NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Residents in Pasco County may see more neighbors on the “feathery side” soon.
The county recently passed a hen ordinance, allowing homeowners to keep up to four hens on their property. It’s a new rule that officially makes keeping hens legal in all residential areas throughout the county.
Some homeowners are already taking advantage of the new ruling.
“It’s crazy how they have their own personalities. Like, you just know,” said 10-year-old McKenna Scott.
In the backyard of her New Port Richey home, she takes care of her hens. Sunny, Willow and Charlotte.
“That’s been super fun for me because, of course, I love animals,” says McKenna. “I would come home and I’m like, ‘Hi babies!’ and they’re just super adorable.”
McKenna decided she wanted to keep hens after a family friend had one. But it still took a little convincing before mom and dad got on board.
“I would say she was the biggest driving force, and it’s been amazing because now it’s kind of her thing,” said Nicole Scott, McKenna’s mother. “Those are her babies, and it’s interesting because we’ll even take them downtown with us for a walk and everybody loves it.”
Under Pasco County’s new ordinance, any homeowner may keep up to four hens on their property, changing the types of homes can house hens. The hens must be kept in a chicken coop, and no roosters are allowed.
“You don’t need a permit, you can have up to four hens,” says Nicole. “Pretty much it’s have a fence and you have to have a place for them.”
“Essentially, persons who previously were not allowed to have chickens in residential properties are now allowed to do so,” said Amandla Hill with Pasco County’s Planning, Development and Economic Growth Department.
Hill says the new ordinance frees up any pre-existing restrictions for homeowners for owning hens.
“The idea is that persons would have a better idea as to where their food comes from and, therefore, they have that locally sourced eggs instead of having to get it from a grocery store,” Hill said. “So I do believe that residents were really happy when we were able to get this ordinance adopted.”
It’s also teaching both Nicole Scott and her daughter a thing or two about hens.
“I really just think it’s helped her with responsibility and, honestly, it’s just kind of given her something to look forward to every day.”
So while McKenna isn’t sure raising hens or farming represents a future career for her, she still has time to figure that out.
“I don’t know what I want to be,” she says. “I’m thinking of becoming a lawyer, I really don’t know what to be. I have lots of years left because I’m 10, so I’ve got a while to go.”
But no matter what profession McKenna chooses in the future, one thing is certain. She loves her hens.
Starting in January, Pasco County will hold classes for those homeowners who would like to learn more about keeping hens on their properties. You can learn more online right here.
Read more on Spectrum News Bay News 9
