Fortunately, it was not illegal to construct a coop in Cedar Rapids as buildings under 120 square feet were not regulated by zoning until this week. Ms. Mumaw had great confidence in the city council and their thoughtfulness and logic. The modular coop was under construction in her garage (thanks to her diligent husband and his carpentry skills) and was moved a piece at a time throughout the summer is anticipation of the ordinance and its new occupants.
Thank you, Cindy, for a lovely experience and article. The photos are wonderful, too! CR-CLUC appreciates the open minded approach that the Gazette has taken in covering our journey to allowing hens in the backyard. Have a wonderful holiday weekend. Rebecca
Unfortunately, this council seems to be more interested in their bi-weekly comedy line-up than they are about streamlining and prioritizing. I love your column, Todd, but I'm starting to think it just gives them a forum for the drama.
You are too funny, Todd. Have a super vacation. We look forward to your return!
I am so impressed with Palo. No fanfare, no drama...just common sense and a speedy response. Speaking of which, when will backyard hens get on the agenda in Cedar Rapids? The trial needs to begin soon so that people can still get chicks before winter.
If you want to join the backyard hen trial, email: crcluc@gmail.com with your name, address and phone and we'll get you on the list!
Thank you, Todd, for recognizing the careful planning and execution of the lobbying effort by CR-CLUC. We are thrilled that the council is willing to take a chance on the trial. We will hold up our end of the bargain and do everything we can to make having hens in Cedar Rapids a positive experience for the entire community.
I didn't mean to be glib. I agree that it is important to have restrictions in place to ensure that we don't infringe on the rights of our neighbors. That is why there are restrictions in the hen trial. Where we disagree is that I believe (based on information from communities that have had hens legal for years) that a few families having a few hens in Cedar Rapids will not impact anyone's ability to enjoy their property and will enhance the quality of life for everyone.
True, we aren't forcing anyone to get hens, that would be imposing. We do in this country protect the rights of the minority, not just the preferences of the majority. A few of us would like to feed our families in this way, without relying on fossil fuels to ship our food in and without wondering if it is safe. We are accepting restrictions that will keep hens from disturbing our neighbors. We also have the right to enjoy our property, just as the "majority" does. You never know, you might be less of a basketcase if you had a few hens...they are quite comical and therapeutic....they are used as therapy animals in many hospital and hospice programs.
Lucky for us there has never been a case of bird flu in the United States. Factory farm hens are much more likely to spread the disease than a backyard flock.
Thanks to all the folks that worked so hard to get to this point...I know that some people have questions...
- roosters aren't needed to get eggs, the ordinance will specify NO ROOSTERS
- 3 hens produce the same amount of doo as a 15 pound dog...not really that much and easy to manage.
- Chickens transmit many fewer diseases to humans than do dogs and cats. That's why chicken poo is compostable...making great organic fertilizer for the garden.
- Hens put themselves to bed at dusk and sleep through the night so no noise at night.
- City farmers generally purchase large breed hens that are quieter and calmer than the white leghorns or hybrid crosses that most people had on the farm. They are well suited for city life and rarely fly more than a couple of feet above the ground.
- the next step is NOT cattle, sheep or pigs. We aren't unreasonable or crazy. We live in the city and have busy lives. We just want to have more control over our food and chickens make a good fit for the city garden...we want to eat the eggs, we are going to take good care of our hens.
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