- July 12, 2025
Dear Editor:
Our City Council is considering allowing backyard chickens (no roosters) and chicken coops in Palm Coast residential neighborhoods. There are a myriad of reasons why this is an ill-conceived notion unless you just really love chickens.
There is the likelihood of a predator parade of Florida’s fowl-loving foxes, raccoons, coyotes, hawks, snakes and even dogs and cats. Chicken droppings, especially when wet, stinks, and flies like it. The cage and nesting material can harbor fleas. And rats and mice like chicken feed. The CDC notes the risk of salmonella and campylobacter in the droppings, especially important for children under 5 years old.
Then you have to consider the upfront costs associated with building a coop and its on-going maintenance, the chicken feed, the nesting material, cleaning supplies, the possibility of a veterinary bill, a permit fee … and if you don't already have one, per the rules, you have to fence in your yard.
Given that one hen, if you’re lucky, will produce one egg per day and since a limit of only four hens is allowed, will those maximum four daily eggs feed your family? Overall, when you put a pencil to it, and toss in the time spent maintaining your little chicken farm, there is little if any benefit. Eggs are now selling for around $3 a dozen and they can even be delivered.
There are a couple of other considerations. Are your neighbors going to be OK with what you are doing? Neighborhood harmony is a big deal. And, it’s not unreasonable to expect that a hurricane could substantially relocate your poor chickens and their rather flimsy coop to parts unknown. But, heck, with some foresight, you might be able to save your hens and house them in your guest bedroom for a month or two until you can rebuild their coop.
The city actually considering this is surprising and seems lacking in downside research and realities. The council apparently is catering to a few in our town that might be interested in a backyard chicken farm. And those few that think it might be nifty, fun and cost saving may be in for a “brood” awakening.
Bob Gordon
Palm Coast
Editor's note: Palm Coast has launched a Permit Portal for a Backyard Chicken Pilot Program. The City Council recently reached consensus to begin the program which will allow for a maximum of 50 permits that will be valid for two years. Permits will cost $50. Applicants must live in a single-family home that is not part of an HOA and must first complete a Care and Raising Chickens educational course. After two years, the City Council will review the data and findings of the pilot program.
