With egg prices soaring, more people are considering raising their own backyard chickens. While it can be a rewarding experience, there are some important factors to consider before jumping in. From liability risks to insurance coverage, here’s what you should know before adding a flock to your home.
Understanding Liability Risks
Owning chickens isn’t just about gathering fresh eggs—it also comes with potential legal and financial risks. Chickens can cause injuries by pecking, scratching, or even transmitting diseases.
Imagine this scenario: Your chickens are roaming freely in your backyard when a neighbor’s dog startles them. One of your chickens panics and runs into your neighbor’s yard. As your neighbor tries to guide it back, the chicken scratches them in defense. You assume your homeowner’s insurance will cover any claim, only to find out that your policy doesn’t include coverage for poultry. Worse, your insurance provider may even drop your coverage for not disclosing that you own chickens.
Some insurance companies conduct property checks using satellite imagery. If they detect a coop on your property that you failed to report, you could receive a cancellation notice.
Additionally, it’s crucial to check local laws and ordinances before getting chickens. Many cities and neighborhoods have strict regulations regarding backyard poultry. These rules can often be found online or at your local city hall.
Property Damage Concerns
Another consideration is the damage chickens can cause—to your property and your neighbors’. Chickens are known for escaping their coops, scratching up gardens, and damaging lawns. If your flock wanders onto a neighbor’s property and causes damage, you could be held liable. Without the right insurance, you might be responsible for any legal claims.
On the other hand, standard home insurance policies typically don’t cover losses to your flock or coop. If a storm damages your chicken coop or someone steals your chickens, you may have to cover the losses yourself. Likewise, if someone gets sick from eating eggs you sell, your home insurance policy likely won’t protect you.
If you plan to sell eggs or chickens, your insurer may consider this a small business or hobby farm, which would require separate coverage.
The Risk of Unwanted Visitors
Backyard chickens can be classified as an attractive nuisance—something on your property that draws attention and could lead to injuries. Just like a pool or trampoline, chickens may tempt children or other uninvited guests to enter your yard. If someone trespasses and gets hurt, you could be held liable, even if you had a fence or “No Trespassing” signs posted.
Additionally, chickens can attract wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, or even coyotes, which can put your flock—and potentially you and your neighbors—at risk.
Do Your Research Before Buying
If you’re buying a home and planning to raise chickens, check local laws and zoning regulations before finalizing the purchase. If you’re unsure whether backyard chickens are allowed, consider adding a contingency clause in your home offer. This way, if you find out chickens are prohibited, you can back out of the deal without financial consequences.
Real-Life Example:
In Massachusetts, a homebuyer put down a $97,000 earnest deposit with the intention of keeping chickens on the property. However, a title search revealed that chickens were not allowed. When the deal fell through, the seller sued for the deposit. A judge later ruled in favor of the buyer, allowing them to get their money back—but not all cases end this way.
Consider Hobby Farm Insurance
If you’re serious about raising chickens—especially if you plan to sell eggs or participate in agritourism—you may need hobby farm insurance. This type of policy can offer coverage for:
- Liability protection if someone gets sick from your eggs or is injured by your chickens.
- Financial protection if a disease outbreak, such as avian flu, forces you to cull your flock.
- Business income replacement if you rely on egg sales and suffer unexpected losses.
Talk to an Insurance Professional
Whether you’re thinking about getting chickens or already have a flock, it’s essential to have the right insurance coverage. Before setting up a coop, check local laws and consult your insurance provider to ensure you’re protected from unexpected risks. Taking these steps will help safeguard your investment—and keep your chickens from ruffling any legal feathers.
