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On Saturday, visitors to the Wake Forest Farmer's Market had a special treat. Market goers were able to see a small flock of pet chickens in a movable 'chicken ark' style coop. Most people thought having pet hens was a great idea for Wake Forest, and many even fed the chickens some sprigs of grass. Several asked about roosters, which would be prohibited under the amended ordinance. One shopper remarked, "They're so gentle, they're not pecking at those kids!" And he was right - there were usually several children gathered around the coop, and since a family that includes young children has raised these chickens, they were completely at ease with the idea. When approached to sign the petition, several folks didn't notice the chickens at first. "Wow, I didn't even know they were there!" said one market visitor, she then decided to take a closer look, and was amazed at how quiet the hens were.
It seems there are so many misconceptions out there about chickens in general, so here are some 'Frequently Asked Questions' - many of these questions came up at the Farmer's Market this weekend. If you're not sure about the idea, or you think you have made your mind up against pet hens, please take a minute to read this list and see if your concerns are addressed.
This FAQ list will also be posted shortly on the Backyard Chickens for Wake Forest blog at www.wfchickens.blogspot.com.
Q: Don't you need a rooster for eggs?
A: No, you don't. Hens lay eggs without a rooster. The eggs you buy at the store are unfertilized and no rooster is around those hens. You only need a rooster to hatch chicks. Roosters will NOT BE ALLOWED under the new ordinance in Wake Forest.
Q: Are chickens loud?
A: Roosters are loud, and they will not be permitted. Hens are, on average, far quieter than most dogs, parrots, or macaws. They generally make a soft chuckle or cluck. Loud clucking rated at about 70 decibels, while the average conversation would be 60 decibels. Occasionally, when they are showing off an egg they've just laid, their clucking is slightly louder. Normal noises are not audible past 25', the loudest noises at about 50'.
Q: What about smell?
A: Unlike the farm chickens many of us are familiar with, whose coops generally aren't cleaned more than once or twice a year, suburban pet chickens are treated like any other pet. The chicken coop is cleaned several times per week, or even daily. The amount of chicken manure produced by six hens is roughly equivalent to the dog droppings produced by a medium-large dog. And, unlike dog or cat poop (health hazards), chicken manure can be easily composted into fabulous garden fertilizer!
Q: Aren't chicken coops an eyesore?
A: Suburban chicken owners, unlike rural folks with acreage, have their chicken's enclosures in their backyard living space. Thus, they tend to be well-built, well-maintained, pretty structures. The Wake Forest ordinance will contain restrictions to ensure that hen houses and coops are attractive and well maintained, and not a detriment to the neighborhood. Check out www.catawbacoops.com for an example.
Q: What about predators or pests?
A: Since the ordinance stipulates that the hens must be in a completely enclosed, predator-proof enclosure, and locked in a henhouse at night, the hens will not attract predators any more than a rabbit in a backyard hutch. The ordinance also contains restrictions concerning feed so that other pests will not be attracted.
Q: Will chickens be running wild in neighborhoods?
A: No. The drafted amendment includes the stipulation that the hens must be kept in a completely enclosed pen at all times unless they are in a securely fenced yard with supervision.
Q: What about diseases like Avian Flu?
A: Despite some sensational news stories that may lead us to believe otherwise, Avian Flu of the type that is contagious to humans has not been found in North America. Any type of avian influenza is spread by contact with the contaminated feces of other birds, primarily migratory waterfowl. Unlike rural farm birds, which "free range" and might, for example, drink from a pond shared with Canada Geese, "backyard hens" in Wake Forest will be kept in an enclosed pen with no contact with the migratory birds. In addition, should avian flu ever reach here, it would more likely spread in situations where birds are maintained in unsanitary conditions, such as the large commercial "factory farms" where chickens are crammed together in filthy cages.... not where chickens are kept as pets in well-maintained coops cleaned as regularly as any suburban pet.
Salmonella is the other primary concern associated with chicken and eggs. Again, this is an issue of cleanliness and chickens kept as pets are unlikely to cause any problems. In fact, Consumer Reports magazine reports that 71% of all supermarket chicken and eggs are contaminated with salmonella: eating your own backyard eggs, where you have control over the sanitation, significantly reduces your chance of exposure. In terms of exposure from pets, chickens are no more likely to carry it than parakeets, and pet reptiles are far more likely culprits. Good hand-washing practices are always important after handling animals.
Pet chickens, unlike cats and dogs, which are prime vectors for rabies and tick-borne diseases, actually keep your yard healthier by eating ticks, grubs, japanese beetles, slugs, and other harmful insects.
Q: How many chickens are we talking about here?
A: The ordinance will limit the number to 20 or less. While four to six hens will supply a family of four with enough eggs for personal use, and to sometimes share with neighbors; Hens will produce eggs from age 6 months to about 6 years depending on their variety. They will live for another 2-4 years after that, so a family would usually desire to add to their flock at that time to allow for continued egg production.
Q: What's this about an "Urban Chicken" movement?
A: In the last 5 or so years, more communities have been adjusting their zoning laws to allow chickens to be kept as pets in urban and suburban areas. As part of the growing awareness in this country of living “green" more people are interested in growing at least some of their own food in kitchen gardens, and in raising a few hens for eggs. The "movement" has spread across the country as people realize that owning a few hens, kept as suburban pets in pretty garden coops, is a good idea. Some people want organic eggs and garden compost, others are concerned about food security, others want to "eat local" to save resources, and others wish to enjoy the lovely, fun pets hens can be.
Q: Aren't chickens mean?
A: Just like any animal, it's all in the upbringing. If you took a bunch of parrots, cockatiels, kittens or puppies and stuck them in a pen with minimal human contact beyond food and water, they probably wouldn't be very good pets. Just like these animals, chickens that are hand-raised from chicks can be wonderful pets. They come when they are called, enjoy being held and are beautiful and even affectionate pets. Check out the links on www.wfchickens.blogspot.com for websites like "My Pet Chicken" and "City Chickens" for more information.
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By Emily Cole on 08/04 01:44 PM
Just an update for everyone: We will be back at the WF Farmer's Market on Saturday, August 9th. Come see the sweet hens!
By Terri Wilkinson on 07/22 01:49 PM
Emily, thank you for spreading the word about the value of pasture raised chickens and eggs. The Wake Forest Farmers Market does indeed have a number of vendors that sell eggs. You have to be early though,most folks sell out by mid morning. All the more reason to consider raising chickens in your back yard.
By Emily Cole on 07/21 12:00 PM
Teran, absolutely! Most of the eggs you'll find at the Wake Forest market are free-range, and some are organically fed. They are much healthier and tastier than the store bought eggs. They contain less cholesterol too. You can be sure they're raised by people who really care about them. It's great to be able to talk directly to the people who grow the food!
By Teran Rankin on 07/21 11:55 AM
Very Informative! I had no idea the conditions in "factory farms" were that bad. I would love to have a backyard to do have chickens, but until then I will have to find an alternative source. Do you know if the eggs you can buy at Farmers Market are usually better than the grocery store?
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