Real Property Management Southern Utah

Don’t Fowl Out: The Problematic Trend of Ivins 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. Considering the fact that owners of larger plots of land are expected to own chickens unlike those who live in urban or suburban settings, there has, however, been a recent a surge in the number of city dwellers who own chickens. As a result, Ivins rental homeowners may experience an increase in the number of requests from residents wanting to keep chickens on their properties. However before providing them a reply, it’s important to recognize why chickens are so prevalent right now, and the inherent disadvantages that keeping poultry in a residential environment may bring.

Rural homeowners can attest that there are tangible benefits to keeping chickens on a property. Chickens eat bugs, which results in a reduced number of insects around the home. They also provide fresh eggs and will abundantly fertilize lawns and other green spaces.

Then again, chickens have the nasty habit of making a mess; they tend to leave their droppings everywhere they go. They love to roost on patio furniture, leaving a hard-to-clean mess behind. Chickens can also smell bad, creating unpleasant odors that neighbors may notice. Those fresh eggs they lay are not only striking to humans, but 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 rather loud, and not just the roosters. Hens make a varied assortment of sounds at unruly hours, which neighbors may find exasperating. Chickens also tend to peck at wood, which can create substantial deterioration over time.

Given the problems that come with keeping chickens, the disadvantages clearly overshadow any potential benefits. For Ivins 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 Southern Utah conducts regular property evaluations, monitoring for resident compliance with animal policies as well as the property’s condition. We make it our priority to maintain the value and health of your rental homes and handle resident communications on your behalf. To learn more about what we have to present, please contact us online or by phone at 435-673-4242 today!