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SECOND ANNUAL DENVER CHICKEN COOP TOUR for Denver Metro Area - ticket purchase click here As of September 22, 2011 we have 23 hosts on our tour, including one with chickens and goats, one beekeeper with bees only (and four with chickens and bees), and one who raises quail. We have hosts in poor neighborhoods with 25' wide lots, and hosts on 2-acre lots. Our hosts span the Denver area's mix of ethnicities and races.
With valid purchase, each ticket purchaser is entitled to a 10% discount on the purchase of organic chicken feed or high-quality dog food at Earthdog Denver, and a $100 discount on purchase of chicken coops made by local carpenters Robert or Leigh, not including possible delivery charges (reg price $750; sale price $650). Purchases must be made by November 1, 2011 and there are no returns. Coops will be built after ordering and available for pickup as they are completed through spring. An integral part of the mission of Denver Urban Homesteading is the promotion of sustainable, self-sufficient food-producing activities in our backyards. Owners James and Irina Bertini grow much of their own food, and they want to encourage others to do so. Indeed, when they decided to have chickens in early 2009 and found out the law prohibited it, James began the campaign that led to the Denver City Council changing the law to allow chickens this year. James and Irina support Denver Urban Homesteading from sales at their year-round, indoor, local farmers' market, from homesteading classes and from their own labor and savings. They do not receive government funds for their operations (that's part of being self-sufficient and they like to practice what they preach) and they appreciate your support of their activities so that they may continue to impact society in this way. CHICKEN INFORMATION As of June 2011, Denver now allows each lot to have up to 8 chickens and ducks (total of 8) and 2 dwarf goats. These must be females, although young male kids are allowed as well as neutered male goats. Animal Control is creating some simple rules for housing the animals, and they will charge a $20 lifetime fee for these animals. As of August 16, 2011, they have not yet implemented the procedure for paying this fee. The new Denver law also bans chicken slaughtering. This law is part of the zoning ordinance, so it is a violation of the zoning code to slaughter your chicken in most zones in Denver, industrial zones excepted. If a zoning code is violated, the standard procedure is for a city agency to give the property owner a notice of a violation and a time period to comply, say, 10 days. We protested the new ban on chicken slaughtering when the city council considered enacting it because it does not consider what people must do when their chickens are old, sick or past their useful lives. Denver Urban Homesteading gives chicken slaughtering classes periodically, and we are working with a small area farmer who is planning to accept chickens for slaughtering for a modest fee. Details will be posted when they are available. We call it a Chicken Recycling service. Information on the laws in other nearby cities are at www.denverbackyardfarms.org. The list was up to date as of two years ago when it was made; the best way to verify the law in your location is to call your zoning department. Aurora Councilwoman Melissa Miller is leading the way to make chickens legal in that city. |
370 Kalamath St., Denver, 80223 CHICKEN SWAP/BUY-SELL Our next chicken swap will be held Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 10-12Noon the parking lot of Earthdog Denver, 370 Kalamath Street, Denver, CO. This is a way for people to meet, talk, share information and trade chickens, geese, ducks, and other small animals. Those with experience can meet those without. Also for the just curious or those considering having a new pet. And always we remind people to be considerate and compassionate to our animal friends, and it is a must that you learn about them and have proper housing before taking one home. Free of charge (just keep the parking lot clean). Parking in lot only for vendors. Earthdog Denver sells organic chicken and goat feed, diatomacious earth and oyster shell.
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Denver Urban Homesteading is hosting its Second Annual Denver Chicken Coop
Tour in Denver and surrounding communities on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from
10-4 (some locations may not open until 11). Goat milking will begin at 11. Our Chicken Swap is the same day from 10-12
Noon: see the chickens and then see the coops! Coops and chickens selected
for the tour will show the breadth of area coop design and the variety of
chickens that live in them, along with beehives and some goats. This is a
self-guided tour and perfect fall activity for family; walking and biking to
the coops is encouraged. Purchase tickets here or at our local farmers'
market. Each ticket allows a family or up to 4 individuals to participate.
Maps will be mailed to participants the week of the event. 
