Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[RaZ]

Yes but if you move over towards Lansing we can have coffee sometime

I'm working on it.
I just need my BYC friends to keep an eye open for me. Five acres, chicken friendly, decent garage or barn and a crappy house would be fine.

 

[1muttsfan]

Glad to hear you have your priorities straight

 

[Folly's place]

Living in the boonies is best!!! I'm sad that some of you can't make it down Saturday, but maybe another day? I'm bringing chocolate cake, two black laced silver Wyandotte cockerels, and maybe some nice hens. Lilacs anyone? I'll only dig them if there's interest. Mary

 

[RaZ]

I ask if there were any ordinances on raising chickens in my area. She said, "Yes, you must have 10 acres". I groaned. She told me that she knows of people who do raise chickens on less than 10 acres, but that I would have to go through the Michigan Right to Farm Act. I told her that I live on just under an acre and ask her if she knew of anyone else on less than an acre doing this. She said she knows of a woman who lives in a subdivision and has less property than I do and raises chickens. The key is to go through Michigan Right to Farm Act. How would I go about doing this? Is there someone to contact? We would really like to be able to have some chickens. We are in the Grand Blanc Township in Michigan. Thanks

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but MDARD is actively working to kill the RTF act. You will find NO support there. They have initiated policy that is counter to the state law. Myself and others have been fighting this battle for several years now. Check out the Michigan Small Farm Council for more information.

 

[RaZ]

Living in the boonies is best!!! I'm sad that some of you can't make it down Saturday, but maybe another day? I'm bringing chocolate cake, two black laced silver Wyandotte cockerels, and maybe some nice hens. Lilacs anyone? I'll only dig them if there's interest. Mary

Lilacs are weeds.

 

[shondierose]

Hello all I was just told by grand Blanc township that I have to get rid of my chicken since I don't live on 10 acres I have my chickens for the eggs as I have multiple sclerosis and only want to put healthy things into my body they told me I have 14 days to get rid of them how do I go about the Michigan right to farm or can anyone give me help

 

[shondierose]

but states I can own a horse with an one and a half acres but can't have chickens

 

[RaZ]

How is this for ironic?
This house is just down the street from me.

The realtors are clearly mis-representing the "urban farm" factor. They know it yet continue to market Garden City as chicken friendly.

Even gardens may violate ordinances in Garden City. It depends on if neighbors complain and if the officials have a bone to pick with the home owner. Remember the Oak Park case a few years back? The home-owner was cited for growing vegetables in her front yard. Garden City is even worse.

 

[RaZ]

Hello all I was just told by grand Blanc township that I have to get rid of my chicken since I don't live on 10 acres I have my chickens for the eggs as I have multiple sclerosis and only want to put healthy things into my body they told me I have 14 days to get rid of them how do I go about the Michigan right to farm or can anyone give me help

The Michigan Right to Farm Act was intended to protect "commercial" farm operations when it was enacted. Lower courts have routinely ruled against people farming for personal use. Michigan appellate courts have over turned some of those cases.

Bottom line is that you will have a tough time at the local level. You need a knowledgeable lawyer and the fortitude to fight for your legal rights. Good luck.

 

[JackieandChicks]

View attachment 1035120 but states I can own a horse with an one and a half acres but can't have chickens

Actually that says you need 10 acres and can not have more than 6 (6.666) horses on the 10 acres (1 horse per 1 1/2 acres).