Illinois...

[Molpet]

Hi everyone, just wondering what towns you're all in and what your thoughts are on keeping 3-4 "stealth" hens in the Chicago suburbs, Mokena, where they are not be permitted.

Has anyone here had success changing their local laws and ordinances? It seems to be a slow process but I'd be interested to get it started if there's a chance it'll work...

Thanks

I'm just west of New Lenox neighbor.

Usually the law is enforced by complaints. 2016 I was given some chicks that a guy, on Briggs St by Joliet, got reported by a neighbor. He said the fine was$150 per bird. I think he said he had a week to get rid of them before the fine started.

 

[mokenachickenman]

I'm just west of New Lenox neighbor.

Usually the law is enforced by complaints. 2016 I was given some chicks that a guy, on Briggs St by Joliet, got reported by a neighbor. He said the fine was$150 per bird. I think he said he had a week to get rid of them before the fine started.

Neat! Awesome to know that there's others out there with a desire to own chickens like me, lol.

That's good to know, thanks!

 

[cavemanrich]

Hi everyone, just wondering what towns you're all in and what your thoughts are on keeping 3-4 "stealth" hens in the Chicago suburbs, Mokena, where they are not be permitted.

Has anyone here had success changing their local laws and ordinances? It seems to be a slow process but I'd be interested to get it started if there's a chance it'll work...

Thanks

I'm in Melrose Park. Hens are OK, but roosters are not. Still some peeps do keep roosters. I don't chance it on roosters for 2 reasons. Don't need them,, and don't want the Sheriff visiting me.
Laws are difficult to change in the communities where the Ruling Class does not want chickens. Still worth a try. You would need a large group of individuals that would want a change. Still no guarantee that it will succeed.
I have read enough posts about that subject,, and it seem success rate is small.
Your best option,,,, is to ether keep some Bantam House chickens, or a few chickens in your backyard,,,,, out of general sight. Hoping no neighbors snitch on you.
There was a member here a few years ago, that moved from Chicago,,,(chickens and roosters allowed) to a surrounding suburb. No chickens allowed,, but quail were allowed. Consider some of those if they would be allowed in Mokena.

 

[SnootyHen]

Hi everyone, just wondering what towns you're all in and what your thoughts are on keeping 3-4 "stealth" hens in the Chicago suburbs, Mokena, where they are not be permitted.

Has anyone here had success changing their local laws and ordinances? It seems to be a slow process but I'd be interested to get it started if there's a chance it'll work...

Thanks

Welcome! I'm your neighbor in Tinley Park. We're allowed up to 4 hens (no roos) and we're supposed to get a permit for the coop and a license for each hen. I have 12 hens, didn't get a permit or license and am probably going to let one of them hatch chicks in the spring. My neighbors like them and all have loud dogs so no one complains. I guess I know that technically I could get busted, but logically probably won't. I know they are trying hard in Oak Forest to change the poultry laws but I think it takes quite a good effort.

 

[BReeder!]

Hi everyone, just wondering what towns you're all in and what your thoughts are on keeping 3-4 "stealth" hens in the Chicago suburbs, Mokena, where they are not be permitted.

Has anyone here had success changing their local laws and ordinances? It seems to be a slow process but I'd be interested to get it started if there's a chance it'll work...

Thanks

I'm surprised you cannot have them in Mokena. Anyway, I am allowed in my area. I'm limited to 6 though and have 9 at the moment. I also have ducks that I claim "landed and never left". LOL.

Neighbors are key though. If they don't mind, then who's going to call? If they do mind though, they will be the ones to call.

 

[Justso]

Neat! Awesome to know that there's others out there with a desire to own chickens like me, lol.

That's good to know, thanks!

I'm rooting for you. Best of luck!

 

[BReeder!]

I'm over this cold weather. I feel like I'm in house arrest because I don't want to go out. I sit with a blanket most of the day when it's cold like this.
I did get up and make breakfast at least. DS had been asking for waffles, and I finally had some eggs to make them with.

 

[STACEYH]

Sounds like you need a project or time with kids and maybe a board game. I see we are getting snow down here this week maybe sled riding up there? So many thing to do have to get creative.

 

[BReeder!]

Sounds like you need a project or time with kids and maybe a board game. I see we are getting snow down here this week maybe sled riding up there? So many thing to do have to get creative.

I have projects and plenty of kid time. I don't like being cold is the problem. I do get up and do things, but there's much less motivation when it's cold compared to the warm summer months I long for. I'm just not a cold weather person. I much prefer 70+ degrees.

I detest the cold so much that this morning I turned on a burner to take the chill out of the kitchen while I was making the waffle batter. I didn't even cook on the stove, but you bet I used it to warm up a bit.

The kids wanted to clean the garage yesterday (kids find joy in the strangest things), so I did that for several hours. Thankfully the garage is heated. Then we built a 4 unit bird house with some scrap plywood (pic below). And I cooked enchiladas for dinner. I do get up and do things, but the cold makes it challenging for me.

Here's the bird house I made with the kids. It's roughly 12x12x18. There are four seperate units. DS says there's one each for Mommy, Daddy, Sis and himself. Any idea what kind of birds might use it? The holes are 2" I believe.

 

[jdragonwings]

I have projects and plenty of kid time. I don't like being cold is the problem. I do get up and do things, but there's much less motivation when it's cold compared to the warm summer months I long for. I'm just not a cold weather person. I much prefer 70+ degrees.

I detest the cold so much that this morning I turned on a burner to take the chill out of the kitchen while I was making the waffle batter. I didn't even cook on the stove, but you bet I used it to warm up a bit.

The kids wanted to clean the garage yesterday (kids find joy in the strangest things), so I did that for several hours. Thankfully the garage is heated. Then we built a 4 unit bird house with some scrap plywood (pic below). And I cooked enchiladas for dinner. I do get up and do things, but the cold makes it challenging for me.

Here's the bird house I made with the kids. It's roughly 12x12x18. There are four seperate units. DS says there's one each for Mommy, Daddy, Sis and himself. Any idea what kind of birds might use it? The holes are 2" I believe.
View attachment 2977950

That is the best; what awesome memories you're creating with your kids!
And I hear ya, it's hard to motivate yourself in this cold.