FLORIDA—For years, chickens quietly roamed some Jacksonville backyards, an open secret among neighbors. While many tolerated or even enjoyed their presence, a few found it problematic.
Following some debate, city officials decided to allow female chickens in certain residential zoning districts, provided their owners complete a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension course on chicken care and apply for a permit.
“Between neighbors complaining and code enforcement not really knowing what to do, a group of backyard chicken keepers approached the city and said, ‘We’d like you to codify this,’” said Stephen Jennewein, a UF/IFAS agricultural agent.
The city planning department began issuing permits in January 2014. It has issued more than 1,190 permits to date.
Mr Jennewein teaches the UF/IFAS Extension Duval County Backyard Hen seminar, an hour-and-a-half rundown of poultry care offered for $10. Lecture topics include breed selection, health and nutrition, proper egg handling, and coop design.
Following a Q&A session, he leads students to the Extension’s urban garden to view a demonstration coop and meet its residents, Henrietta and Gabby.
“I show students the coop design, how the coop works, the different parts of the coop, and I let them see a live chicken up close and personal, which I think is kind of important before they go out and buy one,” Mr Jennewein said, chuckling.
Although Henrietta and Gabby are a well-matched pair, conventional wisdom indicates chicken keepers should maintain a flock of at least three hens because chickens are social creatures requiring stimulation and interaction, Jennewein said.
They also require regular maintenance and feeding and a spacious coop that protects them from predators like raccoons, foxes, and even hawks, which have been known to fly off with smaller breeds.
The cumulative time, labor and financial commitment associated with owning and maintaining backyard chickens isn’t for everyone, Mr Jennewein said.
He recalled experiencing mixed feelings when one of his students addressed him after a class. The man thanked Jennewein and praised the presentation but said the information he learned convinced him he couldn’t shoulder the responsibility.
However, backyard chicken keeping can prove rewarding for those willing to invest in it.
Mr Jennewein said that besides the fresh, nutrient-rich eggs the hens produce, they generate manure for gardens and consume pests. Caring for animals is often an engaging learning experience for children.
“Urban agriculture is becoming more of an important issue in Florida,” he said.
“Hopefully, more municipalities are going to start reducing restrictions for people producing food in urban areas.”
