If you’ve been hunting and pecking for eggs across the Queen City, you're not alone. Prices are high and retailers are limiting how many eggs can be purchased in stores.

City Editor Maria, here. I'll be honest, I was surprised by the recent price hike, so I took a crack at understanding the regulations regarding owning your own chickens.

The nitty-gritty

In Charlotte, here are the the rules found in section 3 of the city code.

A permit is required to raise chickens + there needs to be at least four sqft of ground area per chicken on the property.

Before applying for the permit, an inspector must measure the distance from the property line before a coop is built. When it comes to the location on your property, there are some additional guidelines:

Chickens must be kept in a coop at all times.
The coop must be at least 18 in tall.
Coops must be placed at least 25 ft away from any adjacent residential structure and the property line.
Roosters aren't allowed
Chicks can't be left outside until all feathers come in.

The application for a permit is $40 annually.

If you’re thinking of raising chickens for meat, slaughtering must happen in a humane manner and away from public view.

Start the backyard barn

Rowan County-based NC BackyardCoops LLC has everything you need to start your flock, from coops to heating systems, lights, water/feed systems, and nest boxes. You can also stop by your local Lowe's or Tractor Supply to pick up chicks and supplies.

Here’s a shortlist of everything you’ll need to get cluckin':

Coop
Shavings
Starter/grower feed
Waterer
Feeder
Thermometer
Brooder
Brooder lamp + bulb

The single most expensive supply you’ll need is your chicken coop, which can cost anywhere from $300+ to upwards of $9,000. You can also keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace for used coops for sale (just make sure you clean any used materials thoroughly to eliminate disease-causing germs).

All eggs, no yolk

If you want fresh eggs without the hassle of owning chickens, consider purchasing from local farmers Wednesday-Sunday at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market.

Best of cluck with your new flock. If you have any tips we missed, let us know.