WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Rib Mountain Plan Commission appears ready to move forward with a public hearing on the potential to allow residents to keep a small number of chickens on their property, depending on the size of the lot.
According to documents provided with Wednesday’s meeting the proposal would require all coops or runs to be kept in the back yard of the property. For lots under a half-acre in size, no more than four hens, ducks, or pigeons would be permitted. Properties that are half to .75-acres may keep six animals. Properties .75 to one acre and larger would be allowed eight animals.
Supports of the measure have petitioned the town to allow the animals for several benefits including healthier lawns and gardens through the bird’s appetite for small insects and the natural fertilizer they create, which is good for gardens. They also can eat table scraps, which would cut down on food waste going to the landfill.
Roosters and Geese would be prohibited due to the amount of noise they create.
The slaughtering of the animals would also be prohibited in most areas depending on zoning. Slaughtering may occur in some areas but would be limited to backyards only.
A public hearing on the proposal will be held at the next scheduled plan commission meeting on November 10th.
Click the PDF at the top of this story to see more on the proposal in its current form.
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