There's been a growing movement in Knoxville that might surprise you- to raise chickens legally in one's backyard. Many of you might not realize that raising chickens is illegal in our town. Fewer of you might know that this doesn't deter many Knoxvillians from doing just that. Lo has pointed out at least three coops that you can see from his back patio. A co-worker tells me she wakes up to rooster crows down on Sevier Ave.
Now, with the "Urban Hen Coalition" some of our townsfolk are seeking to make what's already happening nice and legal-like. And, improbably, our leaders are listening and testing the water. Nick Pavlis, the District 1 councilman, has joined the interweb era and actually has a poll on his website asking whether or not hens should be allowed in the city.
What do you think? Go tell Pavlis at his fancy website. As for me, I'm gonna start shopping around for a head-chopping block for my backyard.
Friday, January 22, 2010
to hen, or not to hen
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7 comments:
I like this idea - that if I lived in a house with a yard, my neighbors with their own yards could be free to raise chickens. But considering my current people neighbors are noisy enough as it is and I am constantly frustrated by the sound of their TVs, stomping up and down the stairs, door slamming, etc., I really really really would dislike having a neighbor with some loud ass roosters. Just a thought.
Can they be put in a very comfortable, sound-proof hen house at night and early in the morning? Maybe with bean bag chairs and even a TV. Just another thought.
Em - the solution to your problem is simple - no roosters! I moved to Knoxville from Austin, where backyard poultry is allowed under a general "noise and nuisance" clause... meaning, not too loud and not too stinky. We kept seven hens in our backyard, and while hens aren't quiet, especially when they're singing their egg-laying song, they're not even close to roosters.
Having the funny personalities of the seven ladies clucking around my backyard all day was awesome. I'd love for Knoxville to give urban chickens the thumbs-up!
I'm gonna second KMac's suggestion. Hens really aren't that loud. And you don't have to worry about little kids accidentally witnessing chicken-rape. It isn't pretty....
The new proposed city ordinance would keep roosters illegal. Hens do not need roosters to lay eggs; they need roosters to make baby chickens. This ordinance is geared for those of us who want fresh eggs. There are also strict guidelines included for the housing of your hens and the number of hens per household. :)
Anyone know the legality of coops in Maryville?
here's a solution : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coJGRJrn7x0
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