Laffayette, Colorado Next in Line to Legalize Backyard Poultry

Mr. Quackers — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:11:40 +0000

Over the past few years we have occasionally featured stories of the countless cities across the United States which have underwent to process to legalize the practice of raising chickens and other fowl in urban backyards.

It is no secret that the popularity of backyard chickens is surging, as families and hobbyist reap the environmental and economic benefits of domesticated poultry.

One of the latest in this long line of communities seeking to officially condone this practice is Lafayette, Colorado. Lafayette, a very green conscious and socially minded city near Boulder and Denver, brought the debate before the city Planning Commission this week. Most likely, the Planning Commission will bring a recommendation before the City Council next month and a proposed amendment allowing backyard chickens will be enacted.

The package of rules and regulations proposed which the Lafayette Planning Commission are relatively common. The group derived the regulations from the ordinances they saw as most appropriate in the nearby cities of Longmont, Fort Collins, and Boulder.

Limit of 3 hens per household
No roosters
Birds must be sealed in a backyard chicken coop at night
Birds must have an enclosed 100 sq. foot chicken run
No slaughtering is allowed in backyards

One rule that many chicken owners may find a bit restrictive is the limit of 3 hens per household. An average size family which regularly consumes eggs, would most likely still need to purchase eggs with only 3 laying hens. This is especially true during the winter months, when hens do not lay as much, according to Melissa Held of nearby Longmont.

However, regulators feel the need to restrict the number of hens to deter backyard chicken owners from obtain too many eggs, and potentially selling them – a practice which could be a potential violation of regulations.

The popularity of urban poultry is continuing to rise, and currently does not show signs of slowing down.

UPDATE: Backyard Ducks are Saved!

Mr. Quackers — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:11:25 +0000

Ducks are thrilled that they are now allowed in Huntington, NY

A few weeks ago we explained a legal battle where Huntington, NY duck owners Nina Tam and her daughter Ava Post were battling local regulations to allow them to keep their small, domestic flock of birds. Like many duck owners across the country, they utilize their egg laying ducks to provide them with a safe and healthy alternative to chicken eggs. Nina Tam has a food allergy to chicken eggs, and duck eggs have offered the perfect nutritional solution.

We are happy to report that this brave duo succeeded in going through the appropriate legislative channels to have their local regulations changed such that up to 8 ducks can now be owned in the town of Huntington, NY. Through the use of social media such as a Facebook page and an online petition, Nina Tam and Ava Post were able to garner enough support to form a cohesive argument as to why their flock is not a nuisance, and should be allowed to remain.

This victory follows a rising trend of legalizing backyard poultry.

We at FowlBlog.com would like to congratulate Nina and Ava for opening the door for so many to enjoy this environmental and engaging hobby.

The Duck Amendment will be announced at a Town Hall Board meeting at 7pm on January 12th at 100 Main St. Huntington, NY.

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Laffayette, Colorado Next in Line to Legalize Backyard Poultry

UPDATE: Backyard Ducks are Saved!