Backyard Chicken Coops

Eggs are a traditional staple of breakfast and brunch, and what better source of local eggs than from your own backyard? By keeping a few chickens, you are taking a small step toward self-sufficiency, sustainability and recycling, witnessing first-hand how feed, grass clippings, bugs, weeds and kitchen scraps can be turned into delicious, nutritious eggs.

Before you get started, the first consideration is whether there are there laws prohibiting you from keeping chickens. If you live in a neighborhood governed by a homeowner’s association, check the bylaws, as these supersede city or county rules. Atlantic and Neptune Beach passed pilot programs in 2017 that allow a limited number of families to keep a backyard flock for a year, while St. Augustine Beach doesn’t permit residents to keep chickens. Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine all have ordinances that allow residents to keep five backyard hens but no roosters. All municipalities in Duval County require you attend a chicken keeping class at the Agricultural Extension Office and apply for a permit. You should review your ordinance language in its entirety before moving forward.

Once you’ve determined you can legally keep chickens, and you have ensured your neighbors are supportive, the next steps are to research the following before getting any birds.