Saturday, June 18, 2011

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."


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

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.

Monday, June 13, 2011

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.






Sunday, June 12, 2011

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.