CIRCLEVILLE, OH — As egg prices continue to scramble household budgets, more Americans are flocking to a creative — and feathery — solution: backyard chickens. According to the latest data from the American Pet Products Association, 11 million U.S. households now keep backyard chickens, with 8 million considering them full-fledged family pets.
In Circleville, keeping your own chickens is perfectly legal, thanks to Codified Ordinance Section 505.15, which permits city residents to raise poultry within the city limits. As food costs rise, locals are finding that hens offer more than just fresh breakfast fare.
“Not only do we get our own eggs, but my kids are learning where their food comes from and how to care for animals,” said one Circleville resident, who recently added a coop to her backyard. “It’s been a win all around.”
Chickens aren’t just about eggs — though they produce an impressive 250 to 300 eggs per year on average, especially in the warmer months. Their manure makes great garden compost, and many families say caring for chickens gives children a healthy dose of responsibility.
Backyard coops vary in price and setup, with some residents investing a few hundred dollars and others opting for larger or custom builds. And for those not ready to commit, rent-a-chicken services are growing in popularity across the country, offering a trial run of poultry parenting.
With Circleville laws on their side and egg prices pushing more households to think outside the carton, chickens may soon rival dogs and cats as the city’s most beloved backyard companions.
