Sun 1 Feb 2009
Homeowners Association Notice – No Farm Animals!
Posted by RichSlick under Observations
[5] Comments
Things must be starting to get really weird across America. I received a letter from the HOA that explicitly stated that home owners were not to raise animals of any kind on residential property in the neighborhood.
I’m guessing someone somewhere is raising chickens or maybe pigs or maybe even puppies to sell on the side. I actually haven’t seen anyone in the neighborhood violating these association rules but it must be happening if the HOA is sending letters out stating that no farm animals are to be raised.
I guess animal husbandry is now the new rage. I can’t blame people but I wonder if raising chickens and having them produce eggs is really cheaper than simply buying them at the grocery store. Incidentally, I went grocery shopping for a few essentials and saw a $0.50 coupon tapered to egg boxes so I picked up one and took advantage of the “sale” today. I picked up a dozen eggs for less than $2.00. I wonder how much money it costs to feed chickens to produce eggs? What is the cost/yield ratio? Anyone?
February 1st, 2009 at 11:06 am
The cost/yield can’t be worse than having a dog or a cat. I would think a goat would be more fun than a bunch of chickens, with the obvious benefit of goat’s milk (if you get the right type of goat, as in Female vs. Male).
February 1st, 2009 at 11:10 am
I think people are considering raising chickens because they are afraid that the shelves will be empty, not because of any perceived cost savings.
February 6th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I have 3 hens. They produce approx. 1 egg per day each. A 25 lb. bag of feed costs $7. They also eat anything except meat. (they love pasta).
Plus the eggs are significantly better–even against “organic” eggs. Also, hens are quiet, need minimal space, and are pretty cool. Go to google images and see the wide variety.
February 6th, 2009 at 8:13 am
I forgot–the feed lasts about 2 months.
February 10th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Bees are also considered livestock and have to be registered in VA. That’s why my old boss kept his at a friend’s place in MD instead of at his townhome (w/HOA) in VA.
I’ve seen random chickens in Seattle. Apparently it’s legal to keep them there as long as you don’t have a rooster.
Some folks keep lambs as pets or those ugly potbellied pigs.
Let me see if I can get another PFBlogger to weigh in who keeps chickens at her rural home.