ST. LOUIS — Egg prices in the United States continue to rise, with the USDA estimating a 41% increase by the end of 2025.
Many people are wondering if backyard chickens are a viable option, especially in light of a recent Missouri law.
Some local laws across the state prohibit the birds, but a 5 On Your Side viewer in O’Fallon, Missouri, wondered if the new law superseded local law. The VERIFY team investigated the facts to find out.
What we found:
Sen. Schroer wrote the recently passed law, and he told 5 On Your Side that it only applies to lots larger than 2/10ths of an acre. It does override two chicken-owning regulations, which include:
- Any HOA rules prohibiting backyard chickens
- Any “running deed with the land,” which means any restrictions put on future home-owners
It does not, however, address local laws, so they remain protected.
“If I’m a grandpa and I sell you the land, I can’t prohibit you and any future owner thereof from owning chickens in any way, shape, or form,” Schroer said when asked about the legislation.
“If you live in an area where the ownership of hens or chickens is restricted in any way, that still reigns supreme. So you are still not permitted to own in those areas.”
A Lake of the Ozarks homeowners association sued the state over the new law. The case is scheduled to go to trial at the end of March.
We can VERIFY: No, a recently enacted Missouri state law governing backyard chicken ownership does not supersede local laws.
