A Letter to the Board?

[3KillerBs]

I'm not a political person and I am hopeless at organizing people to do anything, but having found out that Pinebluff, NC where I live does not permit chickens (unlike the much more upscale nearby town Southern Pines, which allows 10 laying hens per household), I would like to write a polite and persuasive letter to the Mayor and town council asking them to reconsider.

I'd like to hit desirable "hot buttons" like wholesome, local food, natural pest control, etc. and to cover anticipated issues such as noise.

I've scanned a number of the threads here to start accumulating a list but thought I'd ask for additional input.

What points about the advantages of backyard chickenkeeping have people found most pursuasive?

What are the greatest concerns people have run into from people who object?

Thanks in advance.

 

[eaganchickens]

What are the greatest concerns people have run into from people who object?

Attracting mice (chickens eat mice!) and bird flu.​

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

Quote:
Attracting mice (chickens eat mice!) and bird flu.

SMELL!!

(When properly taken care of there is little or no smell.)

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

Quote:
Self reliance, teaching kids responsibility... there are ALOT more that I cant think of...

 

[3KillerBs]

Thanks. Here's the compilation so far, ...

Negatives to be addressed:

Noise
Smell
Disease
Pests
???

Positives to emphasize:
Fresh, local food
Nutrition in times of economic hardship
Tick control
Garden fertilizer
Weed control
Educational for Children
???

Any additional points?

Any notes on the particular effectiveness of any given point in persuading people whose knee-jerk reaction will probably be to maintain the status quo?

 

[Little Chicky]

10 reasons here! ---> http://www.mypetchicken.com/whyChickens.aspx

 

[3KillerBs]

Thought of another positive:

Outbuildings and fencing add to the value of the property.