Chickens come home to roost in backyards
Michael Hughes shook a bag of dried meal worms, then crouched to reveal several worms in his right hand.
Immediately, three pair of feet scurried over the grass to him, excitedly awaiting to peck the treats out of his hand.
This is Hughes’ daily routine after a long day at work: being greeted by three hens — one brown, one black and one speckled — in his backyard.
But the scene isn’t playing out in rural Ohio. It’s in Bexley.
“The black one is my favorite. She’s the nicest,” Hughes said. “Even my neighbor’s kids will come over to play with them.”
Scores of city dwellers around central Ohio live
on properties where they aren’t the only ones who rule the roost. City chickens have become popular pets around the area.
Bexley amended a law in 2010 for residents to be able to own up to five chickens in their backyard, and by 2016 nearly 20 residents were taking advantage of the change.
Columbus handed out more than 60 licenses for farm animals in 2017 and 2018, according to City Veterinarian Aaron Messer.
Brandy James, co-owner of City Folk’s Farm Shop, said she has seen an increase in chicken owners in the city, especially in Clintonville, where her shop is located.
“A lot of new people want to own chickens and learn more about them,” James said. “They are very easy to keep.”
City Folk’s Farm Shop offers resources and supplies for people in the city interested in farming. The shop runs a three-week “City Chicken Boot Camp” to teach people about chickens and how to care for them in the city. The next one is scheduled for Sept. 10.
That said, not all communities are willing to host hens. Suburbs such as Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Grandview Heights and Hilliard all currently prohibit backyard chickens.
Hughes, 44, a lawyer, said he never imagined owning chickens until his sister in Indiana acquired too many for her to keep and asked him if he wanted to take one. Fortunately, he said, they have proven to be lowmaintenance pets: While he is at work, his chickens run around the backyard, where they forage for food. His neighbor’s kids check up on them.
“Chickens pretty much take care of themselves,” he said. “They don’t demand attention.”
At night, the chickens know to head into their coop, which Hughes locks to keep them safe from predators.
“It is worth every bit of effort, and having three chickens is a perfect amount,” Hughes said. “Plus, I get free eggs out of it.”
Bexley requires that residents acquire a one-time permit before owning chickens; once the pets are onsite, a city animal-control officer must conduct an inspection within 90 days. The chickens must have a coop shielded from the street and in good repair. Roosters are prohibited.
Although selling eggs is not permitted, Hughes gives them away to his neighbors.
The current set of chickens is the third that Hughes has owned. The first two were killed by predators, so Hughes became more cautious about the chickens’ environment. It also led to other changes.
“I stopped naming them because I felt like I was cursing them,” Hughes said.
In Clintonville, Kristen Marra Marek and her daughter, Ginger, can be found handling their daily chicken chores every morning at 7. The 52-year-old’s backyard has a walk-in coop containing eight hens. (Her four goats are kept elsewhere — in a fenced patiolike area as required by law, with a mini-barn perfect for sleeping.)
Ginger, who loves animals, was interested in owning chickens after doing a poultry project for her 4-H Club. The animals serve as a learning opportunity for the 15-year-old on how to handle chickens.
“I like it, but it is a lot,” Ginger said.
Between balancing her business, Paper Moon Art Studio in Clintonville, and caring for her animals, Marek said she sticks to a strict schedule to make sure the chickens and goats are well-fed and live in a clean environment.
“It is really important to be consistent and be here,” Marek said.
As in Bexley and other communities, Columbus city health-code regulations forbid roosters. Chickens require a permit that must be renewed every four years plus an onsite inspection. The coop size determines how many hens a resident can own. (Marek was grandfathered in under previous regulations that allow her to own up to 10 chickens.)
In 2018, the Columbus 311 call center reported
111 farm-animal complaints that have ranged from noise and animals roaming into other residents’ yards to unsanitary conditions. Marek said she has not heard any complaints from neighbors about her chickens.
Although the time commitment is significant, Marek said it’s worthwhile because she knows where her food is coming from. Marek makes milk, ice cream, cheese and more from the eggs and milk her various animals produce.
“It feels empowering to be able to know where and how I am getting my fresh food,” she said. “I think that’s the best part about doing all of this.”