Green Bay committee adjusts chicken ownership rules for residents

During a recent meeting of the Protection & Policy Committee in Green Bay, significant discussions centered around proposed amendments to the city's ordinance regarding the keeping of hens. The meeting, held on February 27, 2025, highlighted the need for updates to Chapter 6 of the city code, particularly in response to community feedback and practical considerations for residents raising chickens.

Alder Morgan initiated the conversation by addressing the importance of clarifying regulations surrounding the keeping of hens, specifically the number allowed per household. Currently, the ordinance permits four hens, but there is a push to increase this limit to five. This change is supported by local resident Dan Theano, who has raised chickens for over 50 years. He emphasized that most hatcheries do not ship fewer than five chicks, and requiring residents to cull a chick to comply with the ordinance is both impractical and distressing.

In addition to the proposed increase in the number of hens, there was a recommendation to adjust the age at which hens are allowed to start laying eggs from 16 weeks to 20 weeks. Theano argued that most breeds begin laying at around 20 weeks, and this adjustment would prevent residents from inadvertently violating the ordinance if they replaced older hens with younger ones that are not yet laying.

The committee also discussed the prohibition of roosters, which had been enforced but not explicitly stated in the ordinance. This clarification aims to address noise concerns in residential areas, ensuring that the regulations are clear and enforceable.

As the committee deliberated these changes, they acknowledged the potential implications for residents who wish to keep chickens. The discussions reflect a growing interest in urban agriculture and the need for regulations that support sustainable practices while addressing community concerns.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions on amending the hen-keeping ordinance underscore the city's responsiveness to resident needs and the evolving landscape of urban farming. The proposed changes will be further evaluated, with the committee aiming to finalize recommendations that balance the interests of chicken keepers with the broader community's quality of life.