Currently residents of Grand Blanc township cannot keep any animals other than cats, dogs, and songbirds. This ordinance was written in 1987 and does not reflect current times. 

Backyard chickens have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people become interested in sustainable living and knowing where their food comes from. There are numerous benefits to keeping chickens in your backyard, which is why I urge the Grand Blanc Township to approve the proposed change to allow hens only and a maximum of 6 chickens for egg-laying purposes.

First and foremost, backyard chickens provide a source of fresh, nutritious eggs. Eggs from backyard chickens are often richer in nutrients than those found in grocery stores because they are laid by healthy, happy chickens that are allowed to roam around and eat a diverse diet. By keeping chickens in your backyard, you can ensure that you and your family have access to high-quality eggs that are free of harmful chemicals and antibiotics.

In addition to providing a source of fresh eggs, backyard chickens can also help reduce food waste. Chickens are omnivores and will happily eat a variety of kitchen scraps, including vegetable peels, fruit scraps, and even meat. By feeding your chickens these scraps, you can reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills and simultaneously provide your chickens with a diverse and nutritious diet.

Furthermore, backyard chickens can also be great for your garden. Chickens produce nitrogen-rich manure that can be used as a natural fertilizer to help your plants grow. Additionally, chickens are natural pest controllers and will happily eat insects and other pests that can damage your plants.

Finally, keeping backyard chickens can be a fun and educational experience for both children and adults. By caring for chickens, you can learn about animal behavior, biology, and the importance of sustainable living. Chickens are also great pets and can be very affectionate and social animals, providing companionship and entertainment for their owners.

Grand Blanc township has fallen behind the nation and our neighbors in this respect. Other local communities such as Burton, Fenton, Davison, Holly, Linden, Flushing, Clarkston, and Ann Arbor allow the keeping of hens for personal enjoyment and egg production.

In conclusion, allowing hens only and a maximum of 6 chickens for egg-laying purposes in Grand Blanc Township would have numerous benefits for residents, including a source of fresh, nutritious eggs, reduced food waste, natural fertilization for gardens, and educational and entertainment opportunities. I urge the township to approve this change and encourage its residents to consider keeping backyard chickens as a way to promote sustainable living and healthy eating.

Please help out and support the people who want to raise chickens. Thanks for your support

We, the undersigned, support that adoption of an ordinance allowing those who wish to keep 4-6 hens, humanely and responsibly, within the township of Grand Blanc, the freedom to do so for family use.