What are the standards of care, according to the Health Commissioner?

Your chickens will require a minimum standard of care to be kept, or else be deemed a nuisance or your care inadequate and potentially in violation of animal abuse statutes. The Health Commissioner will promulgate these standards. Expected standards include:

1. Keeping the coop and enclosure clean and sanitary, and maintaining it such that it is free of vermin and adequately protects and contains the animals.

2. Preventing inordinate abundance of flies and other pests around the coop.

3. Controlling odor from the coop and animals.

4. Properly containing and disposing of waste, such as by keeping waste in a fly-proof receptacle while waiting for disposal.

5. Proper disposal of sick or deceased animals through burial or incineration in accordance with federal, state, and local law.