Southeast Kansas and sad

[purplekittycat]

I just received a letter yesterday from the city stating that I cannot have my chickens or my ducks in my back yard in city limits. It said that a conditional use permit ($335 application fee) is required and I would probably be denied the permit. I have 5 beautiful young mixed breed hens and 4 call ducks. I just want to cry. They are all my babies! One of the call ducks is only 8 weeks old and absolutely loves my daughter and me. I can't bear the thought of getting rid of them.

 

[HEChicken]

Oh dear, what town are you in? I am also in SE KS. Most places around here do allow them but there are a few that are still behind the times. Have you checked out the ordinances yourself? It is not unheard of for a code enforcement officer to get their information mixed up and send a letter in error.

 

[purplekittycat]

Yes, I did talk to the city commissioner, and I cannot have the chickens, but I can still have my ducks! I live in Pittsburg. I'm still sad about the chickens, but I think we've found someone who will take them and we can visit them. I don't understand why they tell certain people that they can't but allow others to go "unnoticed".

 

[HEChicken]

Sadly, usually it comes down to reporting. If a neighbor complains, they have to send someone out to verify and then issue a citation. However if no one complains, they turn a blind eye. They don't typically drive around looking for people who have illegal chickens and it seems that as long as no one complains, you can keep them.

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you but glad they are letting you keep the ducks.

 

[mommahen10]

Omgosh! That is so sad. I'm so sorry you are going through this. I am also in SE Kansas, we live in the country between Iola and Chanute. I know right where you are. Hugs.

 

[purplekittycat]

Thanks, I appreciate the sympathy and support. There are so many other people in town who have chickens and it just doesn't seem fair. I'm not going to go "tell on" all of them because I don't want them to lose their chickens either. But with the way the economy is, I really think the city commission should drop the conditional use requirement. I am currently out of work, and this was going to be my source of eggs, and possibly later, even chicken. Couldn't do that yet, these are my first ones and they are all named! I love my birds too much! My friend thinks I'm crazy because I take my call duck everywhere with me. Soccer game, Girl Scout meeting, Little Balkan's Days, even car shopping! She is very well behaved and is always a hit!

 

[mommahen10]

Yeah, it's just not right. I wish I was a little closer I would share some eggs. BUT... you could just get a few more ducks and eat duck eggs. I really can't taste a difference between them. They're just a bit bigger. I don't know why people need to tattle like that. Grrrr.