You are not alone with chickens in the city. I live in a suburb of Denver and have a dozen chickens now living in my backyard in an enclosed area north of my garage. It is shielded from the neighhbor's by a wooden fence (also keeps his dog from seeing and barking at the chickens), I have lots of aspen trees on the alley side and from the front of my lot, it appears as though there is just a dog kennel/run there. The hens are relatively quiet and I have no rooster. When I called the city they indicated roosters would not be tolerated, one complaint and I would have to get rid of it. Only other requiremenmts, feed/water the chickens and make sure their coop is not too smelly. Same requirements for any other pets I keep.
I have had a 12x25ft garden for years, but I find myself digging up more of my lawn and planting more veggies, etc in amongst the "flower beds" as I call them. Soon, I will be mowing only a very small portion of my yard! My on and I as well as the chickens really love the fresh greens and other veggies! Cant beat organically grown, fresh veggies from your own garden. Saves a lot on the grocery bill too.
I am trying to find ways to do more sustainablility, but am limited by many city codes. We are processing and freezing many veggies for this winter.
According to city codes, I am not allowed to have goats or other "farm" animals - chickens can be considered as "pets" though. In Colorado and many states, sale of raw or unpasturized milk is illegal - yet owning a portion or share of a cow is allowed. For that portion/share, you are entitled to a certain amount of milk. I get my raw milk from a local woman who delivers it to my house for distribution to customers in my area.
We make many of our own gifts for others. I knit, quilt, sew, bake, can fruits and veggies, and make jams/jellies. My son just celebrated his birthday and requested a chocolate layer cake and an apple pie. I made them homemade. For dinner, we made home made pizza and his friends came over and raved about the pizza, cake and pie.
Yes it takes more time, but it is better for us both! It is hard work, but I am happier than I have ever been.....now I need to start lookign for a farm on the outskirts of town to take this to the next scale! Ohh, and the money to buy it...that will take a while as I am a single mom with a teenage son (now 13 - Yikes).
I am so glad I found BYC I have learned so much from you all. I feel as though I am re-connecting with myself and doing things the "old-fashioned" way. You have been a great resource for me!
Thank you all!
Marva
