With egg prices continuing to climb across North Carolina, many residents are considering a solution that’s both practical and rewarding: backyard chickens. Not only can raising your own chickens provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, but it can also become an enjoyable hobby with potential cost savings. Before you rush to your local farm supply store, however, there are important considerations to ensure your chicken-keeping adventure is legal, neighbor-friendly, and truly economical.
The Economics: Can Chickens Really Save You Money?
Initial Costs to Consider
Chicken coop: $200-$1,000+ depending on size and whether you build or buy
Feeder and waterer: $20-$50
Chicks: $3-$10 each for standard breeds
Feed startup: $25-$50
Bedding materials: $20-$30
Permits: Varies by municipality, typically $25-$100 where required
Ongoing Expenses
Feed: About $15-$25 per month for 4-6 chickens
Bedding: Approximately $10-$15 monthly
Healthcare: Occasional costs for preventive care or treatments
Permit renewals: Where applicable
Potential Savings
A healthy hen typically lays 200-300 eggs per year, primarily during spring through fall. With a small flock of 4-6 hens, you could collect 800-1,800 eggs annually.
With current egg prices ranging from $4-$7 per dozen in North Carolina, your annual egg value could be $266-$1,050, depending on production and local prices.
Most backyard chicken keepers find they break even after 1-2 years, with subsequent years providing net savings—not to mention eggs of superior freshness and quality.
Before You Begin: Three Essential Approvals
Before purchasing any chickens, you must check with:
Your local government: Municipal and county regulations vary widely across North Carolina
Your landlord: If you rent, explicit written permission is required
Your HOA: Many homeowners associations restrict or prohibit chickens
Failure to secure all applicable approvals could result in fines, being forced to rehome your chickens, or even potential eviction for renters.
Know Your Local Laws: North Carolina Regulations
Regulations for keeping backyard chickens in North Carolina vary significantly depending on where you live. Here are general patterns to be aware of:
Common Regulations Across North Carolina Municipalities
Hen-only policies: Most cities and towns prohibit roosters due to noise concerns
Flock size limits: Typically between 4-10 hens, depending on location
Coop requirements: Most ordinances require secure, properly maintained structures
Setback requirements: Coops often must be positioned a minimum distance from property lines
Permits: Many municipalities require permits, often with annual renewal
Neighbor consent: Some locations require written permission from adjacent neighbors
No commercial sales: Many jurisdictions prohibit selling eggs from backyard flocks
Major Cities
Charlotte: Allows backyard chickens with specific coop and distance requirements
Raleigh: Permits chickens with restrictions on flock size and coop placement
Greensboro: Allows limited numbers of hens with proper permitting
Winston-Salem: Has regulations for keeping backyard chickens; contact city officials for current ordinances
Durham: Permits backyard chickens with specific regulations
Wilmington: Has specific ordinances regarding backyard chickens; check with city planning department
Important: Always check with your specific city or county planning department for current, detailed regulations. Rules can change, and enforcement varies by location.
Renting With Chickens: Special Considerations
If you’re a renter looking to keep chickens:
Review your lease carefully: Many explicitly prohibit livestock or poultry
Get written permission: Even if your lease doesn’t mention animals, get explicit written approval
Offer assurances: Consider offering an additional deposit specifically for the chickens
Present a plan: Show your landlord detailed plans for housing and maintaining the birds
Know the hierarchy: Landlord permission doesn’t override municipal regulations or HOA rules
Read a 2025 Industry Leading Renter Survey
Did you know that a washer and dryer are the third most requested amenity by non-luxury renters?
Understanding renters’ preferences is key to maximizing property value and tenant retention. This much anticipated annual report from Buildium – RealPage outlines what pays and what doesn’t. Offering amenities that tenants value most not only attracts new renters but also encourages them to stay longer, especially when they feel the added value aligns with what they are willing to pay for their living experience.
Thinking of Switching Property Management Companies?
Don’t let the unpleasant task of working with your current manager to close out your account hold you back, we’ll do it all. Just notify them once in writing, and we’ll do the rest
Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding way to offset rising egg prices while connecting more deeply with your food source. By carefully researching regulations, securing necessary approvals, and approaching chicken keeping with a practical mindset, many North Carolina residents find that a small backyard flock provides an excellent return on investment—both financially and in quality of life.
Remember to contact your local municipality directly for the most current regulations before making any investments in your backyard flock.
Born and raised in Western North Carolina, Hayli brings creative flair, marketing expertise, and a keen eye for detail to every project. Her passion for connecting with people and dedication to quality make her an enthusiastic and valuable contributor.
The housing market in Wake County just became a lot more transparent. Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer comparing neighborhoods, a real estate professional tracking market trends, or a community leader making data-driven decisions, Wake County’s brand-new interactive housing dashboard will become your most valuable tool. Real-Time Data at Your Fingertips Launched this week in partnership…
For 2025 things have moved decisively to the benefit of renters across most of the country. Particularly in the sunbelt markets that we cover in NC and SC. The most desireable and rare properties, especially houses and homes with fences, garages, and outside storage are still doing pretty well. For a lot of other homes,…
The Weak Property Management Company’s Sleight of Hand: Focusing on Cost to Distract From Poor Performance In the world of property management, there is one surefire way mediocre firms attempt to distract owners and investors: by incessantly highlighting the costs of their services. This tactic represents a classic “look over here” sleight of hand to…
MoveZen. is excited to now close the gap between real estate agents and property managers, making both jobs a little easier, with more support for one another. We realize that most real estate agents consider three major issues when weighing a client referral, and feel all will agree we provide phenomenal results for all three. 1….
Cap Rate, or Capitalization Rate, What to Know Cap Rate, or capitalization rate, is a metric used to determine the potential return on investment for a rental property. It’s a common tool used by investors and landlords to assess rental property profitability and compare investment options. The cap rate is calculated by dividing a property’s…
Every landlord on the planet knows the benefits of requiring a tenant to pay a security deposit when they sign a lease agreement. Though that is common knowledge, there are a few facts about security deposits that many landlords know little about. For example, are you collecting? Have you placed your deposits in a trust…
