Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Backyard Chickens In City Closer To Reality

Breakfast from your own backyard may soon be possible, with Common Council unanimously giving preliminary approval to a recommendation that would allow the keeping of chickens in some parts of the city. 

Raymond Breau spoke to councillors about his experience keeping a half dozen chickens in his backyard on John T. McMillan Drive for over a year. He says they're not noisy, and if a coop is set up properly, invading wildlife won't be an issue. Breau telling council he saves about $600 a year in eggs and reception from neighbours was positive.

Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News a coop's success will depend on the quality of person raising chickens. Norton says if homeowners are responsible and do it the right way, he sees it as a good opportunity.