I was very happy to read that City of Powell River is considering changes to the poultry bylaws [“Council considers poultry propositions,” May 25].
I live in Westview and have two chickens. My husband built the chickens a movable coop and run; this is called a tractor. It is not a new invention and, arguably, is the best way to keep chickens.
Every week or so we pull up the stakes and move the coop a few feet. This way the chickens have fresh grass and bugs to eat, there is no build up of manure and it keeps predators wondering where the chickens are.
Regarding the manure, I rake it up every time we move the coop and then give it to a woman who is rehabilitating her land to grow a garden. And, regarding the predator issue, there is a bear that is known to visit the back of our property, and our neighbour’s, to eat apples in the late summer and early fall. Moving the coop away from this area keeps the chickens safe.
Last summer, to avoid the aforementioned bear, we had the coop on the front lawn. It was amazing the number of people who walked by and said how happy they were to see such a lovely coop with such nice chickens inside. Young and old, singles, couples and families, it brought back fond childhood memories for some; others felt good to see we were raising local food (eggs).
Parents showed their kids the chickens and they were excited to visit them. Talk about community building with only two simple chickens. It was great!
Then, the bylaw office showed up. No more chickens allowed in the front yard. The reason is because cars going by scares and stresses the chickens.
This is not true. Although chickens are not the smartest creatures, they do understand that they are safe in their coop. They take very little notice of cars, cats, crows and dogs, et cetera. They feel safe in their zone.
My request is that while the city considers changes to the poultry bylaw, to include allowing chicken tractors anywhere on the household property.
Anyone is welcome to come by and have a demonstration of how the chicken tractor works.
Simone Bova
Michigan Avenue
