The growing questions of where our food comes from and how it is prepared are ignored by some and acknowledged by others. Whether it’s pesticides in crops such as corn and soybean or growth hormones in cows, pigs or chickens, we should be aware that there is a certain level of risk purchasing (and consuming) food of unknown origin.
Obviously not everyone can become a farmer, but just about anyone can do one thing to lower the risk of consuming potentially hazardous food: keep your own chickens.
1 – Check with the Government
City ordinances control the zoning of residential areas. Some ordinances are strict about backyard chicken coops while others are somewhat relaxed. Most smart city governments realize that citizen involvement in food production is beneficial to the local community and environment.
Chickens not only provide sustainable food sources, but they also act as a natural pest control because of the bugs they eat on a regular basis. Before you find your chicks and build a coop, though, make sure that you are proceeding in a lawful manner. [Read more…]