Don’t Fowl Out: The Problematic Trend of Glendale 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. Although technically, those who are owners of bigger plots of land are the ones who are usually owners of chickens than those in the urban or suburban setting, there is a growing trend among city dwellers that are catching on to the hype.  As a result, Glendale rental property owners may experience an increase in the number of requests from residents wanting to keep chickens on their properties. However, before telling them no or allowing them to own chickens, it would be best to educate yourself on the pros and cons. It is relatively significant to understand why chickens are so popular and are able to make an informed decision as to whether or not keeping poultry in a residential context is beneficial.

As evidenced by rural homeowners, there are substantial gains to keeping chickens on a property. Chickens eat bugs, which then results in a decreased number of pests in a home. They also provide fresh eggs and will abundantly fertilize lawns and other green spaces.

In contrast, chickens are infamous for making a mess, leaving their droppings all over the place. They love to roost on patio furniture, leaving a mess that is tough to clean. Chickens can also emanate an awful smell, creating unpleasant odors that neighbors may notice. The fresh eggs they lay are not only desirable to people, but also to snakes, skunks, raccoons, and other pesky critters as well.

A few other drawbacks to 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 variety of noises at all hours, which neighbors may find irritating. Chickens also tend to peck at wood, which can create significant damage over time.

And so, with all these concerns that come with keeping chickens and coming to the conclusion that the drawbacks indeed are higher than the potential benefits, Glendale property owners may not have such a hard time banning chickens. 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 Vision handles regular property evaluations, observing for resident compliance with animal policies as well as the property’s condition. We make it our business to protect the value and state of your rental homes and handle resident communications on your behalf. To learn more about what we have to offer, please contact us online or by phone at 818-233-8789 today!