What a great letter from Glen McGaughlin regarding the story Council reviewing urban hens to be allowed in town.
I kept chickens for many years in the U.K. I agree that collecting their freshly laid warm eggs every morning is an absolute delight. My parents were fortunate enough to have a secluded piece of land away from any developments where we could enjoy our 60 chicken acreage. I also remember the constant battle with vermin such as mice, rats (in the U.K.) and foxes. The chicken coops would get cleaned out once a week so the stench on a warm summer morning was quite over powering.
I personally don’t want a rooster crowing at 5 a.m. in the morning next door to me. If my wife and I want to sit out on our patio for supper in the summer, I don’t want somebody’s chickens clucking and fighting while we are trying to enjoy some quiet time.
If the council want to designate a piece of land (similar to an allotment) which they own and rent out to wanna be chicken farmers – out of town, great, go for it. All the chicken owners can then be in one spot and can share chicken tales to their heart’s delight.
As Mr. McGlaughlin pointed out in his letter to town council (with respect) should be focusing on more pressing matters for our town’s future growth, than considering allowing backyard chickens.
I would look forward to nothing more than buying freshly-laid brown, free run eggs at the farmers market during the Summer, but the thought of urban chickens next door to me – no thanks.
Bob Harrison
