Residents of Machesney Park, IL

We have all experienced the increase in food prices in the grocery stores. Our most recent example is egg prices. Although we have begun to see them drop a small amount, it has been eye-opening to see how dependent we are on the supply chain to feed our families.

Several years ago, our village banned chicken ownership outside of AG zoned properties. I am told by the village Trustees that in order to bring it back, they need to now that the residents are in favor of it

 

There are many positives to backyard chickens:

[ ] The obvious, eggs! There is no question where your eggs come from.

[ ] Minimize kitchen waste

[ ] Garden benefits - chemical-free bug and weed control

[ ] Great opportunity to teach children how to raise animals that will also feed them

[ ] Low maintenance - Similar, if not less, maintenance of that of the domestic animals we keep in our homes.

 

Historically, this was the norm, as many of our grandparents remember caring for chickens at some point in their childhood. In 1918, the government encouraged backyard chickens to help feed your family due to the lack of food in grocery stores.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/uncle-sam-expects-you-to-keep-hens-and-raise-chickens.351110/

 

 Sign this petition to let our Trustees know we want to be able to provide our families with a valuable resource. Bring back backyard chickens to Machesney Park!

An example of what our Neighboring communities ordinance look like:

Roscoe, IL

https://www.villageofroscoe.com/chicken-coop-license-application/#:~:text=REQUIREMENTS%20FOR%20KEEPING%20HENS%20AND%20COOPS&text=The%20keeping%20of%20roosters%20and,32%20square%20feet%20in%20area

Chicago, IL 

https://sites.google.com/site/chicagochickenenthusi/city-chicken-policy