Over on the Brownstoner forum, one anonymous Clinton Hill resident is considering getting some chickens to keep in their backyard. And they’re not joking: “Fresh eggs are amazing, chickens are easy, and — as long as they’re female — not loud or problemtic. Also, it’s legal. Are we crazy?” Well, that’s up for grabs… others commented that they’ve seen backyard chickens in Sunset Park and South Slope, and mentioned that LeNell, the liquor store proprietor in Red Hook, has got a few of her own. One Carroll Gardens resident is thinking about getting a coop, too. But not everybody thinks these barnyard pets are a good idea…

Another anonymous commentor said:

“I grew up on a ranch, and I think this is the grossest thing I have ever heard of. I hate to pun about such a serious issue, but chickens are FOUL, FOUL creatures. They smell really bad. Oh, and straight chicken poo in your garden will burn your roots. It is quite acidic. GO TO THE COUNTRY!!!”

The original poster was unfazed: “I’m talking fancy chickens,” they write. “Those Aurancana jobs like Martha has, with the pretty blue eggs.” (We’re not sure if they’re joking, but those naturally blue Araucana eggs pictured above sure are pretty!) Any other urban chicken owners out there? Are the fresh eggs worth the work of cleaning poop out of the coop?
Keeping chickens in Clinton Hill [Brownstoner Forum]
Playing Chicken in Red Hook [Brooklyn Record]
Photo by In Praise of Sardines