Brunswick may let residents raise chickens

Steve Collings wants Brunswick to join the local food movement by allowing residents to keep a few chickens at home.

[Beth]

In theory it sounds great. BUT!!
1. Chickens won't lay eggs without a rooster. Do the neighbors have the right to have the rooster for dinner when he wakes them up?
2. Chickens are the dirtiest of all the animals we raise for food. If a pig is given a choice of clean or dirty - it will choose clean everytime. A chicken won't.

[Rob from Jefferson]

So maybe we should have some smelly pig stys instead or maybe a free roaming rooster for every neighborhood. I think farm animals of any kind in a town is, well, ridiculous. If you want to raise your own animal protein move to the country!

[Cristina]

Chickens are a source of food. They will lay eggs without a rooster. With food costs as high as they are, free eggs would be a great way to save money.

[Frank]

Chickens will lay eggs without a rooster, they just wont be fertilized eggs. And Rob, Jefferson and Brunswick used to be the "country", and we were a lot better off before we became a hub for Frederick and Rockville. Personally I think not growing your own food and relying on everyone but yourself is, well, ridiculous. If people can have seven yappy little dogs or as many obnoxious kids as they want I should be able to have chickens.

[Rob from Jefferson]

As someone who's father grew up in Brunswick I agree that Brunswick used to be the country. Since I have lived in Brunswick the size of the town has doubled and while I suppose some older parts of the town have large enough yards most of the newer lots are too small for animals. My other point, though, not directly made, was that chickens are not quite well non-smelly birds but can be dirty. The roaming rooster was a joke of course. I agree that it is best to grow your own food and if you have the space put in a garden and a hen house! I grow my own and have considered chickens but then I do have the space and am out of town. It would be great to see gardens in every yard. At least you know what you are eating and it really does not take that much space or time if you plan. There are costs and precautions with raising chickens or any food source so just know what you are getting into and find a way to keep those dogs and kids out of the yard! Actually I guess I am with you Frank!

[Annie]

Boy I sure love a good debate. I also love seeing minds changed when good arguments are presented! Well done Frank.

A well written ordinance will take care of the concerns people are having. Chickens can be kept clean - it takes effort. I'd like to see that effort put in to all the yards around me with dog/cat waste EVERYWHERE!