Baltimore County Celebrates One Year with Backyard Chickens

Photos Credit: Bernadette Clark

For Immediate Release

[BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD.,  February 1, 2023] Today marks one year since Bill 113-21 went into effect, ending an over 50-year ban on backyard chicken keeping on lots under one acre in Baltimore County. This accomplishment is due in part to the Backyard Chicken Caucus, who successfully helped to pass this bill in just over a year.

“My children and I have wanted chickens for several years,” said Bernadette Clark, a new backyard chicken owner. “We have waited to see if the county would allow them. Thankfully they did and we are now working to bring four hens home to our house.”

The Clarks are one of many families now able to legally own backyard chickens. With the current rise of egg prices and the increased interest since the pandemic, backyard chicken keeping has increased in popularity, with many interested in chickens as pets and a healthy source of locally raised eggs. 

Bill 113-21 was first introduced by Councilman David Marks, co-sponsored by Chairperson Julian Jones and Councilwoman Cathy Bevins and passed by a 5-2 margin with Councilpersons David Marks, Julian Jones, Cathy Bevins, Izzy Patoka and Tom Quirk voting for the bill and Councilpersons Wade Kach and Todd Crandell against. 

The Backyard Chicken Caucus is currently working to collect data and research to provide any further recommendations to refine the law, if needed, in the future. In addition, their website (backyardchickencaucus.com) provides information about  chicken raising resources and common misconceptions that people may have about chickens such as rodents and the amount of living space chickens actually need. The Backyard Chicken Caucus also plans to continue further education through webinars and workshop classes. 

The Backyard Chicken Caucus is a group of Baltimore County residents, friends, family and allies that came together to advocate for backyard chicken flocks. Their mission is to provide education and resources to backyard chicken owners as well as to the county residents they call their neighbors. They seek to address common misconceptions by providing fact-based information and supporting new chicken owners in safely and responsibly starting a flock. 

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