As urban homesteading continues to explode in popularity, and as more and more reports are issued about the potential dangers of antibiotics in poultry and store-bought eggs, more and more people are trying their hand at raising backyard poultry. Studies have shown that backyard chickens provide many benefits: They not only provide eggs and meat, but they also reduce insects and are low-maintenance composters and weed eaters. Many agree that backyard eggs taste better than store-bought eggs, because they are true “free-range” chickens that are fed a healthy diet of greens and insects.

However, despite the benefits of raising backyard chickens, there are still risks that need to be considered before you attempt such an undertaking.

Chickens Spread Diseases

Salmonella and Campylobacter are common public health hazards that are often associated with chicken contact. All chickens carry these bacteria, regardless of health, and they are communicable to humans through direct contact, exposure to chicken manure, or consumption of undercooked chicken. People who contract these diseases experience diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps, and young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are susceptible to even more severe illnesses.

Because of this, housing chickens in your yard carries the potential hazard of spreading salmonella because there is a likelihood of coming into contact with their droppings. It’s wise to keep young children away from chickens and to wash hands carefully with soap and water after handling the birds, avoiding hand-to-mouth contact while working with the birds, and educating yourself about food safety and handling of the eggs once they’ve been laid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise households with children under the age of five not to keep chickens in their yards, and no one who has chickens in their yards should allow them into the home, not even baby chicks.


Histoplasmosis May Be an Issue

Histoplasmosis, caused by a fungal organism present throughout the Midwest and concentrated in areas with quantities of bird droppings, can cause a respiratory disease characterized by persistent cough and shortness of breath. This disease is transmitted by inhaling the organism from the environment, so it is essential that you devise a method of maintaining your flock in such a way as to prevent the accumulation of droppings. All animal waste should be disposed of in a safe manner.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Is a Potential Risk

Avian influenza is a potential public health hazard that may be associated with urban chicken farming. Birds shed the organism in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces. This viral disease in birds is communicable to humans through exposure to respiratory or fecal secretions. While the risk of avian influenza in the United States is extremely low and theoretically limited to those in contact with infected chickens, research the disease before making the decision to become a part of the population that will have direct contact with potentially infected poultry.

Chickens May Attract Predators

The presence of chickens on your property may attract urban predators, such as stray dogs, foxes and coyotes. This attraction may increase the probability of interactions between humans (yourself, a relative or a neighbor) and these predators, which may result in attacks and bites. While providing a sufficient structural barrier to protect your flock will prevent predators from accessing chickens, the presence of prey may still be an attractant for these animals, who are in search of an easy meal.

Chickens Also Attract Rodents

Predators aren’t the only animals who may be attracted to your flock. Failing to maintain a clean environment for your chickens may attract mice or rats to your property, and the presence of these rodents can pose its own series of health risks. To mitigate this risk, you should educate yourself about the proper care and maintenance of chicken flocks, maintain a clean and sanitary environment for them, and research proper bird feed storage.

Commercial Operations May Be at Risk

It is a minimal risk at best, but one to consider, depending on where you plan to set up your home flock and in what proximity you may be to any commercial poultry operations. Diseases like Exotic Newcastle disease are of minimal concern to the average person (causing only mild eye infections in people), but the introduction of this disease through privately owned flocks can cause major economic damage in communities where chicken farming is an important industry. Be sure to educate yourself on the risks and be sure to purchase your livestock from a reputable dealer.

Your Neighbors May Not "Get It"

While you may enjoy the thought of raising your own chickens, eating free-range eggs with increased nutritional content, and lowering your carbon footprint, your neighbors (who likely will not be enjoying the same benefits) may not appreciate your efforts. Not only will you potentially have to deal with wrangling chickens that have escaped their coops and gotten onto a neighbor’s property (and potentially damaged flower beds or left droppings behind), but the presence of your flock also may create odor and noise issues that could be unpopular with your community. Flies may be attracted to your property unless you have adequate fly control in place.

Your Local Government May Not "Get It"

Whether you live in an HOA community or the middle of a sprawling suburban community, rules and regulations regarding keeping livestock on private property vary by city, county and state ordinances. You’ll need to look into whether or not you’ll be running afoul (pun intended) of local regulations before investing in your flock, or you’ll be forced to shut down your operation and risk having to pay hefty fines. Also be sure, if you live in a homeowner’s association neighborhood  (HOA) or community with its own set of rules and regulations that you aren’t going to violate those by starting your own flock. HOAs have the right to implement their own regulations, regardless of the local laws, and they can impose their own fines (or a lien on your home) if you fail to comply. Also, because HOAs have the right to change their charters at will, it may be advisable to meet with your board before investing in the startup costs for a home flock.