By Pauline Tom
Cluck. Cluck. Cluck. Should Mountain City allow caged chickens (under a set of restrictions)? That question is addressed by the proposed City Ordinance 105, a new “animal” ordinance, posted on the City’s website (www.mountaincitytx.com).
Mark the next city council meeting on your calendar if you want to express your opinion. Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m. While you’re at it, mark June 10.
Some want fresh eggs.
Others do not want “Mountain City Farms”. They think their senses will be bombarded with unpleasant (to their ears) sounds and stench. The ordinance says “manure, droppings, and waste” must be removed daily, but opponents point out that the City’s bark has no bite when it comes to enforcing ordinances.
Marjie Kelly quipped, “The foxes I’ve met are in favor of chickens in our city.” Indeed, the safety of chickens in suburban cities is a matter of concern. In Mountain City, we have foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and opossums.
Chicken food can attract rodents. Some city ordinances regarding poultry require that food be kept in rat proof containers.
Are you aware that an underground “urban chicken movement” has swept the United States in recent years? Across the continent, chickens are residing illegally behind city fences. In Mountain City, in recent years the city has politely written letters asking for the removal of any discovered chickens (it’s difficult to keep the secret quiet), and most lawbreakers have removed their chickens.
Now, some cry, “fowl!” and forge forward with an organized effort to create change. No yolk.
The website urbanchickens.org says, “With a little research, time and community organizing, you too can legalize at home egg production.”
Chickens are a poster child for “buy local”. No fuel is consumed. Humans are close to their food. And, egg production can be economical, depending upon the costs associated with city regulations. Three or four chickens, the most common quantity permitted by city ordinances (per a research paper that studied 25 cities), will supply on average between 1 and 2 dozen eggs per week.
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Just because an ordinance has been drafted does not mean it will pass or pass as written. For instance, the proposed new Mountain City ordinance requires an annual rabies vaccine for dogs and cats. Rabies vaccines are 3-year vaccines.
Flock to the City Hall if you have a comment, one way or the other, on allowing chickens.
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Make weekly visits to the City Hall (which can be rented by any resident) for French classes if you want to take Beginning French. Classes begin May 6. To sign up, contact Marjie, marjiek@yahoo.com. Class size is limited.
There’s no limit on the quantity of tidbits I can accept for “Montage”. I’d love to have a dozen or two. Please send to ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: tidbit) or phone 512-268-5678.
