Chickens can be raised properly in Palmetto Bay - It was done. That was before Ordinance 2023-12.

I stated prior that there have always been residents in Palmetto Bay who raise chickens, but it has always been kept responsibly and under the radar because of the code. There was no feral chicken or worse, rooster, population in Palmetto Bay - that is until post 2023 - as amateur chicken farmers kept them under wraps.  It has been only recently that the feral roosters have begun to show up in various areas of Palmetto Bay.  Have they reached a level where the roosters can be described as a local invasive species?

My issue is when you legislate a right, legislate it so it does not infringe upon others.  In my opinion, a bad example of an possibly well intentioned, but not well thought out ordinance – Palmetto Bay Ordinance 2023-12, sponsored by Vice Mayor Leanne Tellam.   Palmetto Bay officials enacted a hastily considered ordinance which even noted that "...roosters, which can and do disturb the peaceful quality of life in the Village ...." – and yet here they are (Roosters).  Now there are feral populations of chickens and the accompanying roosters throughout Palmetto Bay.   

And, as many predicted – the chickens would come home to roost. We are now seeing the effects. Free roaming chickens attract Roosters. 

Here is a PRIOR RELATED POST where I discussed raising chickens: March 24, 2020, Coronavirus adjustments. In this case, “the 'chickens have come home to roost'” has a positive meaning. Time and a desire for family activities, a pet and eggs, all come together for this family.

Changes due to the Coronavirus. Her son always wanted chickens as a pet. This has become a project during self-quarantine as they now have the time to set it up right. They have an activity. He has the pets he has wanted and she now has fresh eggs. This is a true win/win for all concerned. No longer does her son have to egg her on.

(NOTE - names and location withheld)

In this case, “the 'chickens have come home to roost'” has a positive meaning. Time and a desire for family activities, a pet and eggs, all come together for this family.