Nuggets of Wisdom
12.01.10
Have you ever had a fresh egg?
Not simply organic, not just free-range, but an egg yet to see the inside of a refrigerator. A fresh egg is like a tomato straight off the vine, barely resembling its supermarket brethren, beautiful in its imperfection. The white is clear, almost gel-like; the yolk is plump, colored deep orange, and the flavor is subtle and fresh.
An egg is not just an egg, as many New Haven residents are discovering, thanks to a recently passed law. In September, 2009, the Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance allowing citizens to raise a maximum of six hens — but no roosters — in their backyards.
With the passing of this ordinance, many New Haven residents are starting to contemplate raising chickens of their own. But there are a number of questions to consider: How do I build a coop? Where do I get my hens? In a recession, how cost-effective is it to raise chickens? Can my birds handle the New England winter? Are backyard chickens truly sustainable?
Source: fairfieldweekly.com