Longmont residents snapping up urban chicken permits

Today marks the first day that residents of Longmont, Colorado, have been able to apply to have urban chickens legally.

Back on Feb. 24, the Longmont City Council voted to allow chickens in residential areas, limiting the number of households that can keep them to just 50 so as not to overwhelm the animal control officers.

The Longmont Times-Call reports a dozen people were waiting for the doors to open to get their $30 permit this morning and by 11am, half the 50 permits were gone.

This trial run ends Dec 31, 2010, and lets hope our friends in Longmont can keep their urban chickens above ground after that!

What's the matter, Colonel Sanders? Chicken?

Yes, I know it is ridiculous to start my first blog with a quote from a Mel Brooks movie. But it actually does speak to my situation rather well.

As a brief introduction - my name is Shannon Barrett. I am in my early 30's and live in Plano, Texas with my wife, Lara. We own a small house in the older part of the city and very recently have become interested in raising 3-5 hens for eggs.

Plano is a northern suburb of Dallas and unfortunately does not allow citizen's to own chickens. This is fairly ridiculous considering that Dallas and several other local suburbs do allow chickens. I am hoping that this blog will provide the motivation and support for me to work towards making this change in my community.

Any feedback or suggestions would be welcome. Thanks!

References:

http://plano.gov/Departments/Animal/Local%20Animal%20Information/Pages/ordinances.aspx

Under section - Sec. 4-22. Livestock.
(d) It shall be unlawful to own or keep chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, peacocks, or guineas within the corporate limits of the city, except in agricultural zoned districts, lakes, and public park lands.

Money Where Your Mouth Is

Today my mother called. She is planning to order 100 or more chicks soon. The idea is that she'll get folks to invest in her chickens and then we'll all help slaughter in the spring. Each person will come away with a whole bird, according to how much he or she invested. It is a good idea, but I shuttered at the thought of slaughtering chickens. She told me that she'll have the men deal with the actual killing, but I'd have to boil and pluck somewhere along the way. I'm ordinarily kind of a feminist, but in this instance viva la difference!

My viceral reaction made me think long and hard about my position on Eat Local. It doesn't get any more local than raising, slaughtering and preparing your own birds. But to actually do it?!? I don't know if I can. Eat Local Sarah was disgusted with Squeamish Sarah. "How can you talk about real food if you aren't willing to put forth the effort to actually do it?" If I cannot pluck my own chicken, then I need to be a vegetarian.

Looks Like a Garbage Can

Hen Condo from McMurray hatchery. This is a great way to be incognito with your chickens!