Cheyenne Chamber Leader: Get Informed On Chickens

Greater Cheyenne Chamber President and CEO Dale Steenbergen says that while he doesn't have a problem with a proposal to allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards, it's important that if the proposal becomes law people get informed about the birds.

Steenbergen, who grew up on a farm, says he's not sure people understand the commitment involved in keeping chickens. He says there are a whole range of diseases and potential problems that come with raising the birds.

He says some of the potential problems including cannibalism among chickens as well as diseases such as bronchitis and fowl pox. Other challenges include problems with predators such as skunks or snakes, not to mention the work involved in keeping a chicken coop sanitary and clean.

Steenbergen says if the council signs off on the chicken proposal at its April 25 meeting, he would strongly advise people who haven't kept chickens before to take some time to learn about the birds and the challenges involved before moving forward.

The chamber itself has not taken a position either for or against the proposal.