Backyard Chickens in the Florida Panhandle: What New Owners Should Know

By Stephanie Bartek, REALTOR® & Backyard Chicken Owner

Introduction

Backyard chickens are becoming more popular than ever in the Florida Panhandle. Whether it’s the joy of fresh eggs, the desire for a more sustainable lifestyle, or simply the fun of owning feathered pets with big personalities, raising hens has become a favorite hobby for many local homeowners.

As a Pensacola REALTOR® and a current chicken owner myself — I have seven hens and am adding my eighth this week — I’ve learned that chickens bring a surprising amount of joy, laughter, and occasional chaos. If you’re thinking about getting your first flock, here’s what new backyard chicken owners should know.

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📌 Happy hens enjoying treats

Backyard chickens enjoying an afternoon snack in their coop.

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1. Know Your Local Regulations

Before you bring home your first chick, make sure your city, county, or HOA permits backyard chickens. In many areas around Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Milton, and Pace:

• Hens are allowed (roosters often are not)

• Coops may need to be a certain distance from property lines

• Flock size limits may apply

A quick call to your local zoning office can save you a future headache.

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2. Build a Coop That Can Handle Panhandle Weather

Our climate is no joke — heat, humidity, thunderstorms, predators, you name it.

Your coop should be:

• Well-ventilated but protected from rain

• Secure (hawks, owls, raccoons, foxes, and even dogs can be a danger)

• Comfortable at night with safe roosting bars

• Easy to clean

My hens taught me early on that visibility inside the coop matters. If it’s too dim, they won’t hop on their roosts at dusk, so adding a little ambient light can make evenings smoother.

📌 Homemade Coop

Coop built by my husband with two nesting boxes attached.  This coop easily accommodates my six hens.

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3. Choose Chicken Breeds That Thrive in Our Climate

The Florida Panhandle’s heat and humidity can be tough on some breeds, so choose hardy, friendly hens such as:

• Australorps

• Orpingtons

• Barred Rocks

• Rhode Island Reds

• Easter Eggers

Several of my own hens are Orpingtons, and they’ve proven to be dependable layers with sweet personalities.

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4. Egg Production Isn’t Always Consistent

A healthy hen typically lays 4–6 eggs per week, but laying slows during:

• Molting

• Very hot weather

• Cold winter days

• Stress or flock transitions

If you ever crack open a “weird” egg, like a soft-shell one, don’t panic — it happens to the best of us.

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📌Basket of Eggs

Fresh eggs collected from my backyard coop in Pace, Florida.

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5. Molting Happens — and It Looks Intense

Chickens molt annually, shedding feathers and regrowing new ones. It can make even your prettiest hen look like she’s going through a rough time.

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📌 Molting Hen

One of my girls mid-molt — totally normal, but she definitely looks like she needs a spa day.

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6. Cleanliness Keeps Your Flock Healthy

Good coop hygiene prevents pests, odor, and illness.

Tips:

• Replace bedding regularly

• Keep food dry

• Refresh water daily

• Secure feed to prevent rodents

• Provide dust bath areas (Florida sand works perfectly)

A clean coop also keeps your neighbors happy — no one likes a smelly flock.

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7. Backyard Chickens Have Big Personalities

This might be my favorite part of chicken keeping. Chickens are surprisingly social. Some follow you around, some are bold, some shy, and some act like tiny feathered comedians. Mine practically sprint when they hear me open the back door because they know treats might be coming.

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📌 Tobi the Farm Dog

Meet Tobi — my gentle “farm dog” who guards the flock and only rounds them up when asked.  He’s a miniature Goldendoodle with the perfect temperament for backyard chickens.

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8. Chickens Add Real Value to Everyday Life

Beyond fresh eggs, chickens contribute to a more sustainable and enjoyable home environment. They provide:

• Incredible compost

• Natural pest control

• Stress-reducing outdoor entertainment

• A sense of connection to your property

For many homeowners in the Pensacola area, backyard chickens are a lifestyle upgrade.

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Thinking About Starting Your Own Flock?

Whether you’re already chicken-curious or ready to build your first coop, backyard chickens can make your home feel more alive and connected to nature.

If you’re searching for Pensacola-area properties that allow chickens — or if you want guidance on keeping hens on your current property — I’m always here to help, both as a REALTOR® and as a fellow backyard chicken enthusiast.