The Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Associaton and Rolling Spokes Bike Tours are offering the first legal Fort Collins Tour de Coop!! For details and to register, go to:I'd love to see all of you folks there!
The first legal Tour de Coop!!
The Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Associaton and Rolling Spokes Bike Tours are offering the first legal Fort Collins Tour de Coop!! For details and to register, go to:I'd love to see all of you folks there!
Spring Chick Update
Hailey will be placing her order this week for chicks! Let her know ASAP if you want to order with her. Her contact info is in the post below.
dan
Spring Chicks!
Spring is around the corner, and now is a good time to start thinking about getting your chicks!
If you want backyard hens, but don't want to raise your own chicks, there is a woman in Loveland who will order whatever quantity you need and raise them for you until they can live without a heat-lamp. She has younger children, so these birds are played with and very social. We got ours from her last year, and plan to do the same again this spring. She charged us $8 each, and it was worth every penny.
Here is her contact info:
Hailey Peek
970-978-6915 cell
haileypeek(at)gmail.com
Rocky Mtn Sustainable Living Association - Urban Hen Workshops!
The RMSLA will be holding a series of Backyard Chicken Workshops. The first one is coming up soon!
- Intro to Poultry - Sat. Jan 24, 9 am to 1 pm
- Intro to Poultry - Sun. Feb 22, 12 pm to 4 pm
- Poultry Facilities - Sun. March 15, 9 am to 5 pm
- Intro to Poultry - Sat. April 11, 9 am to 1 pm
- Poultry Facilities - Sun. May 10, 9 am to 5 pm
- Advanced Poultry - Thurs. June 11, 6 pm to 9 pm
For more details, go to the RMSLA's website:
http://www.sustainablelivingassociation.org/backyard-chickens/
- Intro to Poultry - Sat. Jan 24, 9 am to 1 pm
- Intro to Poultry - Sun. Feb 22, 12 pm to 4 pm
- Poultry Facilities - Sun. March 15, 9 am to 5 pm
- Intro to Poultry - Sat. April 11, 9 am to 1 pm
- Poultry Facilities - Sun. May 10, 9 am to 5 pm
- Advanced Poultry - Thurs. June 11, 6 pm to 9 pm
For more details, go to the RMSLA's website:
http://www.sustainablelivingassociation.org/backyard-chickens/
Urban hen classes at Northern Colorado Feeders' Supply!
Northern Colorado Feeders' Supply is holding a Chicken Owners' Workshop on Friday, March 20th at 359 Linden Street. Plans are not firm yet, but so far they plan to "have six booths all telling different parts about chicken living and loving...everything from coops to feed and nutrition, breeds and eggs". Please let me know if you have any suggestions! Send ideas to fortcollinshens(at)gmail.com
Anyone up for Urban Hen Classes?
Sorry, I've been decompressing since the passage of the ordinance here in Fort Collins. Now we need to regroup and plan for the spring! I'd like to hear from anyone interested in helping to organize the first in a series of classes for the beginning hen owner. I was thinking something along the lines of: Your First Coop: Making a Cozy Home for the Girls. Please contact me @ fortcollinshens(at)gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Support our friends to the south...
With Fort Collins, Boulder, Loveland, Denver, and Lyons all allowing urban hens, it came as quite a surprise to me to learn that our friends in Longmont are having a harder time getting their city council to make the change. Please check out http://longmont-urbanhens.blogspot.com/ to keep tabs on the progress of their efforts to bring urban hens to Longmont. Please help them out in any way you can.
Chicken Party (Hendig)
When: Sept 27th, 4 pm to whenever
Where: Dan and Rebecca's house
Why: To celebrate more choice in the choice city
Who is invited: Everyone!!!
Please RSVP by Sept 20th with the headcount of your group/family (kidswelcome!). BYOB and a side dish to share. We'll provide veggie and cow-based burgers, hotdogs and drinks.
Thanks,
Rebecca (Dan's wife)
Where: Dan and Rebecca's house
Why: To celebrate more choice in the choice city
Who is invited: Everyone!!!
Please RSVP by Sept 20th with the headcount of your group/family (kidswelcome!). BYOB and a side dish to share. We'll provide veggie and cow-based burgers, hotdogs and drinks.
Thanks,
Rebecca (Dan's wife)
CLUCK YES!!!!!!
The chicken ordinance passed the Fort Collins City Council by a vote of 5 to 1.
I would like to give my most heartfelt thanks to EVERYONE who: wrote letters, made phone calls, sat at booths, gathered signatures, engaged others in conversation, designed t-shirts, donated time and space for meetings, and came to speak tonight. You made this happen. And I want to thank you for all of your efforts.
I would like to give my most heartfelt thanks to EVERYONE who: wrote letters, made phone calls, sat at booths, gathered signatures, engaged others in conversation, designed t-shirts, donated time and space for meetings, and came to speak tonight. You made this happen. And I want to thank you for all of your efforts.
Council Meeting update...
We are still not sure when, exactly, the chicken initiative will be heard at Tuesday night's city council meeting. It is not likely to be before 8:00, though. One option is, if you don't want to spend your entire evening at 300 LaPorte Avenue, you can keep track of the meeting on Channel 14 and come over when the reservoir discussion is finished. Or, you can come at 7:00pm and join me and others. Whatever you do, we need you there when the initiative is heard!! This is the home stretch! Thanks for all of your efforts and support.
Second and Final Reading...
The second and final reading of the proposed ordinances to allow hens in Fort Collins will be this Tuesday, September 2nd at the City Council Chambers, 300 LaPorte Avenue. We are on the agenda after the Glade Reservoir discussion, so it is estimated that we will be heard around 9:00pm. The council is divided, so it is very important that we have a strong showing! If they see enough support, this will pass. We need to show the council that there is citizen support for hens in the city.
I want to thank everyone who has helped organize, gather signatures, sat at booths, held events, etc. We would not have come this far without many hours of activity. I am grateful for your support.
I want to thank everyone who has helped organize, gather signatures, sat at booths, held events, etc. We would not have come this far without many hours of activity. I am grateful for your support.
Big THANK YOU to HSUS and CCHC volunteers
This past weekend at New West Fest, we were honored to be allowed to share a booth with the Humane Society of the United States as they promoted animal welfare in general and the plight of hens in factory egg farming. We would like to recognize Holly Tarry (the CO state director of the HSUS) and Dan Paul (local HSUS grassroots coordinator) for providing the booth space and allowing us to work together with them to advocate for better conditions for our egg-laying friends.
I would like to thank the HSUS volunteers that worked with us: Teresa Redmond-Ott, Hilary Foshee, Marty Hanna, Keiko Krahnke, and Dan Paul
I would like to thank the following folks for staffing the booth for the Choice City Hen Coalition: Teresa Redmond-Ott (doing double duty), Lori Van Skike, Theadora B'ey, Jen Zorich, Duncan Eccleston, Emily Zielinski, Dan Brown, and Barb Lattin
The local HSUS folks have been working to get our local restaurants to make the move to cage-free eggs. As you dine at local eateries, please ask them if they serve cage-free eggs. And if they do not, politely request that they do. Several have said that they would if they saw a concern from their customers.
As a result of our efforts, we have 386 signatures on the petition of support that I submitted to the city on Tuesday. The level of public support that we get the night of Septmeber 2nd will be the deciding factor on whether or not the urban hen initiative passes. Please make every effort to be there at 6:00pm to show your support for urban hens.
Again, thank you so much to everyone that made the booth at New West Fest a success!!
I would like to thank the HSUS volunteers that worked with us: Teresa Redmond-Ott, Hilary Foshee, Marty Hanna, Keiko Krahnke, and Dan Paul
I would like to thank the following folks for staffing the booth for the Choice City Hen Coalition: Teresa Redmond-Ott (doing double duty), Lori Van Skike, Theadora B'ey, Jen Zorich, Duncan Eccleston, Emily Zielinski, Dan Brown, and Barb Lattin
The local HSUS folks have been working to get our local restaurants to make the move to cage-free eggs. As you dine at local eateries, please ask them if they serve cage-free eggs. And if they do not, politely request that they do. Several have said that they would if they saw a concern from their customers.
As a result of our efforts, we have 386 signatures on the petition of support that I submitted to the city on Tuesday. The level of public support that we get the night of Septmeber 2nd will be the deciding factor on whether or not the urban hen initiative passes. Please make every effort to be there at 6:00pm to show your support for urban hens.
Again, thank you so much to everyone that made the booth at New West Fest a success!!
A Big Thank You to the HSUS!!
This weekend is the New West Fest; Sat. 10am-7pm and Sunday 10-6.
The Humane Society of the United States (based in Washington, D.C.) aka "HSUS", has bought us a booth (the cost was $350, and they do not ask for any funds from us!!!) at the New West Fest. They fully expect to share the booth with the FC Urban Hen coalition.
Sooooo......Teressa is looking for committed volunteers to staff the booth!!! THIS is a wonderful and mainstream opportunity to clarify and inform Fort Collins residents of our Hen Movement. Alongside with us is the national backing and support of the HSUS who is educating Americans about the plight of Battery-Caged egg laying hens among many other animal cruelty issues.
Help us to dove tail these issues for a WIN / WIN outcome. Who can commit? It's time to step up to the plate. :o)
We're full steam ahead now. Please create room in your schedules while we're HOT. Sept. 2 is only 3 weeks away.
Anyone, feel free to contact Teresa directly, or at least email fortcollinshens(at)gmail.com so everyone is in the loop and sees who's coming this weekend.
This can be done. Never underestimate the Will of a few passionate people.
The Humane Society of the United States (based in Washington, D.C.) aka "HSUS", has bought us a booth (the cost was $350, and they do not ask for any funds from us!!!) at the New West Fest. They fully expect to share the booth with the FC Urban Hen coalition.
Sooooo......Teressa is looking for committed volunteers to staff the booth!!! THIS is a wonderful and mainstream opportunity to clarify and inform Fort Collins residents of our Hen Movement. Alongside with us is the national backing and support of the HSUS who is educating Americans about the plight of Battery-Caged egg laying hens among many other animal cruelty issues.
Help us to dove tail these issues for a WIN / WIN outcome. Who can commit? It's time to step up to the plate. :o)
We're full steam ahead now. Please create room in your schedules while we're HOT. Sept. 2 is only 3 weeks away.
Anyone, feel free to contact Teresa directly, or at least email fortcollinshens(at)gmail.com so everyone is in the loop and sees who's coming this weekend.
This can be done. Never underestimate the Will of a few passionate people.
Up close and personal with a city council member...
The next session of "Community Conversations with Kelly" will be at 6 pm. this Wednesday in the multi-use room at the Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend, but I encourage hen supporters out there to show up and chat with one of our "yes" votes on the council to thank him for his vote and to encourage him to continue his support.
Chicken Night at the Bean Cycle!!
Todd Simmons is graciously hosting Chicken Night at the Bean Cycle/Matter Bookstore on August 7th @ 7:00pm. The PBS special "The Natural History of the Chicken" will be shown as well as a panel of speakers yet to be determined.
We will also be selling t-shirts to support our efforts and to spread the word about the benefits of raising chickens in your own back yard. The design has been finalized and is now at the printer. We hope to have them ready for Chicken Night.
We will also be selling t-shirts to support our efforts and to spread the word about the benefits of raising chickens in your own back yard. The design has been finalized and is now at the printer. We hope to have them ready for Chicken Night.
Petitioning at Old Town Farmers' Market and Other Good Stuff
I got a report back that the petition drive at the Old Town Farmers' Market went well today. Many thanks to Lori Van Skike and Teresa Redmond-Ott for getting 47 new signatures!!
There are lots of folks with some great ideas out there. Kent is suggesting a "Local Chicken Underground feeds the Hungry" event and working on legitimizing the Tour de Coop. Todd is planning a 'chicken night' at the Bean Cycle. Emily suggested a t-shirt to spread the word!! Several folks gave some great feedback on the t-shirt ideas. It feels good to hear so many great ideas. Let's work together to make sure they happen!!
As always, let people know that the issue is still not resolved, and that they need to contact their city council reps...
There are lots of folks with some great ideas out there. Kent is suggesting a "Local Chicken Underground feeds the Hungry" event and working on legitimizing the Tour de Coop. Todd is planning a 'chicken night' at the Bean Cycle. Emily suggested a t-shirt to spread the word!! Several folks gave some great feedback on the t-shirt ideas. It feels good to hear so many great ideas. Let's work together to make sure they happen!!
As always, let people know that the issue is still not resolved, and that they need to contact their city council reps...
Urban Hen Awareness Campaign Underway!!
At our planning meeting before the 4th Holiday, we decided that our main focus should be a "public education campaign" to promote the Urban Hen Initiative.
The petition is being revamped to address FAQs and focus on Fort Collins residents only. This time we want to submit it to the city formally with our info packet. The final date for submissions is Aug 20th, so we need to hit the streets, so to speak. We would encourage people to distribute the petition at as many public events as possible between now and then. The Neighborhood Night Out was brought up as an excellent opportunity to bring up the issue for discussion.
We have an Urban Hen Coalition T-shirt Contest going on until Friday the 18th at 5:00pm. Please submit ideas to fortcollinshens(at)google.com. Details on final prices and the winning design will follow.
Please continue to talk to others about the Urban Hen Initiative, write Letters to the Editor, and contact your City Council reps. We need to keep this issue in front of the public.
Many thanks to all of those who made it to the organizing meeting! Keep up the good work.
The petition is being revamped to address FAQs and focus on Fort Collins residents only. This time we want to submit it to the city formally with our info packet. The final date for submissions is Aug 20th, so we need to hit the streets, so to speak. We would encourage people to distribute the petition at as many public events as possible between now and then. The Neighborhood Night Out was brought up as an excellent opportunity to bring up the issue for discussion.
We have an Urban Hen Coalition T-shirt Contest going on until Friday the 18th at 5:00pm. Please submit ideas to fortcollinshens(at)google.com. Details on final prices and the winning design will follow.
Please continue to talk to others about the Urban Hen Initiative, write Letters to the Editor, and contact your City Council reps. We need to keep this issue in front of the public.
Many thanks to all of those who made it to the organizing meeting! Keep up the good work.
Planning meeting set
Several folks have been asking, "When are we going to get organized?" Since you asked, here is the plan:
Fort Collins Urban Hen Coalition Planning Meeting
Tuesday, July 1st @ 7:00pm
Bean Cycle Coffeehouse
144 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Map to Bean Cycle
Bring your ideas!
A copy of the poster announcing this meeting for you to print out and post around town can be found at:
http://groups.google.com/group/fortcollinshens
under Files as GotHensPlanningMeeting.doc
Fort Collins Urban Hen Coalition Planning Meeting
Tuesday, July 1st @ 7:00pm
Bean Cycle Coffeehouse
144 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Map to Bean Cycle
Bring your ideas!
A copy of the poster announcing this meeting for you to print out and post around town can be found at:
http://groups.google.com/group/fortcollinshens
under Files as GotHensPlanningMeeting.doc
Second Reading Postponed
I received a call from Ted Shepard at Planning and Zoning saying that the second reading for the proposed ordinance changes to allow for urban hens in Fort Collins has been postponed until the Sept 2nd City Council meeting.
Even though there was no public comment against our proposal at the last City Council meeting, people who have concerns or are opposed have been in contact with their representative.
We need to show the Council members that there is strong support for this issue from their constituents. It is very important that you contact your City Council rep. Here is their contact information:
http://fcgov.com/council/contact-us.php
Get the word out to others that the City Council needs to hear that there are supporters for this issue.
Rebecca and I will be working on flyers. I will need folks who can get them out in the community to spread the word.
On the negative side, the City Manager originally wanted to postpone the second reading indefinitely, which would have essentially killed the proposal silently. Ted convinced him to have a second reading in September.
On the plus side, this gives us time to organize better. We will need to have both a solid plan in place for permitting and education, as well as addressing the concerns that were raised at the first reading.
There will be a lot to do between now and mid-August when the supporting documentation for the September City Council meeting needs to be submitted!
Even though there was no public comment against our proposal at the last City Council meeting, people who have concerns or are opposed have been in contact with their representative.
We need to show the Council members that there is strong support for this issue from their constituents. It is very important that you contact your City Council rep. Here is their contact information:
http://fcgov.com/council/contact-us.php
Get the word out to others that the City Council needs to hear that there are supporters for this issue.
Rebecca and I will be working on flyers. I will need folks who can get them out in the community to spread the word.
On the negative side, the City Manager originally wanted to postpone the second reading indefinitely, which would have essentially killed the proposal silently. Ted convinced him to have a second reading in September.
On the plus side, this gives us time to organize better. We will need to have both a solid plan in place for permitting and education, as well as addressing the concerns that were raised at the first reading.
There will be a lot to do between now and mid-August when the supporting documentation for the September City Council meeting needs to be submitted!
We made it past first reading!!
The Chicken Initiative made it past the first reading at the City Council last night by a vote of 5 to 2. Several folks who I have been working with on this issue made very supportive statements on our behalf. But what surprised me was the people who I had never met nor had contacted me prior to the meeting who stepped up to the microphone to speak. I was moved by the passion and true affection for urban hens that was expressed. I want to thank each and every person who spoke last night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
