Feathers flying over proposed chicken ordinance

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Feathers are flying in West Hartford over a proposed ordinance that would let people keep chickens on their property.

While some people like the idea of being able to get fresh eggs from their family pet every morning, others say the birds should be left on the farm.

Right now chickens are considered livestock in West Hartford and are not allowed to be kept in residential homes, but Heidi Green is pushing the town council to change that. She would like to be able to keep up to six chickens in her backyard.

"Fresh eggs taste better then factory raised eggs," said Green, "it's higher in Omega 3 and it's good for your kids."

The only legal place right now to have chickens in West Hartford is at Westmore Park, a town-owned farm. They have 30 birds and get between a dozen and 18 farm fresh eggs a day, and they are for sale $3 a dozen.

"Rural environment with free roaming chickens, great," said Doug Jackson, "in a neighborhood with traffic and dogs, and other dangers their lifespan is drastically reduced."

Jackson is in charge of the town farm in West Hartford and he has talked to the town council about the chickens along with the health department. Lawmakers are taking a serious look at chickens, about the pros and cons of keeping the birds in a residential area.

"They can be noisy, smelly, nasty creatures, and you know, it means our zoning enforcement would have to be on top of chicken coops and what is the expense of that," said Denise Benard Hall, Minority Leader Town Council.

"Do you know people with chickens," asked News 8's Bob Wilson.

"I do," replied Casey Power.

"How many do they have," asked Wilson.

"About six," Power said.

"Is it noisy or bothersome," asked Wilson.

"I think as long as they keep them well-contained, and they do, they don't bother me," Power said.

"Do you think it is a good idea to allow chickens in West Hartford," asked Wilson.

"No," replied Frank George.

"Why not," asked Wilson.

"They're dirty, loud and smelly," said George.