What the Cluck? Should Homewood Allow Chickens?

It may sound funny at first, but there’s no joking about it. Many Homewood folks want chickens.

One Homewood resident, who wished to remain anonymous, explains:

“With the growing trend for people to get back to growing their own food and being more conscious of where their food is coming from, I've talked to quite a few residents who want to have chickens,” she said. “I even know people who moved out of Homewood so they could have the freedom to have their own plot of land with some chickens.”

Mayor Richard Hofeld has previously expressed opposition to the idea. According to him, chickens aren’t suited for our semi-urban setting.

“Chickens smell,” Hofeld previously said in a Patch video. “They really and truly do.”

Many major cities, however, including Chicago, New York and Los Angeles allow their residents to keep the birds. And there are other benefits, according to our anonymous advocate.

“They are effective in pest control, great for the ground—and fresh eggs are great,” she said. “Also, for those with the stomachs for it, being able to provide your family with meat is awesome—especially if you know how that animal was cared for.”

Does the notion of sharing your backyard with a chicken coop horrify you, or do you welcome the idea? We want to hear what you think!