My city won't legalize BYC because they are worried about rats

[MissMonty]

That is why it would be a good idea to have them do a mandatory check of the coop and setup, to make sure it is up to code and regulations, before adding chickens. Then they can make sure it is rat proof, and make anyone not up to code, get up to code, or no chickens.

Right but enforcing that is actually much harder and time consuming than some cities are ready to take on. That means hiring someone to do the inspections and keeping all of these records plus other costs associated with it. It will be ongoing work that'll need done as people start keeping chickens, drama when someone isn't keeping their birds up to code and the city would suffer due to more rats.

Generally when its a known inspection its scheduled and that means people clean up beforehand. So how they are really caring for the chickens isn't always what is shown in the inspection

 

[Weeg]

Right but enforcing that is actually much harder and time consuming than some cities are ready to take on. That means hiring someone to do the inspections and keeping all of these records plus other costs associated with it. It will be ongoing work that'll need done as people start keeping chickens, drama when someone isn't keeping their birds up to code and the city would suffer due to more rats.

Generally when its a known inspection its scheduled and that means people clean up beforehand. So how they are really caring for the chickens isn't always what is shown in the inspection

The code could be like, Tredel feeder required, rat proof coop required with this much of this. Covered water required, it wouldn't just be a clean setup. To pass the inspection, they would have to have all of those things, which are expensive, and then to get them, then they have them and they might as well use them. It is worth a try at least. Even if the city doesn't go for it, then fine, but it is worth a try.

 

[MissMonty]

The code could be like, Tredel feeder required, rat proof coop required with this much of this. Covered water required, it wouldn't just be a clean setup. To pass the inspection, they would have to have all of those things, which are expensive, and then to get them, then they have them and they might as well use them. It is worth a try at least. Even if the city doesn't go for it, then fine, but it is worth a try.

Usually cities spend every dollar they have available so this would mean looking into either getting rid of something they're currently doing OR finding more money which usually means a tax increase to help cover the expense. So on top of trying to talk a city council into allowing them, if you're recommending inspections and such then you're also asking them to create a new job(s) and budget for these new plans.

I love chickens and wish everyone could have the option of having them but knowing the financial side of things this is a major uphill battle and they would have to see the benefit of having them outweighing all the negatives (rats, extra expenses, noise, etc). If there aren't enough benefits to the city then its not likely any movement will come of it.

 

[Weeg]

If there aren't enough benefits to the city then its not likely any movement will come of it.

Chicken decrease insects and weeds, they create excellent fertilizer, can help keep your yard clean, they compost by eating food items you would usually throw away, and they can be quieter then most dog. There are a few benefits.

 

[featherhead007]

"RATZ" I better go clean my coop!

 

[cmom]

There are several threads from people who managed to convince their counsel to allow Backyard chicken. C.L.U.C.K. Maybe you could hook up with a group like "Citizens Lobbying for Urban Chicken Keeping" C.L.U.C.K. It has worked in many places.

 

[cmom]

There is a thread from a BYC member who told her story of how she got her city counsel to approve backyard chicken keeping. I can't find it and it was some years ago. Hopefully someone may remember the thread. She went prepared. Good luck...

 

[HENS-and-MARES]

I would like to mention that chickens will EAT mice and rats.

 

[cmom]

This isn't the thread I was looking for but has a lot of good info.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/help-with-drafting-a-letter-to-the-township.854709/page-2

 

[WindingRoad]

That is why it would be a good idea to have them do a mandatory check of the coop and setup, to make sure it is up to code and regulations, before adding chickens. Then they can make sure it is rat proof, and make anyone not up to code, get up to code, or no chickens.

How often are they gonna check on your coop?