FAQs

What happened the last time you proposed backyard chickens to the City of Macomb?

What happened the last time you proposed backyard chickens to the City of Macomb?

In July 2023, we presented a draft ordinance to the Macomb City Council after months of collaboration with the city’s Planning Commission. Despite strong public support—including dozens of public comments, letters, and attendance at meetings—the ordinance was voted down by a narrow margin of 4–3.

Leading up to that vote, our group:

• Attended numerous City Council and Planning Commission meetings

• Met privately with city staff and council members

• Conducted neighborhood canvassing and community surveys

• Built this website to educate the public

• Engaged with local media to raise awareness

Although the ordinance was not approved at that time, we regrouped and are continuing our efforts, especially now that there are new aldermen on the council. We remain committed to bringing a sensible, well-regulated chicken licensure ordinance back for consideration—and we need your help to make that happen.

Do backyard/urban chickens carry diseases?

A lot of people think urban chickens are linked to salmonella and avian flu, but this simply isn’t true. Large multi-million factory farms house birds in tight, unsanitary living conditions and are who you can look to blame for the prevalence of these two diseases.  Small flocks have virtually zero risk of spreading avian flu to humans. In fact, directly on the Centers for Disease Control website it states that: “There is no need at present to remove a family flock of chickens because of concerns regarding avian flu.” While there are some cases of salmonella linked to urban chickens, they are usually due to uncleanliness or failure to properly clean eggs before use. 

What about Avian Flu?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) "Domesticated birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.) may become infected with avian influenza A viruses through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the viruses." (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm). 

The key to protecting your flock is to keep germs away through disinfecting, washing hands, isolating new birds, limiting visitors, keeping wild water fowl and rodents out of your coops through proper construction, and securing food bins, according to the USA. A complete protection plan is available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/bro-protect-poultry-from-ai.pdf. 

What about Histoplasmosis?

According to the CDC, "Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by a fungus called Histoplasma. The fungus lives in the environment, particularly in soil that contains large amounts of bird or bat droppings. In the United States, Histoplasma mainly lives in the central and eastern states, especially areas around the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. People can get histoplasmosis after breathing in the microscopic fungal spores from the air. Although most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick, those who do may have a fever, cough, and fatigue. Many people who get histoplasmosis will get better on their own without medication, but in some people, such as those who have weakened immune systems, the infection can become severe." (https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/histoplasmosis/index.html)

• In the United States, an estimated 60% to 90% of people who live in areas surrounding the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys (where Histoplasma is common in the environment) have been exposed to the fungus at some point during their lifetime.

• Those at highest risk of having a severe form of histoplasmosis include people who have weakened immune systems, infants, and adults aged 55 and older. 

• Histoplasmosis is not contagious

Are chickens noisy?

While roosters can certainly make a lot of noise in the morning (they have the same decibel level of a barking dog!), hens are nowhere near as much of a nuisance. Even at their loudest, laying hens only have the same decibel level (60-70 decibels) that is generally experienced in a human conversation. As they aren’t particularly loud animals, many chicken owners have kept their flock for years with their neighbors never even noticing!

• Barking Dog at 1 yard: 70-100 dB

• Lawnmower at  1 yard: 107 dB

• Laying Hens at 1 yard: 65 dB (less when not laying)

Do chickens create a lot of waste and odor?

Did you know that a 40-pound dog produces more waste per day (around ¾ pounds) than 10 chickens (⅔ pounds)? While both dog and chicken poop is rather unpleasant in smell, chicken manure does have benefits. If you compost chicken manure, it eventually becomes a high-nitrogen fertilizer that is excellent for growing plants and crops.

Do chickens attract predators, pests, and rodents?

Urban areas are already full of pesky rodents, predators, and pests. A family flock of chickens alone will not increase these numbers. But left out garbage, wild bird feeders, fish ponds, gardens, and pet food certainly will attract the likes of foxes, raccoons, rodents, and flies. Modern chicken tractors, micro-flock coops or elevated coops, as well as chicken fencing all help repel nuisances like pests and rodents.

Chickens can actually help reduce the number of pests! They naturally seek out fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, stink bugs, grasshoppers, and even slugs to feast on. They’ve also been known to eat mice, small snakes, and baby rats.

Do chickens reduce property values?

Another big misconception regarding chickens is that they decrease property values. Well, in Forbes Magazine’s “Most Desirable Cities”, 7 out of 10 cities featured allow backyard chickens. Furthermore, there hasn’t ever been a documented case of a home suddenly decreasing in value due to a family flock living next door. Some realtors and home sellers even offer free coops with every property sale. So, that’s a myth that is well and truly debunked!

Aren't backyard coops ugly?

Although you might not believe it, coop designs can be incredibly charming and stylish. They can all be constructed in ways that make them blend in with the local architecture and color scheme. You could also plant flowers, shrubs, and/or install attractive fencing around your coop to make it look more homely and aesthetically pleasing.

Do chickens require a lot of land?

No, chickens do not need a lot of land to be happy. Even large cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City allow chickens and you can often seen small coops on balconies! 

Will the chickens be safe?

According to the guidelines of the proposed ordinance, the chickens should be completely safe from predators and disease! Because of coop size, flock size, and fencing, very little opportunities will be available for predators to harm the chickens or disease to take over the flock. The safety of the flock and the community were very important in the creation of this ordinance.

What other cities in Illinois allow backyard/urban chickens?

There are many cities of different sizes that already allow backyard and urban chickens! Nearby, cities like Pekin, Galesburg, and Quincy allow chickens. Many larger cities also already allow chickens, including Chicago, Decatur, Carbondale, Naperville, St. Charles, Downer's Grove, Oak Park, Batavia, and Bloomington. There are many other in addition to this list, as well as many others that are fighting for their right to own chickens. 

What if I live in a Homeowners Association (HOA) subdivision that prohibits chickens?

Should the proposed city ordinance pass, the HOA would still have the last say. If an HOA currently prohibits chickens,  you would still not be able to own chickens unless your HOA changes it's bylaws. 

Would I be able to get backyard chickens if I rent?

No.

Is there a local veterinarian able to accommodate sick chickens?

Huston Vet Services in Roseville, IL will see chickens. However, most chicken health issues can be addressed by the owner. Keeping a clean coop, a safe coop, and making sure the chickens do not get too hot or too cold during extreme weather will ensure a healthy flock. There is a weath of informative books and websites available to help owners address other medical concerns that may arise. A vet would only be needed in urgent  situations.

How many complaints of illegal backyard chickens have there been in Macomb?

According to John Bannon on July 10, 2023 at the Macomb City Council meeting; he has only had two complaints of illegal backyard chickens in the last two years. 

There are others in Macomb that already have chickens, but there have not been complaints because most likely their neighbors are not even aware they have chickens due to their quiet nature and lack of odor when properly maintained. Complaints come when the chickens are not properly cared for, which is why a good city ordinance will go far in ensuring proper chicken care.

What this ordinance will not do is prevent people from keeping chickens poorly when they already have no intention of going through the proper city channels to own chickens. The law abiding citizens who want to keep chickens in a safe and healthy manner should not be punished for the actions of those who do not care.