Pros/Cons of Chickens in Portland

Do you live in Portland? Have you thought about getting chickens? Do you have some extra space in your backyard and like to eat eggs? If you’re like me, then all of these apply and this blog post is for YOU! Let’s learn about chickens together, shall we?

Hi. My name is Erin, and I grew up on the Southern Oregon Coast. My family had land and over time, we had what some might refer to as a farm. At one point, we had dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, chickens, and horses! I think my parents were fond of the “we’ll-get-them-animals-so-they’ll-learn-how-to-do-chores” way of teaching responsibility. And I think I kind of miss that way of life. Or maybe I just miss the country…

Now living in Portland, I think fondly about the time when we had chickens. My tiny quarter-acre lot East of 82^nd is a far cry from a farm but it sure is fun to cultivate. So should I get chickens again? I reached out to a few friends and clients to find out what they thought about owning chickens in the city.

PROs

• Fertilizer! Chicken poop is a great composting tool AND fertilizer for your garden
• They’re fun to have around, everyone I talked to sang their chickens praises in terms of personality & character
• Delicious eggs – better than anything you can get at the store
• Hallmark of sustainable living: fertilizer, eggs, and they’ll eat your scraps!
• Great icebreaker for meeting neighbors: do you want some eggs?
• Children love chickens!!
• Baby chicks, ‘nough said 

CONs

• Daily egg collecting – it needs to happen
• Coop needs to be cleaned
• Beware of pests & predators: raccoons, rats, coyotes, skunks, hawks, eagles, etc.
• Require pet sitting if you’re out of town longer than a weekend
• Chickens can be messy: poop and their dinosaur-like talons will really tear sh*t up if you let them out

BASIC MAINTENANCE

• They need a secure coop to prevent pest/predator access, preferably with a perch and nesting box
• Fresh water
• Fed daily
• Coop cleaning
• Regular egg collection or risk them pecking at and potentially destroying their own eggs

So this all sounds doable IF I choose to get them. I was actually most worried about the noises they might make (I like my quiet time) and whether or not neighbors would complain. But no one mentioned neighbor complaints and most said their noises were cute or funny. One client actually got quite animated when telling me about the squawking that occurs after they’ve laid an egg, “they like to brag about it! Chickens can be quite boastful!” She said noises are most likely to occur when the chickens are unhappy, sending out a warning cry, or after they’ve laid an egg. Ok, I think I can deal with that.

Last but not least, since I live in a city and a city has rules, what does Portland want residents to know about having chickens?

• You can have up to 4 on any sized lot,
• You can have up to 6 on 10k sqft lot or greater
• No permits required as long as you abide by their rules
• Secure enclosure means a minimum of 5’ high

Some local resources to help you get started:

“Raising Chickens in Portland” with Portland Pet Store

“Chickens, Birds & Bees” with LivingScape

If you or someone you know is looking for a property in Portland that already has a coop OR you want to share your OWN experience with chickens, please get in touch. And stay tuned to see if I make the leap! *Cluck cluck*

{Photo from MLS# 23504472, Listed with Sharon Bloudek at Living Room Realty}

Erin Middleton

Broker | OR

She/Her

Passionate Realtor and Adventurous Soul Hailing from the coastal town of Bandon, Oregon, Erin is a dynamic individual who enjoys meeting people with a thirst for life and adventure. Before embarking on her career in real estate, Erin carved her path in the advertising industry, honing her skills and dedicating a decade to the dynamic world of brand advertising. Working for agencies like Leopold Ketel, The Richards Group, the Integer Group, Venables Bell & Partners, and PSFK.com, Erin developed strategies for numerous social media campaigns, brand engagement, and product launches. Born with a passion for exploration, Erin's journey has taken her from Oregon to Spain, Miami, New York, Dallas, Petaluma, Napa, and ultimately back to the Pacific Northwest. With a newfound appreciation for the importance of home and community, Erin decided to embrace her passion for a sense of place and become a realtor. She now brings a wealth of marketing knowledge, genuine enthusiasm, and a natural talent for connecting with people to the forefront of finding solutions for each of her clients. Driven by a genuine love for her work, Erin feels a deep sense of fulfillment when she meets incredible people and helps them live their best life, wherever that might be. Her infectious energy and genuine care have earned her a stellar reputation among clients and colleagues alike. Erin Middleton is not just a realtor; she is a passionate advocate for creating lasting connections and fostering a sense of belonging. With her unique blend of professional expertise, vibrant personality, and love for the outdoors, she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those she encounters. When she’s not actively serving clients, Erin finds solace in the great outdoors. Whether it's backpacking through breathtaking landscapes or tending to her yard, she cherishes the opportunity to immerse herself in nature. In the quiet moments, she finds comfort in the company of her beloved cat, Niña, who loves to cuddle and hide out in the raspberry bushes. My Team -       Principal Broker: Paul D’Souza -       Transaction Coordinator: Iris Ireland -       Marketing: Abby Camp & Bea Barryte Credentials -       Bachelor’s Degree, Journalism & Communication, University of Oregon, 2003 -       NAR’s Green Designation

-        Sumner Neighborhood Association, Land Use & Transportation Rep

-       Parkrose School District Budget Committee -       Treasurer, Past President with the Eastside Professional Association      

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• erin@livingroomre.com