Woodbury, MN Poultry Ordinance Issue - Sept 2010 Update

VERY WELL SAID,

I grew up in Woodbury. My dad came back from a tractor pull one day when I was young (probably 10). with two baby chicks. I fell in love almost immediately. They followed me around the yard, waited by my gate when I got home from school, and "made me breakfast". We had no idea that my two "pets" were not accepted in Woodbury. I would go into their coop (insulated dog kennel) and sit with them in the middle of winter. On really cold days we would hang out in the garage.
I was torn to pieces when the city came to our door demanding we get rid of them in 24 hours. I am certain I cried for weeks straight missing my chickens. This was roughly 14 years ago. It is sickening that chickens, even one or two are still unaccepted. I bought my own house this past year and informed my Realtor that I needed to live in a chicken friendly city. Mission accomplished.
However, my Mom is still in Woodbury and wants to have chickens again desperately but is too worried to do it under the radar. I feel terrible for her, especially since they have a large yard with a privacy fence and all. Just does not make sense to me.
Hopefully someday they come to their senses on the matter.

I will also admit that I started my fiance's parents on their chicken addiction. They lived on the outer edge of Woodbury and owned 5 chicks that we raised. The next door neighbor was even a cop! He was very good natured about the matter. The neighbor kids loved coming over to see the chickens too. They have since sold their house and moved up north, now they have more chickens than any family would need.....and ducks...and rabbits...