Raising Chickens/Local Regulations

In the UK anyone can keep chickens in their backgarden or smallholding. Noise restrictions mean that cockerels may not be kept in urban areas, and there have been complaints about cockerels in the countryside. Flocks greater than 50 birds must be registered with DEFRA because of the possibility of bird flu. Smaller flocks can be registered, but this is not compulsory. It is generally a good idea to share surplus eggs with the neighbours, so they do not mind if a chicken escapes onto their land. In the US check your town's zoning laws. in Petaluma you can keep up to 6 chickens, no cockerels.