Don't be chicken!

Stand up for urban chickens. Next week, on Wednesday, February 18, at its 7 pm meeting, the Portland City Council will discuss an ordinance that would allow city residents to keep chickens in their back yards. Folks working toward a "Sustainable Portland" by 2030 are asking residents to support this effort, which mirrors a successful effort in South Portland in 2007.

A note to the Portland Phoenix from Elaine McGillicuddy and Eli Norris says "allowing chickens in Portland is voting for more than locally produced food. Besides fresh organic eggs for breakfast, backyard hens provide rich compost for gardens, pets for the family" and control of garden and lawn pests.