Eggs at home: A look at raising chickens in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –For Gloria Carr, her chickens are more than just egg layers—they’re part of the family.

“We see our birds as pets—they all have names. Of course, we enjoy their eggs, but we also just enjoy spending time with them,” Carr says.

She introduced me to Pretty, Penelope, and Ping—her three chickens, now almost a year old. For Carr, life without them is hard to imagine.

“There’s literally no downside. I know I’m part of a few chicken groups, and if you have a lot of birds, it can get expensive. But for us, it’s been all positives.”

Every morning, Carr collects 2-3 fresh eggs.

“It’s nice not having to buy eggs. And the ones we get are such great quality.”

But it’s not just about the eggs. Carr has a unique morning ritual when one of her chickens lays an egg.

“Usually, the one laying the egg will do a rhythmic clucking, and the others cheer her on. If we hear them, we’ll open the window in the morning.”

Caring for her chickens, she says, is simple.

“The main thing is making sure they have a clean space to lay their eggs, that they have room to roam around and be happy. It’s really simple. I can’t imagine my life without chickens.”

As egg prices rise, more people are considering raising their own chickens, but it’s important to understand the rules before jumping in.

In Wilmington, the city’s code states:

“Only female chickens—hens—are allowed, and they must be kept in secure enclosures that meet specific size and cleanliness requirements.”

While New Hanover County doesn’t have regulations for chickens in its incorporated areas, it’s still important to check with your homeowners association, as they may have restrictions on raising chickens.