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Chickens FAQ <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />99 <br />Pet chickens, unlike cats and dogs which are prime vectors for rabies and tick-borne diseases, actually <br />keep your yard healthier by eating ticks and other insects. <br />Dr. Donald Hoenig, the Maine State Veterinarian in charge of animal health issues for the State, <br />endorses backyard chickens, and feels they can peacefully coexist in dense neighborhoods. He also <br />confirms that the public health risk is minimal when the chickens are properly cared for, the same as <br />the health risks associated with keeping any other animal as a pet. You can read his comments here, <br />and here. <br />Cir. Richard J. 13rzozowski, Extension Educator at the University of Maine C;oopertive Extension <br />responsible for statewide programming in poultry science, also endorses allowing pet hens in South <br />Portland. You can read his letter here. <br />mina �n+ild ire u�.�ghiani lu�ods? <br />A: No. The drafted amendment includes the stipulation that the heirs must be kept in a completely <br />enclosed pen at all times unless they are in a securely fenced yard with supertitision. <br />A: The ordinance wilt lirnit the number to C or less. ItPairse State, Lain, Puhit;its the puchase of less than <br />six baby chicks. l=our to six hens will also supply a family of four with enough eggs for personal use, <br />and to sometimes share with neighbors. <br />A: Unlike the farm chickens many of us are familar with, whose coops generally aren't; cleaned more <br />than once or twice a year, suburban pet chickens are treated like any other pet. Think of a rabbit in a <br />backyard hutch. The chicken coop is cleaned several times per week, or even daily. The amount of <br />chicken manure produced by six hens is roughly equivalent to the dog droppings produced by a <br />mediurn-large dog. And, unlike dog or cart poop, chicken manure can be easily composted into <br />fabulous garden fertilize. <br />A.: Suburban chicken owners, unlike rut at folks with acreage, have their chicken's enclosures in their <br />backyard living space. Thus, they tend to be vvell-built, well-maintained, pretty structures. The South <br />Portland ordinance will contain restrictions to ensure that henhouses and coops are attractive and well- <br />maintained, and not a detriment to the neighborhood. Take a look at some of the links about "backyard <br />chickens" to see some adorable chicken coops in other urban communities. <br />[zti:p://w nn saii ora.cort /t'Fa.E�.6ta�. 1/28/20091 <br />