CLUCK NEWS: City Chicken Project A Force for Community in NYC

During our campaign to re-legalize chickens in the City of Sarasota, CLUCK argued that backyard chickens have the ability to build and strengthen neighborhoods. Now, New York Times Opinion writer Laura Anderson has written a piece documenting the City Chicken Project, "which brings egg-laying hens, necessary coop-building equipment, and training to urban gardens and schools in underserved neighborhoods."

Lee County Editorial Says "Make a Place for Chickens"

The Fort Myers News Press has weighed in on an increasingly common phenomenon: a urban homesteading family with a few hens gets busted and that leads to a community debate about whether or not chickens are inappropriate in residential areas. 

The editorial, dated June 16th, 2011 is in response to a code enforcement case in Lehigh Acres. It seems the Caminos are unemployed and concluded raising some of their own food could be part of a strategy to weather tough economic times. But residential zoning in unincorporated Lee County does not allow poultry.

Next CLUCK Meeting: July 13, 6:00 pm

We've scheduled our next CLUCK meeting for 6:00 p.m. July 13th at the (Green) Extension Building at Twin Lakes Park. That's just east of I-75 on Clark Rd (State Road 72). Read more for details about the program.

CLUCK ALERT: How You Can Help Hot Chicks!

With a heatwave gripping most of the southeast, and temperatures predicted to be in the 90's all week in most of Florida, it is worth reviewing the risk posed to your flock by high heat. Chickens are descended from Jungle Fowl, but they do have their limits. And high humidity (our speciality) aggravates the situation. Many of us can remember heatwave stories that featured high mortality in commercial chicken production facilities, but if you are waiting until you hear those stories to develop a cooling strategy for your birds, it may be too late. Read on to learn why.

CLUCK Advice: To The Decision Makers in Port St. Lucie

This advice is not coming from your constituents but from 132 miles away over on the the other coast. So feel free to ignore it.

CLUCK NEWS: No Cuddle or Snuggle Warning Follows Salmonella Outbreak

While most baby animals are cute, tiny, fluffy, peeping baby chicks are especially adorable and children are understandably drawn to them. But it is worth repeating that the CDC does not recommend children under 5 interacting with chickens. Now, unfortunately we have a stark reminder as a result of a Salmonella outbreak that has affected at least 39 people in 14 states. As of June 9th there were no reported cases in Florida. The outbreak has been traced to baby chicks and ducklings from a hatchery in Ohio. While no deaths have been reported so far, who wants debilitating diarrhea and the risk of complications? Keep reading to see a map of reported infections.