COW Says No To Chickens

The Muskego Committee of the Whole (COW) met Tuesday night to discuss whether a new ordinance, or changes to existing ordinances, could allow for residents in higher density neighborhoods to own and raise chickens.

Presently, only residents with properties that are 2.75 acres or larger can keep chickens (20 per acre), and have to provide adequate containment and sanitation measures. 

Alderman Noah Fiedler (District 7) explained that he had received an inquiry from a resident of his district, but City Planner Jeff Muenkel explained that the city has probably received as many as 15 such inquiries. He explained to COW that cities as large as Chicago and those similiar in size to Muskego like New Berlin have ordinances allowing for raising the animals on smaller properties.

Muenkel explained that in his contacts with other cities, "there were no more difficulties in enforcing this ordinance than any others.  However, many people decide to get them and don't realize how expensive they are to keep, with the costs of feed and upkeep, especially if they're looking at them just for the eggs.  Within six months or so, they generally give them up."

Alderman Dan Soltysiak (District 5) also explained that his research of the topic revealed placing coops on a property also invites predators like coyotes.

Alderman Keith Werner said smaller properties may have difficulty with their neighbors even if they followed the minimum requirements of placing the chickens at least five feet inside the property line, and 25 feet from other dwellings.

Fiedler said he would support putting the matter to a public hearing, which Muenkel said could happen in January, however others on the committee felt it wasn't worth pursuing.

Ultimately COW felt the level of interest would not be high enough, and agreed to leave the present ordinance as is.