Don’t Fowl Out: The Problematic Trend of Virginia Beach Tenants Keeping Chickens

According to the US Department of Agriculture, nearly 13 million Americans own or plan to own chickens in the next 5 years. Per data, those who have large areas of land are also the ones who usually own chickens unlike to those who are in an urban or suburban setting. Though, as of late, there is a growing number of city dwellers who also own chickens. As a result, Virginia Beach rental homeowners may experience an increase in the number of requests from residents wanting to keep chickens on their properties. But before giving them a response, it’s important to understand why chickens are so popular right now, and the inherent impediments that may arise from keeping poultry in a residential setting.

It has always been known, and rural homeowners can prove that there are actual benefits to keeping chickens on a property. Chickens eat bugs, which dramatically reduces the number of insects around a home. They also provide fresh eggs and will abundantly fertilize lawns and other green spaces.

In contrast, chickens are also famous for their mess; they tend to leave their droppings all over the place. They love to roost on patio furniture, leaving a hard-to-clean mess behind. Chickens can also stink, creating a repulsive smell that neighbors may notice. The fresh eggs they lay are not only appealing to humans, but to snakes, skunks, raccoons, and other pesky critters.

A few other drawbacks when keeping chickens include noise concerns and potential damage to exterior features made of wood. Chickens can be quite noisy, and not just the roosters. Hens produce a wide spectrum of noises at all hours, which the next-door-neighbor may find bothersome especially at two in the morning. Chickens also enjoy pecking at wood, which can create significant deterioration over time.

Given the problems that come with keeping chickens, the drawbacks undoubtedly outweigh any inherent benefits. For Virginia Beach property owners, this means that the decision to prohibit chickens may be an easy one. A bigger challenge, however, is making sure that residents do not bring unauthorized animals onto the property and local statutes that may prohibit keeping “farm animals” within city limits.

Real Property Management Hampton Roads conducts regular property evaluations, monitoring for resident compliance with animal policies as well as the property’s condition. We make it our concern to protect the value and status of your rental homes and supervise resident relations on your behalf. To learn more about what we have to offer, please contact us online or by phone at (757) 395-4274 today.