Now that the Palm Coast City Council has approved a pilot program allowing select homeowners to own backyard chickens, residents have been asking all sorts of questions about raising livestock in town.
To start their own flock, homeowners must first apply for a permit through the city’s code enforcement department. Fifty permits, at $50 each, will be valid for two years, when municipal leaders will reevaluate the program.
To be eligible, applicants must live in a single-family home they own, which is not part of a homeowner’s association, and they must also complete a chicken-care course endorsed by the city. So far, the city has received 12 applications.
Check out what you need to know before diving into the increasingly popular venture, which has become more than just a hipster trend.
How many chickens do I need for a dozen eggs a week?
Homeowners need not worry about trying their own hand at raising backyard chickens. With some know-how and tips, it can be a beginner’s hobby.
Well, for now at least, Palm Coast is permitting up to four chickens per house — hens only, no roosters. A small flock of three to four hens will usually provide a dozen eggs per week, or even more during peak laying season, according to HappyChickenCoop.com.
This is also considered a good number to start with for beginners. Green America notes on its website that “the number allows for a social dynamic within the flock, while not being too overwhelming for a novice chicken keeper. It’s also a manageable number for providing adequate space and resources.”
What chicken breed is best for a backyard?
Several sources recommend, first of all, going for chicks, especially if you’re a novice. You can get chicks as young as one day old from some farms or growers.
The website HomeInTheFingerLakes.com recommends “easygoing hens for families with children or anyone who wants a friendly flock are Buff Orpington, Australorps, Sussex, Cochins and Brahmas. These birds are known to be docile in temperament and enjoy human company.” Most of the chicken breeds named also do well in the Florida climate.
Varieties known to produce the most eggs include Eghorn, Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock, according to HappyChickenCoop.com.
How expensive are backyard chickens?
How much does it cost monthly to raise chickens? The monthly cost of raising backyard chickens varies, but a typical range is $25–$50. This includes feed ($2–$3 per chicken, totaling $15–$30 for a small flock), bedding ($5–$10) and miscellaneous expenses ($5–$20), according to Green America.
How do I make a coop and how much will it cost me?
Proper hygiene and observation are crucial to prevent disease outbreaks within the flock.
In Palm Coast, the city prohibits coops and enclosures larger than 100 square feet or higher than 6 feet. Prices can vary from hundreds of dollars to $1,000.
The coop must be in the rear of the property, with a minimum of a 10-foot rear setback and 7-1/2-foot side setbacks.
A fence separating your property from a neighbor’s is required so the chickens don’t go wandering or become easy prey. A fly-proof bin must be set up to collect manure, at least 20 feet from neighbors’ property lines, according to the newly passed Palm Coast ordinance.
What are some other towns in the Daytona Beach region that allow chickens?
Local ordinances may differ in their rules, as well as the permitting process, so be sure to check with your own municipality about restrictions before planning your coop.
The UF/IFAS Extension Office of Volusia County hosts a backyard urban chicken program. It also hosts a blog on which it posts tips and advice for raising chicks.
Visit the blog here: blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/2020/06/03/raising-chicks/
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Palm Coast’s chicken program takes flight, raises questions