Chickens: Fun, Educational and Good for the Environment

For years, Hamden residents were forbidden to have chickens according to zoning regulations, but a recent change has opened that option to anyone yearning for farm-fresh eggs.

And this past weekend, a standing room only crowd learned what goes into owning chickens at a workshop hosted by Urbanminers, a company that specializes in reusing and recycling materials from buildings that have been demolished.

About 40 people pack into the room at the building at 30 Manila Ave. Saturday morning to learn about what goes into the care of chickens, what accommodations are needed and how to properly handle the eggs they produce.

Michael Calhoun, a friend of Urbanminer owner Joe DeRisi and a farmer who lives in Bethany, conducted the workshop, complete with two hens and several young chicks.

Until last August, it was illegal for Hamden resident to own chickens, but the Planning and Zoning Commission amended its regulations to allow residents to own up to six hens. Click here for the New Haven Register's coverage of the issue.