Help me change the law in West Hartford CT

[Abbbby333]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Abby. I don't have chickens yet but only because it is illegal where i live, west hartford CT. I am very determined to change the law and i was wondering if there was anyone in West Hartford who wanted to as well. we deserve the right to provide for ourselves and legalizing chicken ownership can be the first step.

 

[annie3001]

sorry they are illegal.....are you sure...? have you called the town hall etc.? perhaps the acre of land is the problem? some towns thats what i have heard. i dunno.
do you have real close neighbors?
you could move out to the country? okay if thats not an idear, than i would not buy chicks or chickens because if you are found out, that means loosing them. just my thoughts here.

some people do the (illegal thing, owning chickens when they are not allowed) that too me is just too risky, because when these babie chicks are growing and you become attached to them.

there are some coops that are designed to look discreat, so that too is an option ( if your going the illegal way).
good luck to you tho.

 

[CTChoctaw]

I have done a little research into this, the Town code doesn't say anything about chickens. However I contacted the Town and was told that we have what is called a permissive ordinance, which means if it is not mentioned in the code then it is not permitted, so theoretically you can not have chickens. I asked the person I talked to where in the code was the permissive thing listed and he could not tell me. Now I am no lawyer, but if if I got busted for having chickens how could they cite me or fine me, because there is no provision for it in the first place.

Also I could not find anywhere where the code said anything about pets ie dogs and cats, so does that mean I can't have one?? The whole thing seems a little weak from a stand point of enforcement.

Having said all that, I would be all about working towards making it permissible to own chickens in West Hartford, so if others are interested maybe we should get together and see what we can do to make this happen

 

[PrettyCoy]

I don't live in West Hartford but do live nearby. Don't they have pretty stringent rules about things like number of pets allowed? I'd think you may have a pretty hard time getting the laws changed there but you should definitely try. Maybe you could try reaching out to some green living type groups in the area.

 

[CTChoctaw]

If they do then it's not in the town code. I think you are right though better to work it through proper channels and all, although surprisingly, as much as folks talk about being green and sustainable, getting people behind something that requires effort around here is tough. One example is composting, I have been doing it in my backyard for several years and while everyone thinks it is really cool no one will do it no matter how easy I explain that it is. People tend to think you have to live out in the country to be sustainable.

 

[GOSPELSOLDIER]

I Live in New Britain CT and own my home. i too would love to own chickens in my house. curently i have mines in a horse farm i rent from, but i cant according to zoning , have them at home. i own about .61 acre land with house but they still say no. A lot of people have them all over yet if they get caught might be trouble but i think if a person is allowed to own a very noisy dog them y not a chicken not all of us like dogs barking all day....just saying.. i tried aswell searching the ordinance but no where it says keeping chickens it does how ever say keeping pigeons or pigs is illegal and keeping slaughter house is also illegal but i just want my hens for eggs and its all..

 

[ggolds5]

Have you done anything about this yet?. How do you need support. My girlfriend would also like to have chickens. Me not so much but she loves to cook and wants eggs. Any ideas so far. ?

 

[SCOdoubleT]

I also live in West Hartford and want to get chickens! Not 100, just a couple for eggs. My sons would have a blast!
Still searching for info, but haven't called Town Hall yet to see what they have to say...

 

[leeloo]

i agree how can we change the law?

 

[egghead@1265]

Not nearby but lobby it with information! In a nice way, as chickens are GREAT and if you want them, care for them, and want a quality food source, good experience for you/your family, your environment--- Go For it!

Some research, I have found somewhat helpful/ use any/all that you find applicable!

Some concerns that come through often are those I have some links/sites with info for here below. Good luck and let us know as soon as you are successful!

We will keep our fingers and wings crossed for you!

Noise
http://www.eastpeoriatimescourier.c...69/A-little-clucking-never-hurt-anyone?zc_p=1
From this article "Typical female chicken noises are around 63 decibels, which is in the range of normal conversation between people. In any case, chicken are quieter than dogs barking or outdoor cats fighting in the night...." Noise/what about Noise?

Wikipedia, noise and also some other common questions regarding keeping chickens.
From Wikipedia on noise
Noise, What about Noise? "In some areas, roosters are banned, and only hens are allowed, and in limited numbers, to prevent problems with noise. Hens are relatively quiet as compared to pet dogs, though hens often vocalize after an egg is laid for a few minutes. The noise level during this squawking period has been measured at around 63 decibels, or about the level of two people talking. Other than post-laying squawking, normal hen sounds are not audible at 25 feet (7.6 m)."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_chicken

"The noise level of a rooster’s crow is about the same as a barking dog, 90 decibels. But there are ways to keep roosters quiet throughout the night." http://www.bigrstore.com/blog/view/1402
Noisy Chickens? Quieter than the neighborhood birds in your yard.

http://sarasotacluck.blogspot.com/2010/11/noisy-chickens-quieter-than.html


When we next meet I will be asking CLUCK supporters to engage in an effort to address EVERY concern raised at last night's City Planning Board meeting. In the meantime, let's look at one single argument that was presented, without opportunity for rebuttal or clarification, by one of the Planning Board members. Noise.


http://www.statesman.com/news/local...rs-seek-remedy-for-348284.html?printArticle=y

http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2011/01/25/the-7-false-myths-about-urban-chickens-myths-2-and-3/
myth of noise a rooster makes

Exactly how far does a rooster's crow go? in General Discussion ...

backyardchickens.yuku.com/reply/74874
15 posts - 8 authors - May 24, 2008


Exactly how far does a rooster's crow go? ... but, if it were. just how far away could one hear a 83 db rooster's crow? I leave it to you to work out ...http://www.bigrstore.com/blog/bydate/2011/January