United States

Department of

Agriculture

Animal and

Plant Health

Inspection Service

Veterinary

Services

National

Animal Health

Monitoring

System

August 2011

Poultry 2010

Urban Chicken Ownership in Los Angeles

County, California, 2010
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits

discrimination in all its programs and activities on the

basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and

where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status,

parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic

information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or

part of an individual’s income is derived from any public

assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to

all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require

alternative means for communication of program

information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should

contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600

(voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA

Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence

Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call

(800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Mention of companies or commercial products does not

imply recommendation or endorsement by the USDA

over others not mentioned. USDA neither guarantees

nor warrants the standard of any product mentioned.

Product names are mentioned solely to report factually

on available data and to provide specific information.

USDA:APHIS:VS:CEAH

NRRC Building B, M.S. 2E7

2150 Centre Avenue

Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117

(970) 494-7000

Email: NAHMS@aphis.usda.gov

http://nahms.aphis.usda.gov

#609.0711

Cover photo courtesy Judy Rodriguez
USDA APHIS VS / i

Items of Note

Raising chickens in urban environments is a growing phenomenon in the United States.

Urban chicken flocks are not part of the commercial poultry industry; however, they

sometimes provide chicken meat and eggs to local food systems such as farmers’

markets. Urban chickens represent an avian population for which very little information is

available. An understanding of the level of urban chicken ownership could be important in

the event of a disease outbreak such as avian influenza or exotic Newcastle disease

(END). For example, the 2003 END outbreak in southern California involved many urban

chicken flocks. This study was conducted to determine the percentage of households in

Los Angeles County, California, that owned chickens and to describe the residents’

opinions about raising chickens in urban settings.

Encompassing 4,083 square miles (10,570 sq km) and containing highly urban areas as

well as sparsely populated areas, Los Angeles County contains 88 incorporated cities, the

largest of which is Los Angeles with a population of 3,792,621 (2010 U.S. Census).

Overall, Los Angeles County has a population of 9,818,605 (2010 U.S. Census), which is

the largest population of any county in the United States.

Throughout Los Angeles County, chicken ownership laws and regulations vary by city and

by neighborhood. Some cities and homeowner’s associations have specific rules about

chicken ownership. For example, laws in the city of Los Angeles permit chicken ownership

with no limitations on the number or type of chickens.

Here are a few highlights from the study:

• Overall, 1.2 percent of households in Los Angeles County owned chickens. Of

households that did not have chickens, 4.6 percent planned to own chickens in the next 5

years.

• About 4 of 10 respondents (43.0 percent) agreed* with the statement, “I would be in

favor of a law in my community that allows the ownership of chickens.” A lower percentage

of Black/African-American respondents (24.5 percent) agreed* that they would be in favor

of a law allowing chicken ownership compared with respondents in other race or ethnicity

categories.

• About 4 of 10 respondents (39.7 percent) agreed* with the statement, “I would not

mind if my neighbor owned chickens,” and 40.5 percent strongly disagreed. The

percentage of respondents that would not mind if their neighbor owned chickens was

inversely related to the age of the respondents.

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed.
ii / Poultry 2010

• About 6 of 10 respondents (61.5 percent) agreed* with the statement, “Eggs from

home-raised chickens are better for you than eggs purchased at a grocery store.” A higher

percentage of respondents aged 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 agreed with the statement that

eggs from home-raised chickens are better for you (66.3 and 67.0 percent, respectively)

compared with respondents aged 55 to 64 and 65 or older (57.0 and 55.8 percent,

respectively).

• About one-half of respondents (53.7 percent) agreed* with the statement, “Chickens in

urban areas will lead to more illnesses in humans.” A lower percentage of White

respondents (45.1 percent) agreed that chickens in urban areas will lead to more illnesses

in humans compared with Asian, Black/African-American, or Hispanic/Latino respondents

(68.1, 62.6, and 61.7 percent, respectively).

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed.
USDA APHIS VS / iii

 Acknowledgments

The Poultry 2010 study was a cooperative effort among animal health officials, university

researchers, extension personnel, and poultry producers.Recognition also goes to the

personnel at the Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health for their efforts in generating

reports from Poultry 2010 data and to our reviewers, who provided valuable expertise and

guidance through their comments.

All participants are to be commended, particularly those whose voluntary efforts made this

component of the Poultry 2010 study possible.

Larry M. Granger

Director

Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health
iv / Poultry 2010

Suggested bibliographic citation for this report:

USDA. 2011. Poultry 2010. Urban Chicken Ownership in Los Angeles County, California,

2010

USDA–APHIS–VS, CEAH. Fort Collins, CO

#609.0711

Contacts for further information:

Questions or comments on data analysis: Dr. Lindsey Garber (970) 494–7000

Information on reprints or other reports: Ms. Abby Fienhold (970) 494–7000

Email: NAHMS@aphis.usda.gov

Feedback

Feedback, comments, and suggestions regarding Poultry 2010 study reports are

welcomed. Please forward correspondence via email to: NAHMS@aphis.usda.gov, or you

may submit feedback via online survey at:

http://nahms.aphis.usda.gov (Click on “FEEDBACK on NAHMS reports.”)
USDA APHIS VS / v

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Terms Used in This Report 3

Section I: Population Estimates 4

A. Urban-Chicken Ownership 4

1. Percentage of households that owned chickens 4

2. New chicken owners in the next 5 years 6

B. Opinions about Raising Chickens in Urban Settings 8

1. Laws allowing chicken ownership 8

2. Neighbors with chickens 12

3. Eggs from home-raised chickens 16

4. Urban chickens and illnesses in humans 20

Section II: Methodology 25

A. Sampling and Estimation 25

1. Background 25

2. Household selection 25

3. Population inferences 25

B. Data Collection 26

C. Data Analysis 26

1. Validation and estimation 26

2. Response rate 26

Appendix I: Los Angeles County Demographics 27

Appendix II: Sample Profile 30

1. Number of respondents by housing type 30

2. Number of respondents by age 30

3. Number of respondents by gender 31

Appendix III: Study Objectives and Related Outputs 32

USDA APHIS VS / 1

Introduction

Introduction

The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) is a nonregulatory program of

the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection

Service. NAHMS is designed to help meet the Nation’s animal health information needs.

Layers ’99 was NAHMS’ first national study of poultry and provided baseline health and

management information for the table egg industry. Layers ’99 estimated the prevalence

and associated risk factors of Salmonella enterica Enteritidis in U.S. layer flocks.

Poultry 2004 was NAHMS’ second study of the U.S. poultry industry. Poultry 2004

provided information regarding bird health, bird movement, and biosecurity practices of

backyard flocks, game fowl breeder flocks, and live poultry markets.

The Small-Enterprise Chicken study conducted in 2007 was NAHMS’ third study of the

poultry industry and focused on biosecurity and bird movement on operations with 1,000

to 19,999 chickens.

Poultry 2010 is NAHMS’ fourth study of the U.S. poultry industry. During 2009, NAHMS

conducted an extensive assessment to determine the information needs of the poultry

industry, researchers, and Federal and State governments. This needs assessment

resulted in three objectives for the Poultry 2010 study:

1. Describe the structure of commercial poultry industries, including interactions among

poultry industry segments, movements, and biosecurity practices. Describe farm-level

practices for chicken primary breeder and multiplier flocks. Identify critical factors for

exclusion of disease (such as Mycoplasma).

2. Estimate the prevalence and investigate risk factors associated with clostridial

dermatitis (cellulitis/gangrenous dermatitis) on turkey grower farms.

3. Describe bird health, movement, and biosecurity practices of urban chicken flocks in

four U.S. cities—Miami, Denver, Los Angeles, and New York City. Determine the

percentage of households that own chickens and attitudes about chickens in urban

settings in Los Angeles.

“Poultry 2010: Urban Chicken Ownership in Los Angeles County, California” is the second

in a series of reports containing information from Poultry 2010. Due to resource

limitations, only one city (Los Angeles) was selected for this portion of the urban chicken

study. A questionnaire was administered to determine the percentage of households that

owned chickens in Los Angeles County and to ascertain the residents’ opinions about

raising chickens in urban settings.
2 / Poultry 2010

Introduction

The methods used and the number of respondents in the study can be found at the end of

this report.

Further information on NAHMS studies and reports is available at: http://

nahms.aphis.usda.gov

For questions about this report or hard copies, please contact:

USDA–APHIS–VS–CEAH

NRRC Building B, M.S. 2E7

2150 Centre Avenue

Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117

970.494.7000
USDA APHIS VS / 3

Introduction

Terms Used in This Report

Population estimates: Estimates in this report make reference to all households in Los

Angeles County, California (see Section II: Methodology, p25).

Precision of population estimates: Population estimates in this report are

provided with a measure of precision called the standard error. A 95-percent

confidence interval can be created with bounds equal to the estimate plus or

minus two standard errors. If the only error is sampling error, the confidence

intervals created in this manner will contain the true population mean 95 out of

100 times. In the example to the left, an estimate of 7.5 with a standard error

of 1.0 results in limits of 5.5 to 9.5 (two times the standard error above and

below the estimate). The second estimate of 3.4 shows a standard error of 0.3

and results in limits of 2.8 and 4.0. Alternatively, the 90-percent confidence

interval would be created by multiplying the standard error by 1.65 instead of

2. Most estimates in this report are rounded to the nearest tenth. If rounded to

0, the standard error was reported (0.0). If there were no reports of the event,

no standard error was reported (—). References to estimates being higher or

lower than other estimates are based on the 95-percent confidence intervals

not overlapping.

Urban chicken flocks: Flocks of chickens in large cities (urban settings) on less than

1 acre of land owned by families, individuals, or groups of individuals.
4 / Poultry 2010

Section I:Population Estimates—A . Urban-Chicken Ownership

1. Percentage of households that owned chickens

Overall, 1.2 percent of households in Los Angeles County owned chickens. Single-family

homes on 1 acre of land or more were likely located in the outskirts of cities rather than in

truly urban areas. When single-family homes on 1 acre of land or more were excluded

from the analysis, 1.0 percent of households in Los Angeles County owned chickens

(standard error=0.2).

a. Percentage of households that owned chickens, by housing type:

A. Urban-Chicken

Ownership

Housing Type Percent Households Std. Error 

Single-family home 

on 1 acre or more 5.5 (1.9) 

Single-family home 

on less than 1 acre 1.1 (0.2) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with 20 or more units 0.5 (0.5) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with fewer than 20 units 1.1 (0.7) 

Other 0.0 (—) 

All households 1.2 (0.2) 

Section I: Population Estimates
USDA APHIS VS / 5

Section I: Population Estimates—A . Urban Chicken Ownership

A total of 1.9 percent of households in which respondents were of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity

owned chickens compared with 0.0 percent of households in which respondents were

Black/African American.

b. Percentage of households that owned chickens, by race/ethnicity of respondents:

Race/Ethnicity Percent Households Std. Error 

Asian 0.8 (0.5) 

Black/African-American 0.0 (—) 

Hispanic/Latino (any race) 1.9 (0.6) 

White 1.2 (0.3) 

Multiracial/other 1.0 (0.8) 
6 / Poultry 2010

Section I:Population Estimates—A . Urban-Chicken Ownership

2. New chicken owners in the next 5 years

A total of 4.6 percent of respondents who did not currently own chickens said they planned

to own chickens in the next 5 years. When single-family homes on 1 acre of land or more

were excluded from the analysis, the percentage of households that did not own chickens

but planned to in the next 5 years still rounded to 4.6 percent.

a. For households that did not own chickens, percentage of households that planned to

own chickens in the next 5 years, by housing type:

Housing Type Percent Households Std. Error 

Single-family home 

on 1 acre or more 5.6 (1.9) 

Single-family home 

on less than 1 acre 6.0 (0.7) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with 20 or more units 1.3 (0.6) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with fewer than 20 units 3.0 (1.0) 

Other 0.0 (—) 

All households 4.6 (0.5) 
USDA APHIS VS / 7

Section I: Population Estimates—A . Urban Chicken Ownership

Similar to current ownership levels (see table b., p 5), a lower percentage of households in

which the respondent was Black/African American (0.5 percent) planned to own chickens

in the next 5 years compared with respondents in other race or ethnicity categories.

b. For households that did not currently own chickens, percentage of households that

planned to own chickens in the next 5 years, by race/ethnicity of respondents:

Race/Ethnicity Percent Households Std. Error 

Asian 4.9 (1.6) 

Black/African-American 0.5 (0.5) 

Hispanic/Latino (any race) 4.4 (1.0) 

White 5.3 (0.7) 

Multiracial/other 5.6 (1.7) 
8 / Poultry 2010

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

B. Opinions about

Raising Chickens

in Urban Settings

Note: All respondents in Los Angeles County, including those who owned chickens and

those who did not, were asked for their opinions about urban chicken flocks. Results in

this section represent the respondents’ opinions only, not those of APHIS.

1. Laws allowing chicken ownership

Overall, 43.0 percent of respondents slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed that they

were in favor of a law in their community that would allow chicken ownership.

a. Percentage of respondents by level of agreement with the statement, “I would be in

favor of a law in my community that allows the ownership of chickens.”

Level of Agreement Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Strongly agree 17.5 (0.8) 

Agree 14.1 (0.7) 

Slightly agree 11.4 (0.7) 

Slightly disagree 8.4 (0.6) 

Disagree 12.4 (0.7) 

Strongly disagree 36.2 (1.0) 

Total 100.0 
USDA APHIS VS / 9

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings
10 / Poultry 2010

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

About one of four respondents living in “other” housing (26.0 percent) slightly agreed,

agreed, or strongly agreed that they were in favor of a law in their community allowing

chicken ownership, compared with over one-half of respondents living in single family

homes on 1 acre of land or more (58.7 percent). Mobile homes were the most common

type of “other” housing.

b. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “I would be in favor of a law

in my community that allows the ownership of chickens,” by housing type:

Housing Type Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Single-family home 

on 1 acre or more 58.7 (4.4) 

Single-family home 

on less than 1 acre 40.9 (1.3) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with 20 or more units 43.2 (2.8) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with fewer than 20 units 47.0 (2.6) 

Other 26.0 (7.6) 

All respondents 43.0 (1.0) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 

The percentage of respondents that slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed that they

were in favor of a law allowing chicken ownership ranged from 32.2 percent of

respondents 65 years of age or older to 64.8 percent of respondents less than 25 years of

age.

c. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “I would be in favor of a law

in my community that allows the ownership of chickens,” by age of respondent:

Age (Years) Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Under 25 64.8 (4.5) 

25 to 34 47.1 (2.0) 

35 to 44 42.4 (2.6) 

45 to 54 42.4 (2.2) 

55 to 64 36.4 (2.2) 

65 or older 32.2 (2.2) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
USDA APHIS VS / 11

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

The percentage of respondents that slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed that they

were in favor of a law allowing chicken ownership was similar for female and male

respondents.

d. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “I would be in favor of a law

in my community that allows the ownership of chickens,” by gender of respondent:

Gender Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Female 45.4 (1.4) 

Male 41.6 (1.6) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
12 / Poultry 2010

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

A lower percentage of Black/African-American respondents slightly agreed, agreed, or

strongly agreed that they were in favor of a law allowing chicken ownership compared with

respondents in the other race or ethnicity categories. This is consistent with the findings

that few Black/African-American respondents owned chickens and only 0.5 percent

planned to do so in the next 5 years.

e. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “I would be in favor of a law

in my community that allows the ownership of chickens,” by race or ethnicity of

respondent:

2. Neighbors with chickens

About 4 of 10 respondents (39.7 percent) slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed that

they would not mind if their neighbor owned chickens, while 40.5 percent strongly

disagreed.

a. Percentage of respondents by level of agreement with the statement, “I would not mind

if my neighbor owned chickens:”

Level of Agreement Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Strongly agree 17.2 (0.8) 

Agree 13.7 (0.7) 

Slightly agree 8.8 (0.6) 

Slightly disagree 6.0 (0.5) 

Disagree 13.8 (0.7) 

Strongly disagree 40.5 (1.0) 

Total 100.0 

Race/Ethnicity Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Asian 37.9 (3.1) 

Black/African-American 24.5 (3.5) 

Hispanic/Latino (any race) 43.9 (2.3) 

White 45.7 (1.5) 

Multiracial/other 50.1 (3.5) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
USDA APHIS VS / 13

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

About 2 of 10 respondents living in “other” housing (21.4 percent) slightly agreed, agreed,

or strongly agreed that they would not mind if their neighbor owned chickens. Mobile

homes were the most common type of “other” housing. About 4 of 10 respondents living in

multifamily dwellings with fewer than 20 units (41.5 percent), and about 6 of 10

respondents living in single-family homes on 1 acre of land or more (60.6 percent), slightly

agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed that they would not mind if their neighbor owned

chickens.

b. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “I would not mind if my

neighbor owned chickens,” by housing type:

Housing Type Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Single-family home 

on 1 acre or more 60.6 (4.3) 

Single-family home 

on less than 1 acre 38.5 (1.3) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with 20 or more units 35.9 (2.7) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with fewer than 20 units 41.5 (2.6) 

Other 21.4 (7.2) 

All respondents 39.7 (1.0) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
14 / Poultry 2010

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

The percentage of respondents that slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed that they

would not mind if their neighbor owned chickens ranged from 31.0 percent of respondents

65 years of age or older to 60.1 percent of respondents less than 25 years of age.

c. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “I would not mind if my

neighbor owned chickens,” by age of respondent:

Age (Years) Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Under 25 60.1 (4.6) 

25 to 34 40.3 (2.0) 

35 to 44 41.3 (2.6) 

45 to 54 38.0 (2.1) 

55 to 64 34.4 (2.1) 

65 or older 31.0 (2.2) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
USDA APHIS VS / 15

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

The percentage of respondents that slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed that they

would not mind if their neighbor owned chickens was similar for female and male

respondents.

d. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “I would not mind if my

neighbor owned chickens,” by gender of respondent:

Gender Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Female 39.8 (1.4) 

Male 39.7 (1.6) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 

A lower percentage of Black/African-American respondents (23.0 percent) slightly agreed,

agreed, or strongly agreed that they would not mind if their neighbor owned chickens

compared with respondents of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, White, or Multiracial/other (41.3,

42.2, and 46.4 percent, respectively).

e. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “I would not mind if my

neighbor owned chickens,” by race or ethnicity of respondent:

Race/Ethnicity Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Asian 32.6 (3.0) 

Black/African-American 23.0 (3.4) 

Hispanic/Latino (any race) 41.3 (2.3) 

White 42.2 (1.5) 

Multiracial/other 46.4 (3.5) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
16 / Poultry 2010

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

3. Eggs from home-raised chickens

About 6 of 10 respondents (61.5 percent) were of the opinion (slightly agreed, agreed, or

strongly agreed) that eggs from home-raised chickens are better for you than eggs

purchased at a grocery store.

a. Percentage of respondents by level of agreement with the statement, “Eggs from

home-raised chickens are better for you than eggs purchased at a grocery store.”

Level of Agreement Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Strongly agree 24.7 (0.9) 

Agree 19.2 (0.8) 

Slightly agree 17.6 (0.8) 

Slightly disagree 14.7 (0.8) 

Disagree 10.3 (0.6) 

Strongly disagree 13.5 (0.7) 

Total 100.0 
USDA APHIS VS / 17

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings
18 / Poultry 2010

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

The percentage of respondents that slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed with the

statement that eggs from home-raised chickens are better for you than eggs purchased at

a grocery store did not differ substantially by housing type.

b. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “Eggs from home-raised

chickens are better for you than eggs purchased at a grocery store,” by housing type:

Housing Type Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Single-family home 

on 1 acre or more 54.9 (4.5) 

Single-family home 

on less than 1 acre 60.2 (1.3) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with 20 or more units 66.5 (2.7) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with fewer than 20 units 65.0 (2.4) 

Other 47.4 (8.3) 

All respondents 61.5 (1.0) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 

A higher percentage of respondents 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 years of age slightly agreed,

agreed, or strongly agreed that eggs from home-raised chickens are better for you (66.3

and 67.0 percent, respectively) compared with respondents 55 to 64 years of age and 65

or older (57.0 and 55.8 percent, respectively).

c. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “Eggs from home-raised

chickens are better for you than eggs purchased at a grocery store,” by age of

respondent:

Age (Years) Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Under 25 60.1 (4.6) 

25 to 34 66.3 (1.9) 

35 to 44 67.0 (2.5) 

45 to 54 60.1 (2.2) 

55 to 64 57.0 (2.3) 

65 or older 55.8 (2.3) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
USDA APHIS VS / 19

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

The percentage of respondents that slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed with the

statement that eggs from home-raised chickens are better for you was similar for female

and male respondents.

d. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “Eggs from home-raised

chickens are better for you than eggs purchased at a grocery store,” by gender of

respondent:

Gender Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Female 64.4 (1.4) 

Male 59.0 (1.5) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 

About 6 of 10 respondents in each race or ethnicity category slightly agreed, agreed, or

strongly agreed with the statement that eggs from home-raised chickens are better for

you.

e. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “Eggs from home-raised

chickens are better for you than eggs purchased at a grocery store,” by race or ethnicity of

respondent:

Race/Ethnicity Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Asian 59.0 (3.1) 

Black/African-American 56.0 (3.8) 

Hispanic/Latino (any race) 56.8 (2.3) 

White 64.6 (1.4) 

Multiracial/other 65.1 (3.3) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
20 / Poultry 2010

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

4. Urban chickens and illnesses in humans

About one-half of respondents (53.7 percent) slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed

that chickens in urban areas will lead to more illnesses in humans.

a. Percentage of respondents by level of agreement with the statement, “Chickens in

urban areas will lead to more illnesses in humans.”

Level of Agreement Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Strongly agree 20.3 (0.8) 

Agree 17.0 (0.8) 

Slightly agree 16.4 (0.8) 

Slightly disagree 14.6 (0.7) 

Disagree 16.7 (0.8) 

Strongly disagree 15.0 (0.7) 

Total 100.0 
USDA APHIS VS / 21

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings
22 / Poultry 2010

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

The percentage of respondents that slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed that

chickens in urban areas will lead to more illnesses in humans did not differ substantially by

housing type, age of respondent, or gender of respondent.

b. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “Chickens in urban areas

will lead to more illnesses in humans,” by housing type:

Housing Type Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Single-family home 

on 1 acre or more 48.1 (4.5) 

Single-family home 

on less than 1 acre 53.3 (1.3) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with 20 or more units 55.3 (2.8) 

Multifamily dwelling 

with fewer than 20 units 54.8 (2.6) 

Other 68.0 (7.8) 

All respondents 53.7 (1.0) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 

c. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “Chickens in urban areas

will lead to more illnesses in humans,” by age of respondent:

Age (Years) Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Under 25 46.9 (4.7) 

25 to 34 51.8 (2.0) 

35 to 44 57.3 (2.6) 

45 to 54 56.6 (2.2) 

55 to 64 53.1 (2.3) 

65 or older 51.7 (2.3) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
USDA APHIS VS / 23

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings

d. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “Chickens in urban areas

will lead to more illnesses in humans,” by gender of respondent:

Gender Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Female 52.1 (1.4) 

Male 55.2 (1.6) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 

A lower percentage of White respondents slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed that

chickens in urban areas will lead to more illnesses in humans (45.1 percent), compared

with Asian, Black/African American, or Hispanic/Latino respondents (68.1, 62.6, and 61.7

percent, respectively).

e. Percentage of respondents that agreed* with the statement, “Chickens in urban areas

will lead to more illnesses in humans,” by race or ethnicity of respondent:

Race/Ethnicity Percent Respondents Std. Error 

Asian 68.1 (3.0) 

Black/African-American 62.6 (3.8) 

Hispanic/Latino (any race) 61.7 (2.3) 

White 45.1 (1.5) 

Multiracial/other 52.4 (3.5) 

*Slightly agreed, agreed, or strongly agreed. 
24 / Poultry 2010

Section I: Population Estimates—B. Opinions About Raising Chickens in Urban Settings
USDA APHIS VS / 25

Section II: Methodology

Section II: Methodology

A. Sampling and

Estimation

1. Background

Four large cities were selected for inclusion in the urban chicken study: Denver, Colorado;

Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; and New York City, New York. These cities were

selected because they were geographically diverse. Also, it was hypothesized that two of

these cities (Los Angeles and Miami) had a long history of chicken ownership, and the

other two cities had a comparatively shorter history of chicken ownership. All four cities

were included in Phase I of the urban chicken study. Phase I involved administering a

questionnaire to feed store customers in Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami, which focused

on bird health, movement, and biosecurity practices in urban chicken flocks. In New York

City, an educational presentation was offered to members of a chicken club by an APHIS

data collector, and attendees were asked to complete the questionnaire. Additionally, the

questionnaire was accessible to members via the club’s Web site. All completed

questionnaires in New York City were from this source. Chicken owners who did not

belong to this club are not represented in this study (see report Poultry 2010: “Reference

of the Health and Management of Chicken Flocks in Urban Settings in Four U.S. Cities,

2010”).

Due to resource limitations, only one metro area (Los Angeles County) was selected for

Phase II of the urban chicken study. Phase II determined the percentage of households

that owned chickens and ascertained the residents’ opinions about chickens in urban

settings.

2. Household selection

The study was designed to allow for expansion of the results to estimate and report the

percentage of Los Angeles County households that owned chickens. A simple random

sample of 15,800 Los Angeles County households was selected from a commercially

available address list. A total of 2,686 completed questionnaires were obtained, which was

considered an adequate sample size to estimate a prevalence of 0.50 ± 0.27 percent.

3. Population inferences

Inferences cover all households in Los Angeles County. Survey responses were weighted

to adjust for any differences in demographics between respondents and nonrespondents,

by comparing respondent demographics to 2005–09 U.S. Census estimates for Los

Angeles County.
26 / Poultry 2010

Section II: Methodology

Photo courtesty Judy Rodriguez

B. Data Collection Data collection occurred in three stages from July 2010 to January 2011. During each

stage, households selected for participation received a postcard in the mail introducing the

study and providing a Web address and access password for completing the

questionnaire online. Nonrespondents received a second mailing 2 weeks later that

included a paper questionnaire, a postage-paid return envelope, and the information for

completing the questionnaire online. Telephone numbers were obtained for households

that were nonrespondents to both mailings. Approximately 52 percent of addresses could

be matched to telephone numbers. Nonrespondents were contacted by telephone

2 weeks after the second mailing and asked to complete the survey over the phone. All

printed study materials were provided in English and Spanish, while telephone surveys

were conducted in English.

C. Data Analysis 1. Validation and estimation

Data were entered into a SAS dataset. Validation checks were performed by NAHMS

staff. Weighted point estimates were generated using SUDAAN software.

2. Response rate

Of the 15,800 households selected, 2,686 completed the survey (17.0 percent), 803 were

undeliverable (5.1 percent), and 77.9 percent were nonrespondents.

Response Category Frequency Percent 

Completed—mail 1,561 9.9 

Completed—online 452 2.9 

Completed—telephone 673 4.2 

Undeliverable 803 5.1 

Refusal/no response 12,311 77.9 

Total 15,800 100.0 
USDA APHIS VS / 27

Appendix I: Los Angeles County Demographics

Appendix I: Los Angeles County Demographics

Los Angeles County has a population of 9,818,605 (2010 U.S. Census), which is the

largest population of any County in the United States. Los Angeles County contains 88

incorporated cities, the largest of which is Los Angeles with a population of 3,792,621

(2010 U.S. Census). The 10 cities with the largest populations are listed in the following

table (p, 28). Los Angeles County is 4,083 square miles (10,570 sq km) and contains

highly urban areas as well as sparsely populated areas.

Throughout Los Angeles County, chicken ownership laws and regulations vary by city and

by neighborhood. Some cities and homeowner’s associations have specific rules about

chicken ownership. For example, laws in the city of Los Angeles permit chicken ownership

with no limitations on the number or type of chickens.
28 / Poultry 2010

Appendix I: Los Angeles County Demographics

a. Ten most populous cities in Los Angeles County:

City Population 

Los Angeles 3,792,621 

Long Beach 492,682 

Glendale 207,303 

Santa Clarita 177,150 

Pomona 163,408 

Palmdale 151,346 

Pasadena 150,185 

Torrance 149,111 

Lancaster 145,074 

El Monte 126,308 

Although 26.4 percent of California residents live in Los Angeles County, only 2.1 percent

of the farms in California are located in Los Angeles County (1,734 farms in Los Angeles

County of 81,033 farms in California; NASS 2007 Census of Agriculture). The census

definition of a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were

produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year.
USDA APHIS VS / 29

 Appendix I: Los Angeles County Demographics

b. Demographics of Los Angeles County:*

 Number Percent 

Housing Units 

Total housing units 3,370,108 100.0 

Single family (one unit) homes 1,902,915 56.5 

Multifamily dwelling with 20 or more units 590,459 17.5 

Multifamily dwelling with fewer than 20 units 817,905 24.3 

Other 58,829 1.7 

Population

Total population 9,785,295 100.0 

Age (years) 

Under 25 3,518,307 35.9 

25–34 1,554,695 15.9 

35–44 1,483,575 15.2 

45–54 1,321,237 13.5 

55–64 899,648 9.2 

65 or older 1,007,833 10.3 

Gender 

Female 4,935,208 50.4 

Male 4,850,087 49.6 

Race 

White 4,963,235 50.7 

Black/African-American 862,521 8.8 

Asian 1,276,546 13.1 

Multiracial/other race 2,682,993 27.4 

Hispanic or Latino (of any race)** 

Yes 4,627,543 47.3 

No 5,157,752 52.7 

*2005–09 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year estimates. 

**The U.S. Census form asks about Hispanic/Latino ethnicity separate from race. 
30 / Poultry 2010

Appendix II: Sample Profile

Appendix II: Sample Profile

1. Number of respondents by housing type

Housing Type Number Percent 

Single-family home 

on 1 acre or more 147 5.5 

Single-family home 

on less than 1 acre 1,661 61.8 

Multifamily dwelling 

with 20 or more units 355 13.2 

Multifamily dwelling 

with fewer than 20 units 448 16.7 

Other 38 1.4 

Did not specify 37 1.4 

Total 2,686 100.0 

2. Number of respondents by age

Age (Years) Number Percent 

Under 25 113 4.2 

25 to 34 604 22.5 

35 to 44 378 14.1 

45 to 54 526 19.6 

55 to 64 500 18.6 

65 or older 513 19.1 

Did not specify 52 1.9 

Total 2,686 100.0 
USDA APHIS VS / 31

Appendix II: Sample Profile

3. Number of respondents by gender

Gender Number Percent 

Female 1,406 52.4 

Male 1,158 43.1 

Did not specify 122 4.5 

Total 2,686 100.0 
32 / Poultry 2010

Appendix III: Study Objectives and Related Outputs

Appendix III: Study Objectives and Related Outputs

1. Describe the structure of commercial poultry industries, including interactions among

poultry industry segments, movements, and biosecurity practices. Describe farm-level

practices for chicken primary breeder and multiplier flocks. Identify critical factors for

exclusion of disease (such as Mycoplasma).

• Poultry 2010: Poultry Industry Structure in the United States, 2010, descriptive report,

expected fall 2011

• Poultry 2010: Reference of Health and Management of Breeder Chicken Flocks in the

United States, 2010, descriptive report, expected fall 2011

• Info sheets, expected fall 2011

2. Estimate the prevalence and investigate risk factors associated with clostridial

dermatitis (cellulitis/gangrenous dermatitis) on turkey grower farms.

• Poultry 2010: Clostridial dermatitis on United States Turkey Farms, interpretive report,

expected spring 2012

• Info sheets, expected spring 2012

3. Describe bird health, movement, and biosecurity practices of urban chicken flocks in

four U.S. cities—Miami, Denver, Los Angeles, and New York City. Determine the

percentage of households that own chickens and attitudes about chickens in urban

settings in Los Angeles.

• Poultry 2010: Reference of the Health and Management of Chicken Flocks in Urban

Settings in Four U.S. Cities, descriptive report, May 2011

• Characteristics of Chicken Flocks in Four U.S. Cities, info sheet, April 2011

• Urban Chicken Flocks in Four U.S. Cities: the Human/Chicken Interface, info sheet,

April 2011

• Biosecurity of Urban Chicken Flocks in Four U.S. Cities, info sheet, April 2011

• Poultry 2010: Urban-chicken Ownership in Los Angeles County, California, 2010,

descriptive report, August 2011

• Urban Chicken Flocks in Los Angeles County, California, 2010, info sheet, August

2011