Want To Raise Chickens In Lakewood?

LAKEWOOD, OH - Local agriculture is more than a passing trend. The farm-to-table movement has captivated the nation and inspired millions of people to try their hand at gardening. For some, that has meant a small garden in their backyard or in a pot. For others, it has meant moving to the country and trying their hand at farming. In Lakewood, it could mean raising your own hens.

To raise hens in the city, you need to acquire a permit. To acquire a permit, you have to undergo educational training on how to properly keep hens. Luckily, Lakewood Public Library is partnering with the Cleveland Metroparks to bring you a class on how to raise hens. That class will be held March 28 at Lakewood Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m.

The class will be taught by naturalist Bethany Majeski, a veteran Metroparks employee and raiser of chickens. Attending Majeski's session qualifies as the education requirement needed to get your chicken raising permit in Lakewood.

Majeski told Patch that she's excited the backyard chicken trend is catching on in Ohio and across the nation, but believes people need a base of education to prevent mistakes from occurring. That's why her class will cover some of the 101 of raising chickens in a developed neighborhood like Lakewood.

Specifically, she said she would be covering providing proper shelter, healthcare, and food options with chickens. She'll also take questions during the event.

"One thing that this program hopes to prevent is people jumping in and not having the right setup and not having the necessary care ahead of time," Majeski said. "You’ll need appropriate fencing, you’re meeting specification requirements for municipalities. You need to think ahead to dealing with predators – dogs, cats, raccoons, skunks, hawks. You’ll also need to know a little bit to discuss with their neighbors."

Majeski said she believes Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, and Lakewood have embraced the DIY mentality of backyard farming, whether that be livestock or crops. She sees education as crucial part of the backyard farming movement.

"I think raising chickens and growing your own food is very practical and grounding. In the backyard setting, raising a couple of hens is very doable," she said. "I think it’s such a great project. Kids can become involved pretty early and get direct responsibility that comes with taking livestock. Even during snowy days, even when you're sick, you still have to give chickens food and water. You still have to take care of them."

Applying for a permit to raise chickens from the city requires an educational class, like the one Majeski is teaching on March 28, and $25. Once you have the license you'll also need to renew your permit once a year, which is another $25.

There are currently 19 permit holders in Lakewood, a person in the Mayor's Office told Patch. However, not all 19 of the permit holders have yet constructed shelters for their chickens. Some are planning on waiting until Spring.

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