Bringing Backyard Chickens to My Community

My journey with backyard hens — both chickens and ducks — started with a simple but heartfelt desire: I wanted my family to reconnect with the food we eat and the land that sustains us. There’s something deeply moving about watching a child gather a warm egg from a nest or care for a living animal. These small, quiet moments plant powerful seeds.

For me, those seeds were planted early. I grew up in a small town in north-central Wisconsin on a hobby farm. Many of my most vivid memories involve raising chickens and other animals. While most were pets, my sister and I started a small egg business with our parents’ blessing. We sold surplus eggs, fed the hens, cleaned the coop, and even delivered eggs to our middle school teachers, who became loyal customers.

Now, as an adult and parent, I understand what my parents knew all along — raising chickens isn’t just about eggs. It’s about sustainability, responsibility, and staying grounded in where our food comes from. When I had kids of my own, that old pull returned. I started dreaming about keeping hens again, this time for them as much as for me.

That’s when I learned something surprising: my current Minnesota hometown of Woodbury hadn’t updated its ordinances to allow backyard flocks. This stood out to me, since I knew how many surrounding cities had already embraced them. While searching for others who shared my interest, I came across a private Facebook group, and met Rachel.

 

 

Rachel had been advocating for backyard hens with the Woodbury City Council since moving here three years ago. In her previous neighborhood in downtown Saint Paul, she raised six beloved pet hens that became favorites among neighbors, who were genuinely sad to see them — and her — go. She was determined to bring that same sense of connection and sustainability to Woodbury. We joined forces and launched a Facebook group to organize, educate, and rally community support.

Our mission is simple: we want Woodbury to allow the responsible keeping of up to six backyard hens in standard residential zones, especially R-4, where most family homes are located. In October 2024, we celebrated a small but meaningful win when the city council approved hens in R-1 and R-2 rural districts. It was a great first step, but true progress means access for all residents.

We’re advocating for a policy that reflects modern values of self-sufficiency, sustainability, and raising children with a sense of stewardship. Our vision is practical: clear, compassionate rules that support animal welfare and neighborhood harmony.

We’re also working to address common misconceptions about backyard flocks. Some people worry about noise, but hens are quieter than normal conversation. Others are concerned about odor or cleanliness, not realizing how easy a small, well-kept flock is to manage. Change takes time, education, and trust, and we’re committed to doing the work.

The benefits speak for themselves. Hens provide fresh, nutritious eggs. Ducks lay eggs that are a great option for those with allergies. Both eat food scraps and produce excellent fertilizer. And perhaps most importantly, they provide an opportunity to learn empathy, patience, and real-world responsibility for kids and families. They reconnect us to the natural systems we depend on.

Cities across Minnesota (see sidebar below) already allow backyard hens, regardless of lot size. Cities that value education, wellness, and environmental stewardship can lead with family-friendly policies.

This movement isn’t just about chickens or ducks. It’s about taking care to understand where our food comes from and building sustainable communities, one backyard at a time.

To learn more, join our Facebook group: Woodbury Backyard Chickens & Ducks.

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Cities where backyard chickens are generally allowed with rules. Most do not allow roosters

• Blaine: Allows up to six hens with a permit

• Bloomington: Allows up to four hens with a permit

• Centerville: Allows up to four hens with permits and neighbor input

• Duluth: Allows up to five hens with a permit

• Eagan: Allows up to five hens with a permit

• Farmington: Allows up to three hens in certain areas with zoning approval

• Golden Valley: Allows up to four hens with a license

• Hopkins: Allows backyard chickens with a license

• Lakeville: Allows up to three hens with a permit

• Maple Grove: Allows up to 25 hens depending on lot size

• Minneapolis: Allows up to six chickens with a permit

• Monticello: Allows up to six hens with a permit

• North Saint Paul: Allows up to six hens in a coop 15 feet from property lines

• Saint Cloud: Allows up to 10 hens; permits for more hens may be obtained.

• Saint Francis: Allows chickens on properties less than five acres with a permit; limits are based on acreage

• Saint Paul: Allows a certain number of hens depending on the permit type.

Regulations are evolving, so consult your local government for updated information.