(Source: MIRS.news, Published 02/14/2025) Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) reintroduced legislation that would let anyone with at least a quarter-acre of property be able to raise five hens, up to 25 chickens in residential-zoned property. 

HB 4049 and HB 4050 would prevent local ordinances from banning backyard chickens, and said lot size means chickens shouldn’t be a disturbance to the neighborhood or neighbors with the foul odor. 

“There’s a misconception that backyard chickens can be a nuisance. They are no more trouble than a couple of dogs, or the neighbors having a few cats. Hens are very docile animals as long as you don’t have a rooster,” DeSana said. 

He said roosters crow and attack people. The bill doesn’t allow for roosters.  

DeSana said a coop is cheap and one nest box was fine for five birds.  

However, it is still more expensive than buying eggs at the grocery store, according to a Michigan State University Extension poultry expert. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on Friday the price range for eggs in the Midwest is averaging $8.05 a dozen. 

“A hen can live its entire life inside a chicken run, but it’s better if they can get out and forage in the yard. Chickens will eat grass and bugs and even mice, but they don’t go far from their nesting area. Chickens tend to stay close to their roost,” DeSana said. 

The increased interest in backyard chickens comes as the price of eggs has spiked because of culling flocks hit by the highly-pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu. 

Michigan State University Extension experts said if the people raising the backyard chickens don’t follow biological security it risks spreading the disease to other backyard flocks, commercial flocks and exposing other animals that can become carriers of the virus. 

DeSana said bird flu isn’t a major concern for backyard chicken coops. 

“Most people who keep hens are going to consume the eggs by cooking them in their own household. As long as you properly cook the eggs, you’re fine. But I wouldn’t recommend drinking raw eggs like Rocky,” he said. 

The bills have been referred to the House Agriculture Committee, where Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) is chair. 

“As I prepare to schedule committee hearings, I look forward to thoroughly reviewing this bill and all legislation referred to my committee while engaging with my colleagues and stakeholders,” Neyer said.