It has begun. The movement to allow a few laying hens in urban communities has arrived in Cedar Rapids. A few weeks ago, the Indian Creek Nature Center held a class called "Raising Chickens in your Backyard" and a surprising 29 people attended...all interested in raising a few hens for eggs in their backyards. So, the Cedar Rapids ChickenChat group was formed. We had our first meeting Saturday night and we formed an action plan to request an ordinance change from the city council. It is our hope that Cedar Rapids will soon become one of the progressive communities, like New York, Seattle and Madison, WI that allows folks to raise a few hens at home. In these difficult economic times, it's comforting to have some control over our food source and know that it is healthy for our families. We know that raising chickens isn't for everyone, but for those that have the time and desire, it's a matter of personal choice and freedom.
To join our little group to help raise awareness and interest in raising urban chickens, send me an email at rebecca@greenat50.com.
This will happen. And I'm so excited! Eggs from Happy Chickens are SO much better than anything you can get in the grocery store!
Posted by: Rachel | May 08, 2009 at 09:49 AM
I live about 1.5 hours north west of Cedar Rapids in a fairly small town and I would love to have chickens in my backyard. Just a few laying hens to keep my family of 4 supplied with good eggs.
I hope your group is successful!!
Posted by: Jenn | May 11, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Where in the Cedar Rapids municipal code does it say you cannot have chickens? I have been looking for hours and cannot find it.
Also, has anyone or any group talked to the city yet?
Thanks,
Barry
Posted by: Barry | June 07, 2009 at 01:22 AM
Hi, Barry. I couldn't find the code either when I got my chicks...I didn't think that there was one! We've had a member of our ChickenChat group doing research. The city law is vague and prohibits all types of agriculture without special permission (this could be construed to mean having a vegetable garden!) The ordinance is 32.04 and has an extensive chart with it outlining what types of agriculture is restricted. There are also various animal ordinances scattered about that address noise, sanitation, smell and housing of animals. If you'd like a copy of what we have, I'll be happy to send it to you! You can contact me at greenat50@yahoo.com.
Posted by: Rebecca: a midwestern urbanite | June 11, 2009 at 08:27 AM
I am so happy to have found this site! I will be joining your group! I have been growing gardens in my town yard and am getting more and more interested in the urban homesteading movement! If anyone has any tips I would appreciate it! I already make my own soaps, herbal salves ect. for myself and I sell them at the 8th ave farmers market!
Posted by: Nicole | March 01, 2010 at 11:09 AM