My baby chicks cost $ 2.50 each from the farm supply. As for fencing you would have to go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and price the wire and stakes.
happybidz2003
July 1, 2012 at 12:45 pm
In case you don’t get more detailed answers, I can see there are no state laws stopping you, but many towns and cities have any variety of local ordinances. Your neighbors could take issue of the odors or noise or waste pollution. Here is a web site to start: http://www.backyardchickens.com/
You will have to get the rest of an answer from someone else.
Found a federal givernment CDC (Center for Disease Control) statement: http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pdf/intown_flocks.pdf
There are import regulations in bringing chickens into the state
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/downloads/ct.html
There are also animal cruelty laws on a state level
http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusctst53_242.htm
Best to speak with a local expert on this one.
Andy L.
July 1, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Many cities have ordinances that allow backyard chickens BUT hens only, no roosters. You will have to call the zoning office to find out your legal limit for chickens. You may also find that it is illegal to slaughter an animal in the city limits. You might have a tough time on the “meat” part. Roosters are the ones used for meat and if you butcher your hens, you soon run out of eggs. Hens can lay eggs with out a rooster but they won’t hatch. Here’s a good website for info and other chicken related stuff. Good luck!
?
July 1, 2012 at 1:50 pm
These are not state laws.
They are community statutes. Ask this at your city hall.
A family of 7 would need about 12 chickens. They sell at feed stores, as chicks for about $ 2 each.
I built a coop out of used materials and it cost about $ 125.00, complete. As north as you are you will have to build a real coop but can use materials that are recycled. I fenced my yard with chainlink set in concrete – for my dogs, originally. Be sure to have an electrical source for the coop for winter warmth. I use a spotlight in my coop and cover my 5 hens with blankets over the open sides of the coop.
Feed varies from area to area. I feed cracked corn (cheap) and lots and lots of kitchen scraps.
Owlwoman
July 1, 2012 at 2:24 pm
It depends on where you live in Connecticut. Research the laws and make calls.
For eggs, around two chickens per family member would probably be enough, unless you really love eggs.
The costs differ on where you get the chickens, the supplies, etc. They aren’t a lot, around $ 3. Coops run around $ 300, depending on size and where you get it of course. Fences also differ, and different types range higher than others. Chain link fences are okay, but raccoons can reach in and grab your chickens through the fence. Also smaller animals can be able to get through. Make sure to add a top to your fence, as birds, cats, and coyotes can get in through the top. The feed is fairly cheap with the bags, but like everything else it is different. Around $ 10-$ 20 for a normal bag.
With your first running supplies (getting the coop, chickens, fencing, first time supplies) it would range around $ 500, more or less.
Kit
July 1, 2012 at 2:37 pm