Emily's chickens
Emily lives in Troy. And she has chickens. In her backyard.
She gives a little tour of her setup and talks about some background in this video she posted:
There apparently is a bit of a backyard chicken boom right now (with some doubts). Urban chicken advocates say there are a handful of reasons to have a few hens out back (you know, in addition to the eggs).
As Naomi reported last year, it is legal to keep chickens in Troy -- but not in Albany or Schenectady. (Though we've heard there might be a few chickens in Albany. And there was that rooster on the lam last year...)
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Comments
I would totally have chickens if I could.
... said Summer on Jun 3, 2010 at 4:26 PM | link
My wife and I live in Pine Hills, and we're interested in raising chickens! We've been reading all about them in the book "Toolbox for Sustainable City Living" (i linked it above.)
Sadly, Albany city code does not permit us to keep chickens unless they are for educational purposes :(
There are several benefits to having chickens so we're hoping there are some other folks in the city that would join us in asking our legislature to revise the ordinace that prohibits them. Anyone else interested?
... said daleyplanit on Jun 3, 2010 at 4:47 PM | link
Cute video, and very informative! I've never thought about having chickens, but I like the idea.
So, what do you do in the winter?
... said Jessica R on Jun 3, 2010 at 11:39 PM | link
Jessica- My hens are a breed that survives well in this climate. They get extra food and I put a heat lamp in the coop. On nights where it promises to be especially frigid, or freezing rain, I let them spend the night inside in my cat carrier. I only had to do that once this past winter. (I also have to check their water more frequently as it freezes.)
... said Emily on Jun 4, 2010 at 6:27 AM | link
Ugh... I had a neighbor with chickens once. If you like waking up at 4 am, then chickens are for you. Constant noise all day.
... said Ieu on Jun 4, 2010 at 9:23 AM | link
It's really only the roosters that make noise. And you don't *need* a rooster. We had to find new homes for our roosters when I was a kid after some unfortunate rooster attack incidents. (I'm serious.) Even without one around, our hens continued to be prolific layers.
... said jess on Jun 4, 2010 at 11:45 AM | link
@daleyplanit, perhaps there is a way you could find a loophole in the "no chickens in ALB" law. What if you taught your chickens to do something, like sit or roll over. Would that count as educational?
If not, you could set something up with your nearest elementary school and have a class visit once a year to learn about the chickens.
... said Kerosena on Jun 4, 2010 at 12:40 PM | link
How about supporting the actual NY farmers who raise [free range] chickens? Many farmers are struggling and could use your support.
Also, my neighbors and I already must deal with college parties, fireworks (gunshots?), massive car stereos, and motorcycles at night. Leave the chickens outside the city limits.
... said Cato on Jun 4, 2010 at 9:00 PM | link
If that's what you're neighborhood is like, sounds like where these good folks are getting their eggs should be the least of your concerns.
... said James on Jun 5, 2010 at 7:12 PM | link
Does the Fancy Feathers have a web site? I'd be interested in finding out when & where their next event.
... said MJ on Jun 5, 2010 at 11:01 PM | link