- Apr 24, 2009
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Apologies in advance if this thread has come up!
I'm a long-time resident of the Chicago suburbs, located near O'Hare airport. I've been thinking about raising chickens for some time and would like to start next spring (2010). The problem: my 'burb doesn't allow any 'fowl', including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, or guineafowl (my municipal code actually specifies guineafowl
).
I tried speaking to some more open members of the town board; they were sympathetic (one even pointed out there is no limit on the number of dogs one can keep in town) but very doubtful that I could get the ordinance changed. Although I explained that a few well-maintained hens are not noisy, smelly, or disease-ridden, only one of our neighbors didn't balk at the idea--so I doubt I can count on immediate, local support.
It's really disappointing, especially considering that it is legal to keep hens in the City of Chicago proper! Considering the current property market (and the fact I'd like to expand my garden further), I'm considering purchasing additional land. I don't need or want much...1/4 acre or less, and nearby so I could tend it every day.
I've been looking through the municipal codes of surrounding suburbs but many are not available online. Just wondering--anyone at BYC raising chickens (legally!) in the North or West Chicago suburbs? Also, any experience with raising chickens 'offsite'--I expect it's not as much fun as having them immediately outside your house, but what are other drawbacks?
I'm a long-time resident of the Chicago suburbs, located near O'Hare airport. I've been thinking about raising chickens for some time and would like to start next spring (2010). The problem: my 'burb doesn't allow any 'fowl', including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, or guineafowl (my municipal code actually specifies guineafowl
I tried speaking to some more open members of the town board; they were sympathetic (one even pointed out there is no limit on the number of dogs one can keep in town) but very doubtful that I could get the ordinance changed. Although I explained that a few well-maintained hens are not noisy, smelly, or disease-ridden, only one of our neighbors didn't balk at the idea--so I doubt I can count on immediate, local support.
It's really disappointing, especially considering that it is legal to keep hens in the City of Chicago proper! Considering the current property market (and the fact I'd like to expand my garden further), I'm considering purchasing additional land. I don't need or want much...1/4 acre or less, and nearby so I could tend it every day.
I've been looking through the municipal codes of surrounding suburbs but many are not available online. Just wondering--anyone at BYC raising chickens (legally!) in the North or West Chicago suburbs? Also, any experience with raising chickens 'offsite'--I expect it's not as much fun as having them immediately outside your house, but what are other drawbacks?