Anybody here in Gardner, MA?

[hamijr]

I want to start petitioning to keep chickens here in town. I just need some other like minded people to back me up!

 

[tl120]

We are considering relocating to Gardner and this is one of the things that we are considering. We would want to be able to have backyard chickens and wonder if you have seen any movement on this issue. Do you know why there is resistance to allowing backyard chickens? When I spoke with someone in the Bldg Dept I was told that you have to petition the Zoning Board for permission and that they may take up to 3 months to decide.

Any updates or info you have would be appreciated.

thanks!

 

[SuzyB]

Hi! I'm in Gardner, MA and would definitely sign your petition and help out.

 

[vetiver]

Somebody on Elm St has some chickens. At least 3 red hens. I've seen them wandering around -- they apparently aren't cooped? I'd like to know as well. I live in Gardner and I'm thinking of buying a home here or in Orange. Chickens could be a tie breaker issue for me...

V

 

[vetiver]

I spoke on the phone to Kim Landry, Senior Animal Control Officer for Gardner, MA on Wednesday May 14, 2014. She said that the "Farm Bill" (I think she means the Right to Farm Act?) says that they can't really stop you from having chickens. She says that chickens are allowed, but you have to confine them to your yard. Even roosters are allowed, until the neighbors start complaining. You can't have a nuisance, so if the neighbors complain about the smell, roosters crowing or birds in their yards then those complaints will be dealt with. Also, all "farm" animals, including chickens and outdoor rabbits have to be registered with the town so that the animal inspector can inspect them once a year. Ms. Landry says that the town clerk will know how to register animals.

Kim Landry's contact info can be found here: http://www.gardner-ma.gov/Pages/GardnerMA_BComm/AnimalControl/index

Hope this helps! Now if I can just find the right person to talk to in Orange... (They don't have an animal control officer)

Vetiver

 

[CapeReds]

One of the constructive things our chickens do is to eat deer ticks and prevent lime disease.