New Haven Independent

Hen Legalization Gets 2nd Chance

by Thomas MacMillan | April 24, 2009 7:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (37)

As a legally owned urban chicken, Sussex is able to strut around with her head held high. With the passage of an upcoming ordinance amendment that would permit backyard hens, other city chickens may soon be able to stand tall.

Sussex lives with four other hens on Willard Street in Westville. Her owner, Rebecca Weiner, is one of a several New Haveners who have received zoning permission to keep hens in their backyards. A newly proposed ordinance would extend that permission citywide, allowing all residents to keep up to six hens.

The proposed amendment — the second attempt by lawmakers to advance the idea — will be taken up by the City Plan Commission at its May meeting. It will need final approval by the Board of Aldermen.

The ordinance would open the door for new hen owners as well as legalize current chicken keepers who are operating below the radar. Hens would have to be kept in an enclosure, for non-commercial use in residential zones. Roosters, along with all other non-hen livestock, would continue to be prohibited. See a draft of the ordinance here.

Proponents of the plan say that hens are a quiet and unobtrusive way for people to get fresh eggs and feel more connected to their food supply. Detractors say that hens just aren’t right for city life. They worry about noise and mess and attracting predators like raccoons and possums.

The idea for the amendment was hatched over a year ago by Weiner, after going through a drawn out zoning battle to keep her hens (read about that here, here, and here). Recounting the story in her backyard, Weiner said that she had thought to herself at the time, “This is a little silly. Maybe there’s something that we can do about changing the ordinance.”

Weiner (pictured) approached her alderwoman, Ward 25’s Ina Silverman, and they put together a proposal. The momentum for that plan fizzled, but the issue was recently resurrected by Fair Haven Alderwoman Erin Sturgis-Pascale, who joined together with Westville, East Rock and Fair Haven alders to push the issue again.

“The great motivator was my husband, because he wanted to keep chickens in the backyard,” Sturgis-Pascale explained, adding with a laugh, “He is my most important constituent.”

Sturgis-Pascale said that the hens ordinance is taking flight this time because of a confluence of factors, including a burgeoning interest in local food and a growing recession. “There is a cultural trend unfolding before us,” said Sturgis-Pascale, who worked in sustainable agriculture for ten years. Unlike her parents’ generation, which pursued a back-to-the-land, anti-urban philosophy, “we’re becoming urbanites, but taking responsibility for our food,” she explained.

People are beginning to see that “the factory farming system is failing us,” said Weiner. Referring to Michael Pollan’s bestseller, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, she mentioned the high levels of hormones in mass-produced eggs and a huge agro-business system that runs off of subsidized corn and fossil fuels. With more and more people rejecting big factory farming, “chickens have become chic,” she said. There a number of people who are keeping hens in the city without permission, said Weiner.

Keeping chickens makes sense economically, emotionally, and for health reasons, said Weiner who has had hens since 2002. She uses the hens to help her compost kitchen scraps and all the leaves she rakes each fall. “You end up with this very nice compost that your chickens turn for you,” she said. “They’re your little garden slaves.”

Weiner has calculated the cost of feeding and caring for her birds and determined that she pays 12 cents per dozen of organic, grass-fed, free-range, local fresh eggs. If you can even find them in the store, comparable eggs would cost you $5, she said.

Plus, the eggs have 40 percent less cholesterol than eggs from factory farms. “You can go on and on about the health benefits of eating this way,” she said.

“Emotionally, there’s a big dissatisfaction that we have with the separation with the natural world,” Weiner went on. She said that she likes being able to show her four-year-old daughter where her food comes from.

Keeping chickens is a return to what urban life once was, Weiner said. “One hundred fifty years ago, everyone lived this way,” she said, gesturing to her backyard chicken coop, which her husband built from scrap lumber. “This is how cities were.”

Even 70 years ago, raising chickens was quite common in New Haven. “I had them when I was a kid over in Fair Haven, said Weiner’s neighbor, 81-year-old Tom Coughlin, at right in photo with another neighbor, Rocky. You used to be able to buy them by the dozen from a store on State Street, he said. “They were all over, really.”

“It’s fun to watch the neighborhood kids go look at them,” Rocky said. There’s no smell at all, he added. And without a rooster, there’s no noise, Coughlin said.

Coughlin is all for the proposed amendment. “Do it the way [Weiner] does it, it’s super,” he said. “I think it’s a great idea.”

Others aren’t so pleased with the idea.

“This really needs to be thought about and maybe limited to two hens to a property,” said Rafael Ramos, deputy director at city government’s Livable City Initiative.

“I know the trend with people wanting to be able to control their breakfast,” he said. “But houses are so close together … and not everyone is going to be neat. Too many hens is going to be a problem.”

Ramos suggested that hen owners should have at least a quarter of an acre. He also worried that chickens would attract predators like raccoons, foxes, possums, coyotes, and larger birds of prey. “The country or the suburbs would be more appropriate,” he said.

“We have a tough enough time fighting back wild animals,” Ramos said. “Seems to me like [chickens] should be on a farm.”

Weiner conceded that predators can be an issue for hen owners.

“I think it’s a very legitimate concern and it needs to be addressed with coop design,” she said. She pointed to her covered chicken run, which is enclosed by two different kinds of mesh, to protect her birds from raccoons and other animals. “You need to take proper precautions.”

Weiner said that she “had a loss” over the winter. One of her birds was sick and a hawk swooped down and took her away when she was out in the yard. But predators will go after any household pet, and even small children, if they’re left unattended and defenseless in the back yard, she said.

Weiner said that she strongly recommends a “Chicken 101 course.” She said that she and other New Haven chicken keepers have offered to give a biannual training on proper care and feeding to prospective poultry owners.

Share this story

Share |

Comments

Posted by: ned | April 24, 2009 8:20 AM

Can we substitute the word "children" for "chicken" in this new ordinance? Limit the legal number owned to two.

Posted by: robn | April 24, 2009 8:40 AM

eggs rule!

make the chickens legal!

(but not the roosters...I like to sleep in)

Posted by: jawbone | April 24, 2009 9:43 AM

I say no. Chickens are a "bridge" to harder animals. Before you know it goatville will return to the goats.

Posted by: LEAVE USA | April 24, 2009 10:23 AM

NED -

WHAT A REPULSIVE COMMENT. LEAVE THE USA AND MOVE TO CHINA!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | April 24, 2009 10:39 AM

VIVA LA CHICKENS!!!!!!!!!

Just as a ref. a friend of mine that lives in Eshtast Haven has chicken and she did the research prior to getting them, she said there is a law on the books that say that chickens are legal in NEW HAVEN COUNTY. So it may not be a law in New Haven but it is still on the books for the county. SO just make them legal!!!

Funny side note I went to pick up a pizza at modern and on my drive home (not saying what street) there where chicken running around on the side walk and the neighbors where trying to regroup them. I WAS A FANTASTIC SITE!!!!!

Posted by: Katie | April 24, 2009 10:55 AM

"But predators will go after any household pet, and even small children, if they're left unattended and defenseless in the back yard, she said."

...hawks go after small children? that comes off as LOL.

Posted by: dingdong | April 24, 2009 11:03 AM

sounds romantic but just wait until we register the first case of avian flu.

Posted by: norton street | April 24, 2009 11:13 AM

while neds comment seems harsh, its actually much better than our current policy of encouraging multiple children in families. our country, and the world are over populated and people need to have less children. what will be worse than the massive debt we're creating for the next generation, is the amount of people we're bringing into this world who will have to fight over the few remaining scraps to survive. 1-2 kids per couple. its not that difficult of a concept.

this urban chicken ordinance seems like a step in the right direction of localizing our economy. in a few years we may see open air markets pop up again to sell local goods, and the farmer's market will be more frequent then it currently is.

Posted by: Jazione | April 24, 2009 11:15 AM

Chicken slaves, free goats and predator deer in New Haven... I'm moving to China!

Posted by: ROBN | April 24, 2009 11:37 AM

JAWBONE,

Chickens are a gateway livestock into bigger livestock? What the cluck?

Posted by: Eva Geertz | April 24, 2009 11:38 AM

I was actually saying to my husband the other day it might be nice to have a goat as a pet... and it would save us mowing our lawn... Maybe I'd start making cheese... I'd rather have a goat whinnying in my backyard than ATVs zooming around...
Sorry, unproductive comment. But I couldn't help myself.

Posted by: robn | April 24, 2009 11:41 AM

JAZIONE,

Have a nice trip!

">Kowloon City.

Posted by: robn | April 24, 2009 11:44 AM

Legalize it!

Best Dressed Chicken in Town

Posted by: Ned | April 24, 2009 11:58 AM

"LEAVE THE USA AND MOVE TO CHINA!" Only one child per/family allowed in China... Supposedly, Mary only had one child... Also, there's the avian flu problem, nitrogen pollution (from chicken waste), and killer chickens - East Rock already has a major dog poop problem, will we now have to educate people about curbing their chickens?

Posted by: Edward_H | April 24, 2009 12:06 PM

ROBN

make the chickens legal!

(but not the roosters...I like to sleep in)

Not the roosters? That's blatant discrimination. Not only against male roosters but those whose cultural heritage make owning a rooster a tradition. It will only be a matter of time before these fatherless chicks start robbing people. Why do you want to prevent chickens from making strong families?

All kidding aside I think this is a great idea. Just like anything else problems arise when people are irresponsible.

Posted by: ROBN | April 24, 2009 12:49 PM

NED,

I share your disdain for people who walk their dogs on other peoples lawns and who don't clean up after them...however...

poop doesn't kill people
people who don't clean up poop kill people

Posted by: nfjanette | April 24, 2009 12:53 PM

"This really needs to be thought about and maybe limited to two hens to a property," said Rafael Ramos, deputy director at city government's Livable City Initiative.

"I know the trend with people wanting to be able to control their breakfast," he said. "But houses are so close together ... and not everyone is going to be neat. Too many hens is going to be a problem."

I like the idea of fresh, healthy, local eggs. However, I think it's good that Mr. Ramos is willing to enter this debate with his head rather than his heart. His concerns are valid and should be addressed in the proposed amendment. Also note that this approval will create new tasks and responsibilities for some city agencies - which may mean that enforcement of any issues effectively makes this amendment an "unfunded mandate". Perhaps there should be a license fee to help cover such costs.

Posted by: Wicked Lester | April 24, 2009 1:49 PM

When hens are outlawed, only outlaws will have hens.

Posted by: Rocco | April 24, 2009 1:52 PM

I was brought up on Lamberton St in the 40's. Almost
every one had chickens. It was great, fresh egg's in the morn. and yes the sound of chickens wakeing up.
Sure beats the sound of gun shots in the morn.

Posted by: robn | April 24, 2009 2:13 PM

I was considering raising hawks, but couldn't run the risk that they might capture and bring home small children...then I'd never be able to sleep in.

Posted by: lance | April 24, 2009 2:27 PM

I was going to get a few hens but I didn't want to run afowl of the law.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | April 24, 2009 2:28 PM

Can the chickens get new haven I D cards?

Posted by: dingdong | April 24, 2009 2:56 PM

Will wonders never cease? Three-fifths made me laugh out loud.

Posted by: DAFeder | April 24, 2009 3:16 PM

Threefifths:

I hope so -- chickens with library cards are hilarious:
http://lisnews.org/node/26370

David

ps/ sign me up for a goat!

Posted by: Ned | April 24, 2009 3:26 PM

Robn,
It's an unbelievable hassle getting the hawks to drop the kids.

Is the Independent at the center of some kind of conspiracy?

Banks Duck City On Foreclosed Homes
Hen Legalization Gets 2nd Chance
Branford Eagle?

Posted by: cedarhillresident | April 24, 2009 3:52 PM

Robn

But if you raise hawks and the chicken law passes you can get free chickens...

Chickenhawks of course.

Posted by: jawbone | April 24, 2009 4:05 PM

Thats a joke, son, don't you get it?
Screw

Ball

Screwball

Posted by: ROBN | April 24, 2009 4:13 PM

Jeez,

It must be spring...the giddiness has fully set in.

Posted by: Ilovenewhaven | April 24, 2009 6:09 PM

How about goose that lay golden Eggs?

Posted by: stptia | April 25, 2009 3:07 PM

Personally I have been planning on raising rabbits. They multiply faster than chickens, the meat is leaner, and you have the pelt at the end.

They are also good at mowing the yard.

Do you think any of these animals could be hired by the city to locate pot holes for us? I know we have someone on the case right now, but he's charging us more than chicken feed to drive around and spot the obivious.

Posted by: rosemarie | April 26, 2009 1:02 PM

Re chicken poop: three points. It's a first class fertilizer, rich in nutrients (like guano) and second, it dessicates fast (like wild bird droppings)-- dries out within hours, and after the initial squirt, it's odorless. A hard-headed (not heart-felt) reason for keeping chickens, that no-one seems to have noticed yet, is that they eat all manner of larvae, bugs and pests; my backyard has been mosquito free for years. Now that is a very real boon in a pesticide-happy world that thoughtlessly pollutes our water supply with carcinogenic toxins.
Rosemarie

Posted by: George Street | April 27, 2009 3:15 PM

Chicken. Yum.

Posted by: fedupwithliberals | April 30, 2009 8:08 AM

Where was the American Chicken Liberties Union in all of this?

Posted by: Wicked Lester | April 30, 2009 10:06 AM

Roosters scored high on their promotional exam, but the city threw the test out.

Posted by: ilovenewhaven | May 4, 2009 8:04 PM

Roosters don't count ha ha

Posted by: Consti2amend | May 10, 2009 5:07 PM

I was hoping to get "piglet" from Winnie so every fall I could slaughter and prepare some of my winter meat supply. Is this "ok"?
What about raising Quail? One could raise 50 of them in about 10 square feet of space. Once they are of "age", then slaughter them and freeze 'em! They are VERY quiet, AND tastey! Plus, they would only be in my yard for about 8 weeks.

To Edward H;
"Not only against male roosters but..." and I was hoping to get a FEmale rooster!

Posted by: Edward_H | May 15, 2009 4:31 PM

Consti2amend

To Edward H;
"Not only against male roosters but..." and I was hoping to get a FEmale rooster!

Yes I was speaking about the roosters that are born male, not the transgendered ones.

Hen Legalization Gets 2nd Chance

Comments

Special Sections

Legal Notices

Some Favorite Sites

Government/ Community Links

Flyerboard

Sponsors

N.H.I. Site Design & Development

NHI Store

News Feed