Backyard Chicken Farming

By Heather Hubbs, Reporter

Tools

By Rachel Begle

Story Created: Mar 19, 2013 at 6:26 AM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 20, 2013 at 5:16 AM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - You no longer have to live miles from town, surrounded by cornfields to be a farmer. More and more city folks are living off the land, from their backyards.

Just four years ago it wasn't even legal in the city of Cedar Rapids,
Since that changed in 2010 the city has issued 67 licenses,
and classes to get certified are filling up.

Rebecca Mumaw was one of the first in the city to begin raising chickens in her backyard. In fact, she was part of the group that pushed to get it legalized. Now, she has 6 hens in her backyard coup, that's the maximum number allowed per law. For her, the desire to raise chickens in the city comes from a move to be more earth friendly.

"It's all about the food. Knowing you have healthy food. Knowing what your chickens are eating and how they're being treated," says Mumaw

Mumaw says her chickens are much more low maintence than a dog. They just have to be fed once a day and each lays 3-7 eggs per week. You do have to obtain a permit from the city to raise chickens in your backyard and before that you must take a class from Indian Creek Nature Center.

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