"Exotic" Chicken Breeds?

[artgecko]

Hello all, I am buying a house soon in my hometown of Columbus, GA. Up until recently, I had given up all hope of ever owning chickens because of our local livestock ordinance. However, recently I came across this forum post which pointed out an odd loophole in the law... Our lot will only be .25 acre, well under the 2 acre minimum for normal chickens, but "exotic" chickens and other "pet" exotic birds are allowed without any of the provisions of the livestock law. So what do you think? Which breeds could I claim (justifiably) are "exotic" pets, but would have decent temperaments and be good layers? I know I could probably sneak by with normal chickens (I've always wanted some barred rocks) but on the odd chance that the neighbors report me, I'd like to claim them as exotic birds and thus not be technically breaking the law.

Thank you for your advice and time!

*edit* I just reread the code... it does except "exotic chickens, ducks, or geeks 6 weeks old" which I'm thinking should say "6 weeks old or younger", so I'm assuming that it is illegal to keep them older than that. *sigh* Sorry for wasting your time guys, looks like all chickens are illegal here on lots smaller than 2 acres (If I'm reading the law correctly).

 

[Michael OShay]

Does you local ordinance define "exotic"? If exotic simply means "rare and unusual" there are a number of breeds that fit into that catagory. Also, keep in mind, that "rare and unusual" in some areas may not be "rare and unusual" in other areas. More information might help here.

 

[EastTXChickens]

Heratige Poultry ought to fit the bill as exotic birds. I'm sure lawyers would have a good time debating just what is an exotic pet bird, but it's loose enough that rare chickens should be okay, least that's how I view it. A well maintained coop and run or yard with some of the more easy going chickens may keep the hair splitting of what qualifies at bay, should a challenge occur. Maybe you can just ask the city secretary.

Google heratige poultry and you'll have breeds and breeders from which to choose. BYC addresses the subject of urban chickens and ordinances.

P Allen Smith's Poultry Conservatory site has lots and lots of good info on the subject of rare (exotic) chickens.

Have fun and good luck.