Q&A for How to Keep Chickens in a City

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Can 2 chickens live inside a house without scratching the wood floors, and can I clip their nails like a dog?

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Expert Answer

No. Chickens should not live indoors. They are outdoor animals and not only need to roam but they also need the sunlight and grazing behaviors.

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Question

Are you allowed to have chickens in the city?

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Expert Answer

Depends on the city and the regulations of your neighborhood. Check online to see whether you need a permit or not and how many chickens you're allowed (usually roosters are not allowed).

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Can you have a chicken coop in a residential area?

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Expert Answer

Usually you can have a small coop of around 6 birds. Roosters are typically never allowed as they are too noisy for neighbors.

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Question

Is it legal to raise chickens in your yard?

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Expert Answer

Yes, usually. Check with the local regulations for your county to see what the law is in your area. You can also ask others you know who have chickens what they know.

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Question

Can you keep chickens in your house?

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Expert Answer

It is not ideal. Chickens need time outside to graze as the gravel and rocks they eat when foraging help with their digestion and egg shell formation. If you must keep some indoors make sure they have adequate time to free range during the day.

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