Are chickens domestic pets

[TyCyw]

I started reading this forum and found that the same problem exists in several countries; people are prevented from having chickens as garden (or backyard) pets by outdated laws or legal documents. Here in the UK we have the same problem. Many householders when buying their property sign their contracts not understanding the legal implications of the statements, or more exactly, the interpretation of the documents by different people.

We have a paragraph in our household contract that states; "Not to keep upon the Property any animals or birds except for dogs cats and indoor caged birds and animals usually kept as domestic pets and not to breed any such domestic pets."

Thus, if chickens are classed as 'domestic pets" it should be acceptable to have them in our garden. Here in the UK several thousand households have a few chickens as pets, each with their own name, and treated in a similar manner as cats and dogs. However many house owners are prevented from having chickens by outdated laws which do not consider chickens as domestic pets. Chicken owners do consider them as pets of course, and enjoy the pleasure that chickens can bring, with the added bonus of a fresh supply of free range eggs too!!

If you agree that chickens should be classed as 'domestic pets' please sign in and 'like' our facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-o...Get-our-Chickens-Back/196271817112559?sk=info

Thank you, and lets change the status of these wonderful birds.

 

[OwlLover]

Yeah! They're not a tiger or a snake, so consider them domesticated!

 

[flspnr]

In the place I lived where I first got my chickens, the only restriction on pets was "no farm animals." We kept them in the house when we first got them (Actually, until we moved so there were no problems). I always meant to ask if they would count chickens as domestic animals or farm animals when we were leaving, but I forgot. My thing is, I consider farm animals those animals that are there for a purpose. Chickens lay eggs, cows give milk, etc. etc. I consider domestic animals as those which are pets, named, played with, members of the family. So, personally, I consider my chickens domestic animals. Yes, I want the eggs they will lay, but at the same time, I consider them my pets. I just wish that the laws would see them the same way! Here, I think I'm technically still not supposed to have them, but I'm lucky that where I'm at doesn't care.

I will definitly check out what is in the papers when I do buy a house, thanks for the advice there, it definitly applies in the UK, US, and everywhere else!

 

[TyCyw]

Thank you for your comments. Yes chickens don't bite like some other pets, and they don't make a loud noise either. Or were we just lucky?

It seems that the legal system needs updating in lots of countries around the world. We only had two Miss Pepperpots (cross between a Rhode Island Red & Plymouth Rock) and the neighbours complained.

 

[NovaAman]

Mine are pets. If I couldn't have them outside, I would have them in. Be like the OLD OLD OLD days where chickens and other livestock lived in the house... Only, it'd be in the garage... LOL

 

[the duck whisperer]

In my opinion they are domestic livestock. they are like cows. I don't really care what they're used for.
you don't see wild chickens running about. Nor cows.
Ducks and horses are different. there are wild ducks and wild horses, as well as domestics. My opinion, hope i helped

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Chickens are generally considered domesticated, although there are places where wild (or feral) chickens are common, and parts of the world where jungle fowl are still wild.

As to whether they are pets or not, well, sometimes and sometimes not. It depends on the purpose for which you have them and your relationship with them. Theoretically any animal can be a pet. Practicaly, some make better pets than others. I'd much rather have a pet chicken than a pet snake.

 

[neVar]

I think the big question is wether they are 'livestock' or household pets. I think most agree on the whole that they are domesticated

 

[mountanaman]

Clearly they are domesticated.

Whether they are "pets" or not depends on the definition. Many chicken owners would consider them pets, but many municipalities might not.

Here is the definition from my County Code:
PET: A domesticated animal (which may include, but not to be limited to, a dog, cat, miniature pig, etc.), customarily kept for pleasure and which typically spends a majority of its time in a dwelling unit. The term shall not include animals which are kept for agricultural or utility purposes, (except for 4-H projects which shall be governed by the district requirements), "dangerous animals", as defined herein, and horses (which shall be governed by the district requirements). Small birds, fish and reptiles shall be deemed to be pets but shall not be counted against the total number of pets allowed on a residential lot. The director or his or her designee shall determine what specific animals, exotic or otherwise, do or do not qualify as pets.

So, it comes down to the discretion of the Director. I'm not confident they would find in our favor, since chickens do not "typically spend the majority of time in a dwelling unit" (dwelling unit = house/apartment).

 

[SilkieBantams]

Yes they are a domesticated animal.