City Lifts Limit on Number of Pet Birds

Bird lovers have something to crow about this week after the City Council voted unanimously to allow residents to keep an unlimited number of pet birds.

Last August, the City Council asked for a review of an existing ordinance which allowed only five pet birds per household, after bird owners complained that the ordinance was unjust.

The new amendment lifts the five-bird limit for single and multifamily residences, but distinguishes between pets and poultry.

Pets include the ordinary and the exotic--everything from pigeons to toucans may be kept without restrictions. However, chickens, ducks, geese and other game birds are still limited to five per household.

All birds must be kept indoors or in an appropriate coop.

City code officials will have the power to decide whether birds are housed under sanitary conditions or if they create unnecessary noise, odor or health problems.