Florida Legislature Dyeing to Create Unwanted Chickens and Rabbits

We've reported on dyeing baby chicks before. This is not dunking animals in a dye bath, but injecting dye into the egg. While the high-viz colors eventually moult out, animal rights groups are justifiably concerned about this unnecessary procedure that may lure consumers into buying colorfully cute baby animals that they have little idea how to care for.

Well, the Florida Legislature has passed legislation re-legalizing this practice after 45 years of it being illegal. Only the Governor's veto pen can stop chicks from dyeing. 

Huffington Post: Artificially Dyeing Animals Approved By Florida House And Senate


Palm Beach Post: 

What color is the Easter bunny? That's up to the governor now

CLUCK releases beta version guide to busted birds

Although more work is needed, Sarasota CLUCK has posted a guide for citizens whose birds have been busted -- turned in to code enforcement. Entitled My Chickens Busted by Code Enforcement, What do I do Now?  the online worksheet aims to help those whose hens have been targeted to think rationally about their situation and what can be done. The document advocates working with neighbors and code enforcement to address concerns and recognizes that in some situations the chickens will be leaving.

The experimental document should be viewed as a first step in coping with the threat of losing one's birds due to a complaint, and suggestions are welcomed.

Next CLUCK Meeting: Weds Mar. 21

If you believe residents of unincorporated Sarasota County should be allowed to have a few hens, come join us Wednesday March 21st at the Florida House (4454 Beneva -- on the west side of the road north of SCTI and Proctor Road and south of Wilkinson) for our next meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. 

TAMPA Rethinks Hens

Manatee County is thinking about it. Pinellas just did it. And now Tampa is rethinking its approach to backyard chickens. On March 2nd the Tampa Bay Times asked: "Has the urban chicken's time finally come?" That news story pointed out that while Tampa (technically) allows urban chickens, there is a 200 foot setback requirement that means virtually all urban and suburban lots don't qualify. And the Tampa Tribune, via Tampa Bay Online, confirms that the City Council will discuss the issue March 15th. 

Hillsborough County Citizens for Backyard Poultry have an online petition and will likely get involved, even though their main focus is the unincorporated county. They had 162 signatures on March 6th. Here's a link to their Facebook page.

The Chickens of the 2012 Florida State Fair

BARRED ROCKS AT CRACKER COUNTRY

Help 4-H, Help Kids, Help Chicks, Help CLUCK

CLUCK has received a request from Janie Besselman who will be helping Robert Kluson with the Small Animal Tent  during the Sarasota County Fair.  Last year CLUCK helped staff the tent and it was a great experience for all--excited kids, curious teens, beautiful chickens and baby chicks. (And, if it was like last year, volunteering gets you in the Fair for free.) What I like to do is help out for a couple of two hour shifts and then enjoy the fair.

Sarasota County Fair Dates    March 16^th thru March 25^th  

                        

Fridays – 2 to 11 pm*

                                                                                                                       M-Thur    2 to 10 pm*

                                                                                                                        Saturday 12 to 11 pm*

                                                                                                                        Sunday    12 to 10 pm*

*Note these are the times that the Fair is open to the public. 

Some volunteer slots may already be filled, so contact Janie

at 941-232-8420 or Robert at 941-232-3090 to see what is still available.   

This is just another way local CLUCK can promote successful, responsible chicken ownership in Sarasota County. 

Glenda "Janie" Besselman

Administrative Specialist

Sarasota Soil & Water Conservation District

University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension Services

Sarasota County Community Services

USDA-NRCS Manasota Service Center

6942 Professional Parkway, East

Sarasota, FL 34240

941.907.0011 (office)

941.907.0015 (fax)

jbesselm@scgov.net

http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/

CLUCK PRICELESS