If You Want to Raise Chickens There Are Some Things You Need to Know
I'm not sure if the cost of a coop, chickens, feed, and maintance will offset the rising cost of eggs, but if you've been considering raising your own flock of chickens and you live in Evansville, Indiana, there are some things you need to know first.
The short answer to this question is yes. However, there is quite a bit more to it than that if you want to ensure you are following local laws.
The Evansville City Ordinance as it pertains to "domestic animals," which includes dogs, cats, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and several other species, says that a license or permit is required for each animal.
Owners of large animals, poultry, pigeons, doves, rabbits, and extraordinary animals shall obtain a license or permit for such animal as provided in this chapter.
According to the City of Evansville, with the exception of dogs and cats, licenses must be sumbitted to "the commission" for approval. The licenses are valid for a period of one year from the date it is approved. The licensing fee for poultry in Evansville, Indiana is $5 per year per premises.
According to Evansville City Code, a residence, or single parcel of land, may not house more than six chickens, ducks, or other domestic poultry or fowl (or any combination). The maximum of six total only applies to poultry over 8 weeks of age.
When it comes to a coop for your chickens, you must ensure that it is at least 50 feet away from any of your neighbor's home.
No person shall keep or maintain any coop in which chickens, ducks, pigeons, turkeys or other domestic fowl and poultry are kept within a distance of less than 50 feet from any neighbor's dwelling
Additionally, you coup must provide shelter from the sun, rain, snow, and cold weather. All gates and doors on your coop are required to have "tumbler-type locks." You also will be expected to maintain the cleanliness of your coop.
While, with the proper permitting and coop structure, you can have a flock of up to six chickens on your property, roosters are not allowed. Fortunately, hens can still lay eggs even without a rooster.
READ MORE: Here's Where to Find the Cheapest Eggs in Evansville
If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowner's Association, you will want to check the terms of your HOA agreement.
With proper permitting, coop placement and maintanance, and adhering to the six-bird maximum for your flock, you can own chickens in Evansville. Now, whether that's a good idea for your situation is entirely up to you.