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.

CLUCK NEWS: Time to Stock Up if you want Arsenic-laced Chicken Livers

One of the more bizarre and challenging attacks thrown at CLUCK during the campaign to re-legalize chickens in the City of Sarasota was the accusation that arsenic in chicken feed would pass through the hens and contaminate our local soil. Arsenic is a known carcinogen, more toxic than old lace, with which it is frequently associated. It was not only challenging because we didn't know how big or real a problem it was, but also because there didn't seem to be any realistic way for CLUCK or the City of Sarasota to address it, if it was a problem. How do a few chicken feed purchasers change the ways of a feed company??

Well, crisis (if there ever way one) averted! Many news sources are reporting that chemical giant Pfizer, whose subsidiary Alpharma makes Roxarsone (aka 3-Nitro), the arsenic-containing additive, will be suspending sales next month.

CLUCK Analysis: More Indications Linking Chickens to College-Educated Young People

CLUCK has been ridiculed and dismissed for suggesting the ability to keep backyard chickens might play a discernible role in attracting young, college-educated, creative class workers to a community.

Now (June 13 and 20, 2011 edition) Newsweek has listed 10 HOT CITIES that are the "best destinations for recent grads". So how do these burgs rate on being chicken friendly? Well, 9 of the 10 allow backyard chickens and there is an active campaign in Oklahoma City. When you combine that with a similar ranking CLUCK published earlier, that means that out of 15 cities identified as being great places for recent college graduates, 93.33% allow backyard chickens. Coincidence? Possibly. But we continue to advance that proposition that 1) young people are attracted to other young people, 2) young people prefer to settle where they feel welcomed, and 3) allowing backyard chickens, supporting bicycling, having farmer's markets, and allowing a downtown scene with music and cafes are all indicators that collectively signal to young people whether a community is welcoming to them.

Third Chickens 101 Workshop A Success!

Cars lined the driveway at the Lauterbach Farm as the curious and committed filled a barn for a four hour workshop that covered diverse topics related to backyard chickens. Local ordinances, getting started, breeds, biosecurity and many other topics were all covered. In addition to material presented by Extension Agent Rob Kluson, local experts Janice and George Lauterbach, Glenna Roberts, and Ira Klineschmidt supplemented Powerpoint info with personal experience and a wide variety of chickens.

CLUCK NEWS: Hair Fad Raises (and Removes) Hackles

More than a century ago women's fashion threatened the existence of numerous native bird species because of fashion. Now, according to the Associated Press, a new fashion may be threatening both fly fishermen and "roosters that are genetically bred and raised for their plumage". According to a Jessie L. Bonner story that appeared in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, rooster hackles are now being used in hair extensions and the demand for rooster feathers is disrupting the market for fishing flies. Sadly, this and other stories report that the roosters are euthanized after the feathers are removed.

CLUCK NEWS: Organic Food Sales (Including Eggs) Remain Strong

The New York Times picked an organic egg producer in France to lead a story about continued strong sales of organic foods despite "weak economic conditions and rising inflation". Damien Bignon has 3,000 chickens near Paris and sells his eggs for the equivalent of $5.64 a dozen, "about twice the cost of factory-farmed eggs at a French supermarket". Comparable eggs in Sarasota sell for a comparable price, which is roughly five times what chain pharmacies sometimes advertise for a dozen.