HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 04 14 Regular 501 - Additional documents Submitted by Commissioner BakerWinter Springs Backyard Hen Program
FAQ's
Paragraph stating when the commission motioned to adopt the change for a permanent
chicken program within the city of Winter Springs, citing Ordinance #, notch a ngingthe
existing Agricultural or Rura- Residential zoning.
Additional Questions: Call
Who can have chickens in the city of Winter Springs?
If you live in a single-family home and meet all the other conditions of city ordinance, you
can participate in the Backyard Hen Program. Additional restrictions may be placed by
HOA's.
What are the requirements for participation in the Backyard Hen Program?
Everyone within the city limits must complete a class at the University of Florida
Agricultural Extension Service (UF/IFAS) on the care and raising of chickens.
UF/IFAS Extension Classes:
• Keeping Backyard Chickens: This self -paced course covers topics like breed
selection, housing, egg care, and more. It offers a certificate of completion.
• Backyard Urban Chicken Class: This course is designed for those interested in
raising chickens in an urban environment.
• https://www.eventbrite.com/d/fl--winter-springs/chickens/
Can I keep roosters with this program?
No, roosters are limited to Agricultural and Rural -Residential property designations only.
How many chickens may I keep with this program?
The number of chickens a homeowner may keep is based on a scale of property size:
• Up to .5 acres-4 hens
• .51 to 1 acres — 6 hens
o to 2 acres —12 hens
• More than 2 acres — 20 hens (max allowed)
What are the chicken housing requirements?
• Each chicken needs at least sq feet of space insecure, predator proof housing to
sleep.
• The chicken coop shall be covered, ventilated, secured from predators, and
adequately grounded or strapped for hurricanes.
• Coops should be located in the backyard except in the case of through lots.
• The coop should be screened from view from the neighboring property by opaque
fence or visual barrier.
• Coops greater than 150 sq. feet will require a building permit.
• Coops must not exceed 8 feet in height.
Can I let my hens free-range?
Chickens are at risk for disease and predators when not safely secure or have the
protection of a rooster. Your hens should not be allowed to free-range unsupervised for
extended periods of time if you don't have a 6-foot fence and predator precautions. Hens
should not be permitted to roam into neighbor's yards.
What are the chicken run requirements?
• Each chicken needs at least 10 sq feet of space in a secure, predator proof
enclosure.
• Any gap an inch or larger can allow predators in. Hardware cloth* is one of the best
materials and should be used around the entire enclosure including into the ground
for digging predators. *In the case of bears, hardware cloth may not be enough
protection.
• Covered for shade and disease prevention from local wildlife.
• Strapped or secured in the ground to withstand hurricane level winds.
Tips on backyard chicken keeping:
Housing
Cleanliness/Proper Disposal
Smell
Health
Bedding
Pest Control
Feed and Nutrition
Predators
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