Wednesday , January 26 , 2022 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
Some want to own chickens in residential areas ; not allowed by code
CHICKENS , from Page 1 mitted in certain areas of the town , including chickens .
Mark Rogers , the town ’ s code enforcement officer , acknowledged a growing desire among residents to own chickens , but “ they can ’ t have them .”
“ They can ’ t ; that ’ s all there is to it ... People are under the impression that if it doesn ’ t say that you can ’ t have chickens , that means
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you can have them . Actually , it ’ s the other way around ; it has to say you can have them ,” Rogers said .
Rogers referred to Chapter 175 Section 145A ( 3 ) of the Code of the Town of Hammonton .
“ Where this chapter is silent as to the allowance of a use in a zone district , such silence shall be interpreted to mean that the use is not permitted . A use is not permitted in any zone district of the town
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unless specifically included as a use or category of use in this chapter and in the specific zone district ,” the code states .
“ That ’ s what everybody has to understand ... There ’ s nothing in the code that says you cannot have chickens ; it doesn ’ t work that way ,” Rogers said . Rogers said that chickens are only allowed in the Agricultural Production ( AP ) and Rural Residential Zones , provided that the lot size in the latter is five acres or greater . Mayor Stephen DiDonato said that lot sizes in other residential neighborhoods account for some of the reasoning behind the use allowances .
“ A lot of those lots are 10,000 square feet ; they ’ re 100 by 100 , some of those small lots in town . If you start putting chickens , it could impact the neighbors ... There are some people that do want chickens , and there are a lot more people who don ’ t want them in those neighborhoods ,” DiDonato said .
One such resident in favor of the idea is Tara Devlin , who describes herself as “ an advocate for owning backyard chickens .”
“ Last year , we all experienced a new normal way of life : lockdowns , food shortages , financial hardships and isolation . Ironically , having backyard chickens can be
part of the solution ,” Devlin said .
Devlin said that maintaining a flock of backyard chickens requires no more than six hens .
“ Chickens will produce eggs absent the presence of a male . Roosters are not necessary , thankfully , for they are far too noisy and can be quite aggressive . Eggs are one of nature ’ s most perfect and nutrient rich food . The number of eggs laid annually is dependent on the breed of chicken , its health and happiness . With a flock of six hens , the owner can easily get at least a couple of eggs each morning . Hens do make a little noise upon laying eggs — as if an announcement is being made — but is nowhere near the decibel level a rooster would produce ,” Devlin said .
Devlin said that most residential backyards have ample room for chickens .
“ The basic formula for required space is five square feet per hen . The hens should be allowed to free range during the day . This is the most beneficial setup for both the owner and hens themselves . The yard should be enclosed with a six-foot-high fence . Although most breeds do not fly , they can jump and flap their wings to navigate lower fences ,” Devlin said .
Devlin said that backyard chickens can offer therapeutic benefits .
“ Contrary to common beliefs , chickens are very intelligent , social and loving creatures . If raised with kindness and human interaction , they will become some of the best pets one can have . Chickens will learn their names , come when called and relish being petted and held . This attachment to humans is highly beneficial to people of all ages . Those who live alone can have a ‘ fan club ’ thrilled to see them each day . Petting an animal has been scientifically proven to relieve stress and alleviate symptoms of depression . Children exposed to chickens can learn kindness , empathy and the responsibility of care . Chickens can be even more psychologically beneficial to children and adults with developmental disorders , especially autism ,” Devlin said .
However , Rogers said that chickens are not classified as pets and “ can be a nuisance .”
“ They can also breed disease . They can bring rodents , and they can bring other varmints that might hunt them ,” Rogers said .
Devlin said that chicken health is “ easily maintained and quite simple .”
“ Chickens do not bathe in water to cleanse themselves . They only need a small area of dirt or sand in which they can take a ‘ dust bath .’ They will roll around in the sub-
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