Chickens go from barnyard to backyard

DENVER – A growing number of "city folk" are bringing the farm to their block, doing something called urban homesteading.

As Arno Kotula landscapes his modest lot, he's envisioning a sustainable sanctuary at his backdoor.

"Our dream is to have an edible yard here in Northwest Denver," Kotula said. "We are going to plant some fruit trees, plant a vegetable garden and some herbs."

Kotula says he wants his two young daughters to understand that food doesn't just come from the grocery store, it can come from their yard as well.

"I'm thinking the chicken coop might go somewhere over here," Kotula said as he stepped through mounds of dirt in his unfinished yard.

That thought brought Kotula to the City Chicken seminar at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield on Saturday.

The class, taught by Susan Tobias of Rancho de Pollo in Lafayette, was originally slated for a maximum of 30 attendees. More than 50 people packed the one-room schoolhouse at Chatfield State Park.

She explained the basics of raising chickens in an urban setting, covering issues as wide ranging as feed and protection against predators.

"Chickens are noisy and roosters especially," Tobias said. "Roosters are not allowed in the city."

The city of Denver requires a $50 livestock permit to be renewed annually. The permit includes an inspection to ensure a safe and sanitary enclosure is provided for city chickens.

Based on the success of Saturday's session, Denver Botanic Gardens is planning future City Chicken seminars.

For more information, log onto www.botanicgardens.org