There was a new topic of discussion brought up this month at the Council Meeting at City Hall. Several different families are interested in the idea of being able to raise chickens inside city limits. Three or four families showed up to the meeting at City Hall to propose their case to the counsel.

The proposal consisted of ideas and regulations that other neighboring towns have taken into place. Cities like Cedar Rapids, Marion, Iowa City, Waverly, and Vinton all allow backyard or “urban” chickens. Most ordinances state that you can have 4-6 hens, but no roosters. This is beneficial to the owner and neighbors as the hens do not create much noise, plus they produce the eggs, while the roosters are the ones popular for waking everyone up at 5 am.

Other cities however have much looser regulations. Des Moines is pretty relaxed on their chicken ordinances. You are allowed 25 chickens per acre, and up to 50 per acre in addition to the first. If you live on less than 1 acre you are still allowed to own up to 25 hens. Des Moines has very successfully allowed residents to raise backyard chickens for several years with hardly any problems. Most ordinances require frequent cleaning of the coop. This reduces smell and helps keep the area clean. Most cities do not require an inspection of the coop, but if there is a complaint the city may come to your property and check it out at that point. Some cities also require that you fill out and maintain a permit to raise chickens in city limits.

The proposal also stated the coops that the hens would be living in would have to be a certain amount of feet away from the property line or another house. It will also be required to have proper enclosure for the hens year round.

Generally most hens produce one egg daily or every other day. So if a family was allowed to raise 4-6 hens they would be able to collect anywhere from 20-30 and possibly more eggs per week. This helps cut back on the grocery bill, plus you can’t beat the way they taste. When you raise your own chickens it gives you the ability to be in control of exactly what is going into their diet, living conditions, and other factors that play a roll on the animals health and happiness. Being self sufficient and raising your own food is also a very gratifying feeling. It helps teach discipline and care to children and adults. Being able to care for something that will in return provide you with something that benefits your life is an amazing experience.