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According to the website Pet News, some 400,000 Aussies are now keeping hens at home.
Many are attracted to the idea of having fresh eggs for breakfast every morning. Additionally, chickens help reduce food waste. And are a natural form of pest control against slugs, termites, beetles, and ticks.
For homeowners who want to keep them as part of a sustainable lifestyle, the decision can be fairly straightforward. However, for those who are renting, it may not be so much.
Questions about rental agreements, landlords, and council rules can lead to confusion about whether it is even allowed. Well, the good news is that renting with backyard chickens is possible. But only in certain circumstances.
Here’s our guide to what Australians should know about keeping chickens in a rental property. And how to give yourself the best chance of making it happen.
What Are The Benefits of Raising Chickens?
Before we discuss whether you can do so in a rental environment, it is worth briefly mentioning the benefits of raising backyard chickens.
For many people, backyard chicken keeping brings genuine joy. The opportunity to enjoy fresh eggs is one of the most obvious benefits. Many people swear they taste richer and more flavourful.
As mentioned, chickens also help reduce food waste. That is because they will devour any vegetable scraps and leftover grains you leave for them. Both are nutritious meals for any species of fowl.
They can also provide a natural fertiliser for your garden and eat small insects and pests that can otherwise damage its appearance.
Lastly, keeping backyard chickens can be very educational for children. Not only does it teach them responsibility, but it also demonstrates that food doesn’t just come from supermarkets!
Can You Keep Backyard Chickens in a Rental Property?
Many renters ask whether it is possible to keep chickens in a rental property. Well, the short answer is yes. But it often depends on the terms of your lease and the views of your landlord.
In many rental agreements, animals are listed under the section that covers pets. Some landlords allow pets with written approval. However, others include stricter rules about animals on the property. Unfortunately, chickens sometimes fall into a grey area because they are classed as livestock in some settings and pets in others.
The first thing you should do is to carefully read your lease agreement. Specifically, look for any clauses that mention animals, pets, or livestock. Doing this will give you a clearer idea of your landlord’s position.
How to Ask Your Landlord for Permission to Keep Chickens
If your lease requires approval for animals, the next step is to request the landlord’s permission for chickens.
It is a good idea to submit a written request to them explaining why you would like to keep chickens. Make sure you demonstrate how you will keep the yard tidy and noise levels down. Also, make it clear as to what measures you will take to protect the property.
You may also want to advise them on the type of chicken coop you will get. Landlords might be more favourably inclined toward you having portable chicken housing rather than a permanent structure. You can view chicken coops here to see examples designed for different backyard spaces.
Additionally, you might want to get mentioned:
- Chickens live quietly when roosters are not present
- Portable coops protect the yard from damage
- Regular cleaning will prevent smells or pests
- Chickens can remain in a secure enclosed space
Your landlord might be more inclined to agree to your request if you can convince them that their property will remain well cared for. And the neighbours won’t complain about noise or mess.
Check Local Council Rules for Backyard Chickens
If your lease or landlord allows you to keep backyard chickens, it is important to understand the backyard chicken regulations in your local area.
Most Australian councils allow residents to keep a small number of chickens. However, these rules vary between them. Therefore, it is essential to contact your local authority for clarification.
Usually, the regulations limit how many hens you can keep in a residential backyard. In Brisbane, for instance, you can only keep a maximum of six chickens if your household is less than 800 square metres. That figure rises to 20 if it exceeds that.
Additionally, roosters are usually not allowed in suburban areas because they create early morning noise. Some councils also have guidelines about where a chicken coop should be placed. They may, for example, need to sit a certain distance from neighbouring houses or fences.
Being a Responsible Neighbour When Raising Chickens
Living in a rental often means living close to neighbours. For this reason, it is in your interest to maintain good relationships with them.
Noise is one of the biggest concerns people have with urban chicken keeping. Hens tend to make small clucking sounds during the day, while roosters can create loud crowing in the early morning. That is why it is important to choose a breed of hens that keeps noise levels low.
If there are no fences in place with your neighbours, it may be necessary to put some up some clear boundaries at your expense. This is especially the case if you will give your chickens free range for part of the day. You might like them clucking around your yard. But the people who live next door might not.
To keep the peace, consider sharing extra eggs with your neighbours.
What Challenges Should Renters Consider Before Getting Backyard Chickens?
Raising chickens in a rented house can work well. But there are some practical challenges you will need to consider.
The most obvious is what you will do when you move house. If your lease ends, you will need a plan for transporting your chickens and setting up a new coop. You will also need to have contingencies for what to do with them if you are struggling to find somewhere else to live. One option is to give them to a city farm, like this one.
Chickens can be a lot of work. At least until you get into a routine. They need regular feeding. Their water needs changing every day. And their bedding and coop will need to be cleaned. The sooner you can develop a routine for doing this, the better.