Traverse City Record-Eagle

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May 2, 2010

In Northern Living: Popular chicks in demand

TRAVERSE CITY — There are chickens among us.

Just off the sidewalks and city streets, in the neat neighborhoods and backyards of Traverse City homes, egg-laying tenants have taken roost.

The city changed an ordinance last fall to allow residents to keep up to four hens but no roosters per parcel. Coops popped up on city lots, and some urbanites embraced the chance to bring a little country to the city.

The chicken coop has emerged as an in-city symbol for green and wholesome living. Take Tony Seely. He grew up in Mississippi amid relatives who farmed. Back then, it didn't interest him. But since moving to Traverse City, Seely grew more conscious of the environment and sustainable living concepts. Now he has chicks (and a corresponding urban chicken blog) of his own.

Chicken keepers touted the benefits of their feathered flocks, from fresh eggs to fertilizer, companionship to compost-cutting.

Read more about the city chicken experience in today's Northern Living at www.record-eagle.com/northernliving.

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