Don’t Fowl Out: The Problematic Trend of Acton 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. While those with acres of land are more foreseeable to own chickens than those populating the urban or suburban scenes, the inclination of city natives possessing chickens is on the rise. As a result, Acton rental homeowners may experience an increase in the number of requests from residents wanting to keep chickens on their properties. But before giving them a reaction, it’s vital to fathom why chickens are so marketable right now and the conceivable problems that breeding poultry in an urban location may bring along.

As rural homeowners can prove, there are tangible upsides to raising chickens on a property. Chickens eat bugs, which seriously cuts the number of insects within a home. They also provide fresh eggs and will abundantly fertilize lawns and other green spaces.

Then again, chickens are renowned for creating chaos, leaving their droppings all over the property. They love to roost on courtyard fittings, leaving a hard-to-clean mess behind. Chickens can also smell dreadful, making disgusting smells that neighbors may note. Those fresh eggs they lay are not only sought-after by individuals, but by snakes, skunks, raccoons, and other pesky critters.

A few other drawbacks when keeping chickens include noise concerns and potential damage to exterior features made of wood. Chickens can be surprisingly loud, and not just the roosters. Hens make an extensive range of noise at all hours, which neighbors may find provoking. Chickens also have a practice of pecking at wood, which can generate problems over time.

Given these problems that come with raising chickens, the troubles distinctly outbalance any conceivable merits. For Acton property landlords, this means that the ruling to preclude 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 Traditions conduct regular property evaluations, monitoring for resident compliance with animal policies as well as the property’s condition. We make it our business to protect the value and circumstance of your rental homes and deal with resident communications on your behalf. To learn more about what we have to provide, please contact us online or by phone at 661-266-1400 today!