A quiet revolution is occurring in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods as residents challenge city ordinances and emphasize the many benefits of urban chicken keeping. Despite a long-standing law prohibiting chickens within city limits, many residents have taken matters into their own hands, attracted by the prospects of education, self-sufficiency, and a love for chickens.
Jillian Gonzalez, the president of Philadelphia Backyard Chickens, is at the forefront of this movement. Together with fellow chicken enthusiasts, she is advocating for a change in the city’s laws to allow urban dwellers to keep hens legally.
For Dana, a Chestnut Hill resident and educator, chickens transformed into an unexpected project during the pandemic of 2020. When she ordered four chicks delivered via U.S. Mail — a fun fact being that one can still ship live animals — she had a significant goal in mind: education.
Dana explained how she and her family created their youngest daughter’s pre-K egg hatching unit at home to provide a hands-on learning experience. They built a coop and run, and after initially starting with four chicks, their flock grew to five, then back to four after a fox incident. Now, years later, they enjoy fresh eggs from their cherished hens: Snowflake, Starlight, Eliza, and Ruby Rose.
Despite being aware of the city’s legal restrictions on chicken keeping, Dana and her husband made an informed choice to move forward. They believed that, as long as neighbors were not complaining, the city’s Licenses and Inspections would typically not take action. With strong support from neighbors who have even assisted in fixing their coop, Dana and her family felt the benefits outweighed the risks.
Jillian Gonzalez mirrors this experience as an experienced chicken keeper herself. With six hens named Scarlet, Florence, Stella, Autumn, Pearl, and Betsy, she became actively involved in the Philadelphia Backyard Chickens group after her own journey toward organic living began in 2018. Gonzalez collaborated with the group’s founder, Maureen Breen, to pursue the legalization of chicken keeping in the city.
Like Dana, Gonzalez informed her neighbors before acquiring her chickens, noting the positive rapport she’s built over 25 years living on her block. Local children frequently visit to interact with her hens, collect eggs, and learn about their care.
Their advocacy efforts led to the introduction of two bills aimed at legalizing backyard chickens in the city: one in 2019 by then-Councilmember Bobby Henan and another in 2022 by Curtis Jones Jr. Unfortunately, both bills failed to pass. The existing ban on chickens dates back to June 2004, prompted by neighbor complaints regarding noise and odor associated with livestock.
During the 2004 hearing, it was noted by Councilman Brian J. O’Neill that many urban centers across the country imposed similar restrictions. However, studies have shown that many American cities, including those surrounding Philadelphia, have more lenient policies regarding chicken ownership.
Advocates for chicken legalization emphasize fair treatment for responsible owners and highlight that chickens tend to be quieter than dogs and present fewer cleanliness issues. Gonzales pointed out that chicken waste can enhance soil quality in gardens, thus showcasing the ecological benefits of keeping chickens. She criticized the irony that while one could legally keep a horse in the city, chickens are illegal because of fear of noise and odor.
Dana shared her views, arguing that the city has more pressing issues to focus on than regulating chickens. The push for legalization constitutes a response to high grocery prices as well, as many urban chicken owners find value in having direct access to fresh eggs.
Research from sources like Hen House outlines the regulations surrounding chicken keeping in counties neighboring Philadelphia, where specific parameters regarding lot sizes, chicken counts, and rooster ownership are defined. Notably, hens produce eggs without the need for a rooster, and concerns primarily center on rooster noise.
Councilmember Mark Squilla expressed support for a bill allowing backyard chickens under certain regulations, including limiting the number of hens and banning roosters. He stated he is not aware of any currently introduced legislation regarding the issue.
Numerous participants in the Philadelphia Backyard Chickens Facebook group, boasting over 3,500 members, find it to be a vital resource for sharing knowledge and experiences. New membership requests arise daily, with many aspiring chicken owners anticipating the legalization that might allow them to participate without fear of neighbor complaints.
Both Dana and Gonzalez underscore the educational benefits that come with raising chickens, especially for children. Dana remarked that her daughters gained hands-on knowledge regarding nature and mechanics, such as carpentry by building the coop.
Gonzalez emphasized that caring for animals connects children to their food sources and instills a sense of responsibility. She suggested that firsthand experiences with animals contribute to a reduced tendency for wastefulness.
In a city that often feels disconnected from food production, the experiences derived from chicken keeping offer invaluable lessons on sustainability and self-sufficiency.
As the ongoing effort to legalize backyard chickens in Philadelphia continues, the movement transcends mere ownership of pets. It fosters community, encourages sustainable practices, and provides educational opportunities. Gonzalez summarized the sentiments of the group, highlighting the joy chicken keeping can bring to families and neighborhoods.
Currently, there is hope that the Philadelphia City Council will recognize these benefits and take action toward allowing chickens to live legally in the city’s neighborhoods.
In a light-hearted remark, it was noted that no chickens were available for comment on the matter.
image source from：chestnuthilllocal
