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!

 

Northbrook, IL, Shoots Down Chickens

In a disappointing 5-2 vote last night, the Village of Northbrook, IL, razed hopes for backyard chicken keepers. Attendees felt the trustees had made their decisions prior to the meeting, rather than entertaining the evidence presented.

This, of course, overshadows the Cubs 7-4 loss over the Brewers.

Chicken Variance Shot Down in Arlington Heights

I assisted would-be chicken owner Matt Scallon in an unsuccessful petition of the Arlington Heights Village Trustees for a variance to allow him to own chickens. A Trib Local reporter covered the story here. The Tribune’s story is here. 

Chickens Approved in Elgin

The city of Elgin, IL, just approved chickens!

Todd Martin made the proposal, and here is his report:

“At tonight’s City of Elgin’s Sustainability Commission meeting, my proposal to allow backyard chickens has been approved. The next step is to meet with Elgin’s planning department for crafting the ordinance, then the Planning Commission, then the City Council. Lots of steps and community involvement along the way. If you have any questions, look at West Dundee’s licensing program; we will be modeling ours on theirs.”

Canadian Right to Food Trial

Piggybacking on my 1/26/2012 post, there is a legal argument over the right to local food in Calgary, which was sparked by backyard hens. Chickens are no longer a pivot point in the argument; it has now encompassed larger issues that involve municipalities determining what their residents consume. Read more here. 

San Diego Approves Chickens, Bees, Goats

A sign of the times! San Diego City Council voted on Jan. 31, 2012, to allow residents to keep chickens, goats, and bees, citing the importance of accessing local food. Read more here. 

Naperville Chickens Under Scrutiny

Well, here is another instance of non-chicken-loving sentiments: http://www.wbez.org/story/owning-chickens-scratches-controversy-95624

A quote in the article compares chicken coops to dumpsters and complains of odors – these are comments that suggest that a visit to some chicken coops is in order. Most coops are well kept and do not smell.

All the more reason for chicken owners to practice good animal husbandry and for people who are not chicken friendly to visit a few coops. 

 

 

Brookfield, IL, Chicken Hearing on Monday, 10 Oct.

This coming Monday (10/10) is the day the Village of Brookfield will be voting on the backyard hen ordinance. Please come out! Let’s make one big, last push toward this positive change.

http://brookfieldchickens.blogspot.com/2011/10/monday-1010-is-voting-day.html

Chickens now allowed to roost in Evanston!

Hats off to the Evanstoners who worked so hard for the right to the pursuit of avian happiness in their own backyards!

On September 28, 2010,  Evanston city council voted 6 to 3 to allow residents to have chickens, overturning a 36-year ban on chicken keeping. Residents will keep hens for eggs, fertilizer, and as pets.

There’s a catch, though: residents will have to pay a $50 licensing fee to keep hens.

Concerns included noise, small, rodent infestation, and predators; however, chicken supporters surveyed officials in 20 locales where chicken keeping is legal, and officials reported satisfaction with the existing laws.

A proud cock-a-doodle-doo for the Evanston Backyard Chickens group!

To read the Tribune article, click here.

Chicagoland’s Chicken Population: For the ‘Burbs?

Hens are legal in Chicago, but in the suburbs, it’s a bird of a different feather. Some suburbs allow hens, while others do not. Evanston residents are trying to get an ordinance on the books that allows chickens.

The issues surrounding backyard chickens in the Chicagoland area were covered recently by Kay Severinsen in the Chicago Sun-Times.