PETITION TO EXCLUDE COTURNIX QUAIL FROM MUNICIPAL “LIVESTOCK” AND “POULTRY” CLASSIFICATION
Submitted by residents of Metropolis, Illinois

We, the undersigned residents of Metropolis, respectfully petition for a revision to the city ordinance currently classifying all domesticated birds — including Coturnix quail — as "livestock" or "poultry." We request that Coturnix quail be recognized for what they are: small, quiet, non-destructive game birds that are legally and practically distinct from chickens, ducks, or other barnyard animals.

Why Coturnix Quail Deserve an Exception
1. Coturnix Quail Are Compact and Quiet — They Belong in the City.
A single Coturnix quail is roughly the size of a soda can. A small flock of 10–20 quail can be housed in a hutch smaller than the footprint of a backyard grill.
Unlike chickens — especially roosters — male quail make a soft cooing sound, quieter than the ambient noise of a suburban street or barking dogs. There are no loud crows, and no neighborhood disturbances. Their odor is minimal, and they never roam free.

2. They’re a Modern, Sustainable Food Source.
Quail eggs are prized for their nutrition, low cholesterol, and rich protein content. A group of ten hens can produce 60–70 eggs per week. Their waste is nutrient-rich and ideal for composting — perfect for backyard gardens and urban sustainability efforts.
Unlike chickens, quail are efficient: they mature in just 6–8 weeks, need less food, less space, and no expensive infrastructure like large coops or heat lamps.

3. They Don’t Damage Yards — or Relationships with Neighbors.
Chickens scratch. Quail don’t. Chickens escape. Quail can’t.
Kept in clean, elevated pens, Coturnix quail don’t dig up gardens, wander into neighbors’ yards, or make a mess of landscaping. This isn’t “urban farming”—it’s quiet, contained, backyard stewardship.

 
Legal Precedent and Misclassification
Quail are not chickens, and many states recognize this distinction. In fact, in Florida, individuals may raise up to 100 bobwhite or Coturnix quail without any license or permit. Florida law classifies these birds as game birds, not livestock or poultry, and specifically excludes them from restrictions that would otherwise apply to poultry or farm animals.

Other municipalities across the country — from parts of California to Michigan to New York — have followed suit, allowing quail under urban homesteading rules or with no permitting required at all. In some cities, residents can keep Coturnix quail without even informing their HOA, simply because they’re not considered poultry.

Metropolis has the opportunity to join forward-thinking cities that are embracing sustainable, quiet, low-impact backyard practices — without opening the door to large-scale farming or noisy flocks.

 
What We Are Asking
We respectfully request that the ordinance be updated to exclude Coturnix quail from any definition of “livestock,” “poultry,” or “farm animals.” This small change would:

• Support food security and sustainability for families.
• Align our laws with the biological and legal distinctions between game birds and poultry.
• Reduce unnecessary red tape for small, responsible pet and egg keepers.
• Maintain peace, cleanliness, and neighborly harmony in our city.

This is not about asking for more animals or looser rules. It's about recognizing that Coturnix quail are a class apart — quiet, clean, and tailored for urban life.

If you support thoughtful, sustainable living in our community, please sign our petition to update the ordinance and allow responsible quail-keeping.

Let’s modernize our laws and make room for smart, sensible homesteading.
Thank you for standing with us!