Reinstate Backyard Chickens

Deliciously.

2010 Penn State study found that eggs from backyard chickens contain 10% less fat, 34% less cholesterol, 40% more vitamin A, and four times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids compared to commercial eggs. They also have richer, brighter yolks and better taste, offering a healthier option amid rising concerns about toxins in commercial food. Vitamins A, E and fatty acid composition of the eggs of caged hens and pastured hens

No.

Bird flu is primarily spread by wild birds and large commercial flocks. The CDC and NIH confirm the risk of transmission to/from backyard chickens is very low, especially with basic hygiene practices like hand washing after handling birds.

No.

No evidence links backyard chickens to lower property values. Cities like Fort Myers and Bonita Springs report no decline after allowing hens. Well-kept coops can even enhance neighborhood charm.

No.

Hens cluck softly at 60–70 decibels, similar to a normal conversation. They’re quieter than most chirping birds or children playing in the yard, making them ideal for residential areas.

No.

A tidy coop and composted droppings produce no odor. Chicken droppings are dry and manageable, more so than cat or dog waste, making them easy to maintain.

No.

Predators, like raccoons, are already in most areas, drawn to open pet food or trash. Chickens are no more likely to attract rodents than bird feeders or unsecured trash, which are common in neighborhoods. Secured coops and sealed feed bins, standard for any pet owner, keep rodents and predators at bay.

Yes.

Interacting with chickens reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, per multiple studies. Programs, like ‘Coops for Troops’, use backyard chickens to support veterans with PTSD, demonstrating their therapeutic value.
NIH  The Power of Pets

Yes.

Hens are gentle and ideal for kids, as seen in 4H, FFA, Peewees, and school gardens. Simple hand washing after handling ensures safety while kids learn animal care and responsibility.
NIH:  The Power of Pets

In a lot of ways.

Programs like 4H, FFA, and Peewees teach kids responsibility, teamwork, and agricultural skills through raising chickens. These hands-on experiences build confidence and connect youth to their community.

Additionally, children with ADD, ADHD, or anxiety, have been shown to benefit greatly from raising chickens.

Yes.

Chickens recycle kitchen scraps into eggs and compost, reducing waste and supporting ecofriendly living. They’re a fun, low-cost way to contribute to a greener community. 

We, the citizens of Lee County, respectfully urge the Board of County Commissioners to reinstate the right to raise chickens on residential properties, supporting responsible families, individuals, and our local youth in programs like 4H, FFA, and Peewees, who choose to feed themselves and gain valuable agricultural knowledge through the time-honored, harmless, and beneficial practice of backyard poultry keeping. 

Not at all.

Chickens are increasingly recognized as pets, similar to dogs or cats, especially in urban and suburban settings. They require minimal coop space (less than 8 sq ft per bird) and can thrive on small lots, as seen in places like Manhattan or Chesapeake, VA. Unlike commercial farms, backyard flocks involve a few hens for personal use, not large-scale operations.
NIH  The Power of Pets

Education.

The “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) sentiment often stems from misconceptions about chickens. Education and reasonable regulations address concerns while respecting property rights. No one is forced to keep chickens, but others should have the right to do so responsibly. Backyard chickens decrease demand, which benefits everyone, even those who buy store-bought eggs.

It’s about freedom and community.

Allowing backyard chickens supports neighbors’ rights to grow their own food and teach kids responsibility through programs like 4H, FFA, and Peewees. It strengthens local food security without negatively impacting those who opt out. And, who knows, they may just share some eggs with you, on occasion. Backyard chickens decreases overall demand, which benefits everyone, even those who buy store-bought eggs.

It wouldn’t.

Home Owner Associations will still be secure to lawfully adopt rules against BYC, in their community. But, turning the Lee County Code Enforcement Dept. into a county-wide, free HOA is inappropriate. Many families choose to NOT live in an HOA for a reason. Using their tax dollars against them is unconscionable and Un-American.

Yes.

In February 2025, USDA Secretary Rollins announced plans to ease restrictions on homegrown egg production. Backyard chickens are also recognized as a strategy to enhance food security and reduce reliance on commercial flocks vulnerable to bird flu.

Yes.

In fact, since WWI, government encouraged Victory Gardens and Backyard Chickens. It was considered your patriotic duty.

In the 90’s, Lee County took away the God-Given right to survival and sustenance; self-sufficiency.

The City of Cape Coral enacted Code against BYC in 2008. BYC are allowed on R-8 properties, which is large multi-family (complexes). So, apparently you can have them in a complex building, but not a single-family home, with a backyard.

The City of Fort Myers enacted code against BYC in 1985, but has since rescinded it.

Currently, the Cities of Fort Myers and Bonita Springs allow BYC, with no issues.

It varies.

Many urban areas allow hens with a small, secure coop set back slightly from property lines. Chickens need just 4–8 square feet each, in the coop, plus a bit more for an outdoor run – less space than many pets.

Students and families would suffer from government weaponization and unequal application of the code.

The question has been raised, “Why rock the boat? The county is turning a blind eye, for the most part”. As such, some families get targeted, while others are ignored, allowed to continue to keep chickens. Sometimes, it’s not “what you know”, but “who you know”.

Once the county begins widespread code enforcement against BYC, an estimated 80% of 4-H Students will be unable to participate, and face being dropped from the program.

They would find other ‘hobbies’ to occupy their time. Youth crime rates would increase. School grades would decline. Other influences would occupy their thoughts, like “Am I a rooster, or a hen?”

It is justified for a whole host of reasons.

Backyard chickens promote self-sufficiency by providing fresh, nutritious eggs free from pesticides and antibiotics, aligning with the growing public interest in food quality and environmental safety. They support educational opportunities for youth through programs like 4H and FFA, fostering skills like responsibility and animal husbandry. Chickens also reduce food waste by consuming kitchen scraps and naturally control pests, contributing to sustainable living. Many cities, such as Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, permit backyard chickens, with positive outcomes, demonstrating that they can integrate into communities without issues when managed responsibly.