WEST MILFORD — Last month when a group of local 4-H club members came to the township council asking to allow chickens to be raised on less than an acre of property, the council agreed it would be a good idea to look into it. Most council members were even excited by the idea.
Now, the tone is a bit more cautious as the township gets information about raising chickens in backyards from nearby towns.
Township administrator Nancy Gage told the council earlier this month that there are many things to look at before making a decision, including other ordinances in nearby towns.
"I would ask and urge you to take caution," said Gage.
The current ordinance allows up to 32 chickens on an acre of property. They must be contained to the property.
Neighboring towns have limitations as well. But after the proposal by the kids and the enthusiasm around the idea of chickens in backyards, the mayor and council began hearing from others who aren't thrilled with the idea of living next door to a flock.
Placement of coups, setbacks and esthetics are the issues Councilwoman CarlLa Horton has heard most about. Mayor Bettina Bieri said rodent and insect control are issues brought to her by residents. And, she said, most feedback she's gotten since the issue came up has been negative.
Councilman Ed Rosone, who was not present at the 4-H club's presentation in February, said changing this could open a Pandora's box.
"(Chickens) bring in bear, fox rodents. I would be interested in other towns and find out what happened after they changed their ordinance," said Rosone. "It could be an issue. It could create a problem."
Councilwoman Ada Erik, who raises chickens at her Macopin Road home and is a supporter of changing the ordinance, said she has never had a bear take one of her chickens.
"Bear have killed a horse and a goat," she said, adding you have to protect the chickens from raccoon.
Rosone said a friend has lost coops twice to bear.
Supporters say chickens provide healthier, affordable eggs for families, are friendly and great for kids to raise. The females do not make much noise and they eat ticks, bugs and food scraps. There's no smell with them either. More urban cities and towns - such as Lyndhurst, Wayne and New York City - allow hens on small properties.
Detractors say that chickens are noisy, even the females, attract animals and rodents and spread disease such as Salmonella. They think chickens should be on larger properties only.
The council is in the midst of budget season and will pick up the discussion about backyard chickens after that's completed.
What do you think? Do chickens belong in backyards smaller than an acre? Let us know at westmilfordmessenger.com