AgCom Backs Four Hens Per 400 Square Feet

The Agricultural Commission supported a proposal last night  to allow residents to keep four hens or female chicks for every 400 square feet of space.

Commission chairman John Kochevar will now bring his board's recommendation to a future Planning Board meeting for further discussion.

The vote drew applause from members of the Nichols family, who said they are considering keeping chickens. 

There has been talk that a bylaw regulating ownership of chickens may come before a future Town Meeting.

Commission member James Walsh read a letter from Planning Board Chairman Bruce Spinney, who raised concerns about the potential increase in vermin, among other issues.

Chickens drew some attention recently when a family on Harding Street was given two weeks to respond to the town or relinquish the chickens they were keeping in their small backyard.