We the undersigned support a revision to the zoning ordinance to allow a
property owner to secure a permit to own up to 6 hens (not roosters) in
small, well-maintained backyard chicken coops within the city limits of Rock Island, IL. This ordinance would be based on those in cities which have
passed similar measures with great success, such as Chicago, St. Louis,
Ames, Iowa City and Des Moines. The ordinance would include confinement
regulations, nuisance clauses and other rules to be determined at a
later date, based on examinations of other city ordinances.

We support this measure because:
--Chickens produce a rich fertilizer by-product, high in nitrogen, eliminating the need for petrochemical fertilizers.
-- Many young professionals and families are drawn to cities which allow backyard chickens as part of the local food movement.
-- Chickens eat bugs, including ticks, reducing our backyard pest population, and allowing for reduced use of pesticides.
--
Backyard hens provide an educational opportunity to teach children
where our food comes from and demonstrate responsible pet ownership.
-- Fresh, naturally raised eggs have an improved nutrient profile compared to conventional eggs.
-- Chickens eat table scrapes, reducing municipal solid waste.
-- A properly cleaned and maintained chicken coop poses no sanitation risks.
--Hens
are not noisy, as they only make noise when scared, or sometimes when
laying an egg. They sleep all night and are less noisy that a
neighborhood dog. Roosters will not be allowed.
--Local businesses can see an upswing in sales, due to sales of feeders, lamps, coops, and other chicken supplies.

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