LYNN HAVEN — The Florida Department of Agriculture’s Jennifer Jennings-Glover calls it sustainable poultry — more people are keeping chickens in the backyards of their suburban homes.
“It used to be just people in rural areas,” said Sandi McQuaig, owner of Sandi’s Farm, Lawn and Garden. “Now it’s young people, middle-class people; it’s unbelievable.”
Johnnie Beshearse has kept chickens at his Lynn Haven home, 811 Louisiana Ave., for two years, a small flock of just nine hens with one accidental rooster — he thought he was buying a hen. He originally wanted the birds for fresh eggs but has gradually grown attached to the farm-yard fowl.
“They’re pretty neat birds,” Beshearse said. “I really didn’t think I’d enjoy seeing them every day as much as I did.”
There wasn’t a problem until four weeks ago, when code enforcement officer Mike Brown happened to drive by on his way to another call and noticed the birds. Brown issued a citation, giving Beshearse seven days to remove the chickens to comply with city code or face a fine. He has moved them to a friend’s house in Hiland Park.
His property includes two 50-square-foot lots and is somewhat secluded, down a dead-end street. He said his two closest neighbors have given their blessing. Beshearse had confined the chickens to his backyard where he has a coup and fenced-in area for the fowl to exercise. He also would clip their wings to hinder any flight attempts.
He said it would be necessary to have at least two birds.
“Chickens are social animals,” Beshearse said.
Last month, Beshearse asked the Lynn Haven City Commission if something could be done. The city has been working on an ordinance that will be discussed at the Oct. 14 meeting. At a workshop meeting Friday, the commission discussed changing city code, instead of a brand new ordinance. They agreed that chickens should be considered a pet and that residents will be limited to five chickens per household, mirroring what is on the books for dogs. With the pet distinction, residents would not be required to notify or ask permission from surrounding neighbors.
“As long as somebody takes care of chickens and they’re not bothering anybody, I’m fine with them,” Mayor Walter Kelley said. “Let’s keep government out of it.”
McQuaig’s store is located in Lynn Haven. She said four chickens — a common base for Florida cities — in the backyard would not hurt anyone. She added that the daily activity of collecting eggs is good for children.
“It’s an everyday Easter egg hunt,” she said.
Callaway had its own chicken controversy in June when one resident complained about the number of chickens a neighbor maintained. That City Commission issued a fowl permit based partly on a previous approval from the upset neighbor.
Beshearse offered that Lynn Haven’s existing nuisance code for noise and smell might be enough to keep chickens at a manageable level. He also has no problem getting rid of his rooster.