Raising Chickens Raises Questions

Chickens may be on the menu at the spring Town Meeting.

Members of the Agricultural Commission had originally hoped to bring proposed regulations on raising chickens to the fall Town Meeting.

The commission has proposed that residents be allowed to keep 12 chickens maximum, with a weight of no more than 12 pounds each.

The chickens must be kept for personal use or consumption only. At least four square feet is required per animal, which must be kept in a fenced-in area.

But members encouraged the commission at their Monday, Aug. 22 meeting to wait to bring the issue to spring Town Meeting.

This would provide ample time to ensure that the wording was adequate and clear, Planning Board members said.

Town Planner Stephen Bishop questioned whether chickens could be kept in multi-family homes or condominium complexes, based on the wording of the proposed bylaw.

Other issues that need to be addressed include the type of chickens to be allowed and the details of the enclosures where the chickens would be kept.

Planning Board members expressed general support for the concept but said time would only help. 

Planning Board vice chairman Stephen Qualey suggested the commission include “as much information as possible’’ and explain that information in “clear’’ and “simple’’ language.

“Keep the ball rolling and I think we’ll be in pretty good shape’’ for the May Town Meeting, committee member David Robbins.