4-H club makes the case for chickens

BY LINDA SMITH HANCHARICK
WEST MILFORD — If the determined members of the local 4-H club have their way, chickens in West Milford will become a common backyard sight.

The 4-H Velveteen Rabbit and Farm Club came to the council Wednesday night with their desires to change a township ordinance that currently limits farm animals to homes with one acre of land or more.

That doesn't make sense to these kids, especially one member named Brendan. Brendan, who described himself as "really shy," was introduced to farm animals after joining 4-H. He took a real liking to chickens and wanted to get some for himself. But he lives on less than one acre of property and that is what's needed according to the township zoning to have chickens. He and his fellow 4-H members decided to try and change the ordinance rather than give up on his desire to have his own chickens.

"Through this club, I learned a lot about chickens and other kinds of poultry and I would like to own a few," said Brendan. "But I can't because it is not allowed where I live. My property is too small. In West Milford, I learned any person who wants to own either a chicken or a horse must have a whole acre of property. Can you change this ordinance please?"

Brendan had lot of support from his fellow 4-H members who informed the council and the public of the qualities of chickens. And it turns out, he got support from the mayor and council as well as members of the public. Mayor Bettina Bieri, who lives on one third of an acre, said she's always wanted to have chickens. Councilwoman CarlLa Horton said she's convinced.

"I'm all for the chickens," said Horton. "They're sustainable, affordable and reduce organic waste."

The current ordinance allows up to 32 chickens on an acre of property. They must be contained to the property.

Hens in New York City?
Resident Gary Oppenheimer lives on 14 acres in the township and owns chickens. He said the kids are "spot on" in their quest to change the ordinance.

"There's no smell with chickens. I can't imagine a neighbor complaining," said Oppenheimer. "They can have hens in New York City but not in West Milford."

In addition to the kids' facts about chickens, Oppenheimer gave some of his own. He said chickens will eat just about everything, including food scraps, bugs and ticks. Quoting the Environmental Protection Agency, Oppenheimer said 27 percent of all solid waste comes from yard waste and food scraps. Promoting chickens could help reduce the township's costs for trash tipping fees.

Although roosters are noisy, he said, noise with hens is not an issue.

"I've had cats that make more noise than my chickens do," he added.

John Harrison lives on close to an acre of land - eight tenths to be exact - and he too would like the ordinance changed.

"I would love to have chickens," said Harrison. "I buy local eggs from local farms for years. They're better for you."

He said a neighbor has just over one acre of property and has chickens. Noise is definitely not an issue, he said.

"I didn't know it for two years. I think the council should approve it."

The 4-H vice president Ariana said much more urban areas allow chickens, including Miami, Fla. and, closer to home, Lyndhurst and Wayne. She said both New Jersey communities changed their law to allow chickens just last year.

And, while chickens make good pets, according to the club members, they also provide healthy, nutritious food.

Councilwoman Ada Erik has over three dozen chickens on her property. She's a believer in having chickens, not only for their eggs but also for the difference they can make in a kids' life.

Bieri polled the council and all agreed to review the chicken ordinance on the next workshop agenda, March 6.

What are your thoughts about changing the ordinance to allow chickens on less than one acre of property? Go to westmilfordmessenger.com and tell us. You will also find some interesting chicken facts, courtesy of the 4-H Velveteen Club.