Chickens, Now Goats, in the City!

My friend Carolyn lives in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, with her husband, son, chickens, dogs, garden, and … goats. She has two milking goats that she breeds every year. With the milk she makes fresh cheese.

Carolyn’s goats were featured in Chicago Farm and Table! Check them out!

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Chicken Ordinance Report

In February of 2010, students of Dr. Hugh Bartling at DePaul University conducted a survey of more than 20 U.S. municipalities that allow chickens. The survey focused on how the laws were implemented and the issues that arose. Read the original report here. 

Iowa City Joins the Backyard Chicken Movement

I got a call yesterday from the University of Iowa and spoke to a reporter who documented the Iowa City chicken-keeping efforts in this article, published online today (4/17/2012).

This movement was seeded by a former chicken keeper from Albuquerque who wanted backyard hens at her new home.

“Everyone comes to the table with different reasons [for urban chicken keeping],” said LaBadie, who organized several chicken-keeping groups in Albuquerque. “… But it’s not like it’s a brand-new thing. They’re allowed in New York City, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, and larger urban areas. I feel like they could work in Iowa City.”

Go, Iowa!

 

Annapolis, MD, Approves Chickens

After a particularly protracted debated, which lasted until 1 AM, Annapolis, MD, city council approved chicken keeping.

…the most recent bill allowed for up to five chickens per residence and requires a setback of 5 feet from the property line.  All coops must comply with building codes. There will be no roosters allowed, only chickens*. And this legislation has a sunset clause of three years. If the council takes no further action, chickens will once again be banished from the City.

To read more, check out the original article. 

*The author means hens. Chicken refers to both genders; hen is female, rooster is male.

Lead in Backyard Eggs

Yes, there is a small risk of lead in backyard eggs, especially in buildings constructed before 1978. For more information, see this article.

If you live in Chicagoland and are concerned about lead levels in your soil, contact Susan Kauffman, who tipped me off regarding the lead in eggs issue. She runs a soil analysis service and offers a soil sampling service.

Backyard Poultry Magazine on Legalizing Chickens

Many of you have been asking about how to legalize chickens in your community. Backyard Poultry magazine has a great article with tips and pointers on making hens legal in your area of residence! Read more about this here!

Toronto Eyes Backyard Hens, Eh?

In Toronto, laws currently ban backyard hens; however, according to a Canadian Press report dated Jan. 5, 2012, the city’s licensing and standards committee is voting on whether or not to consider a step toward lifting the ban. Continue reading more. 

Atlantic Cities Article Introduces the Urban Chicken Consultant

Atlantic Cities contributor Emily Badger wrote this delightful account of my chicken consulting saga!
Enjoy meeting the urban chicken consultant!

Information Useful in Amending Chicken-Keeping Ordinances

Folks often call me about changing their city’s chicken legislation, and I can provide some ideas, tips, and pointers. This Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts page is a great source of information on changing city codes and engaging in debates around keeping chickens. This page contains:

• Model municipal codes (Illinois and other states)
• Response to common concerns about chicken-keeping in an urban setting
• Draft ordinance for Chicago

Check out the rest of the info on the site, too!

October 3, 2010: Hen-apalooza Chicagoland Chicken Coop Tour

Are you thinking about raising chickens but wonder what it’s like to do so in an urban or suburban area? Or are you already raising chickens and wonder how others are doing it? Or are you just interested in taking a fun tour through the Chicago area?

On Sunday, October 3rd, 2010—rain or shine—the first annual Hen-apalooza Chicagoland Chicken Coop Tour will take place at 15 locations throughout the area. Hen-apalooza will be a self-guided tour, so visit as few or as many local chicken-keepers and their fowl friends as you like. A map of tour locations is available at http://tiny.cc/8630w.

Home to Roost urban chicken consultant Jennifer Murtoff will be on hand at 2 PM at the Logan Square Co-op (1936 Sawyer Ave.) to talk about her experience and services. She’s also give some quick tips, a “six-point inspection” to assess the health of a chicken.

For more information and a Hen-apalooza Passport to track your tour progress, please see http://tiny.cc/hen-apalooza or the Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts Google Group at  groups.google.com/group/chicago-chicken-enthusiasts.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs or other pets please. Street parking available at each location. Please consider biking or using public transportation.

Hen-apalooza Chicagoland Chicken Coop Tour is presented by the Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts (groups.google.com/group/chicago-chicken-enthusiasts) and generously supported by Angelic Organics Learning Center (learngrowconnect.org), Backyard Chicken Run (backyardchickenrun.com) and DoubleTake Design (doubletakedesign.com).