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April 13, 2022 marked the one year anniversary of the city of Wadena passing ordinance #236 , which allows people in the city of Wadena to keep a flock of six hens in their backyard. The ordinance also allows you to keep one colony of honeybees and two rabbits. I will be forever grateful to the city council and Mayor George Deiss for hearing my voice and taking action to make my dream of having chickens into a reality that I get to live everyday.
It has been a joyful experience raising and taking care of my six hens. We purchased the chicks four days after I learned of the ordinance change. Watching these chicks grow into the mature egg-laying hens has been fulfilling. My personal flock consists of “Princess,” a Calico Princess; “Cami,” a Columbian Wyandotte; “Cleo,” an Ameraucana; “Stormy,” a Sapphire Gem; “Buttercup,” a Rainbow Dixie; and “Delilah,” a Silkie.
This chicken chase has taught me numerous things. One lesson is that no matter your age or experience you can use your voice to be an instrument for change. Sometimes change takes time, but you need to be persistent and patient.
Another lesson I learned is the process of how the city makes laws and that pre-existing laws can be changed. I have also learned how to be more responsible for caring for my flock in order that they continue to be happy and healthy.
I love sitting in the backyard and watching my chickens and their antics. I enjoy going to my coop in the morning to grab the freshly laid eggs. It never gets old saying “Yeah, I used the eggs from my backyard to make…”
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Again I’d like to thank the Wadena City Council and Mayor George Deiss for changing the ordinance. I hope backyard flocks become more of a common site in our city of Wadena.
Lily Parker is a Wadena-Deer Creek eighth grade student.
