Manitoba’s egg producers aren’t erecting barricades against an invasion of backyard chicken producers, says the chair of Manitoba Egg Farmers.But they aren’t encouraging the development of urban flocks.”We discourage it because of the huge health risk,” said Harold Froese to the Manitoba Farm Writers and Broadcasters Association.”Our fear is the risks, because we as an industry have been tainted with it if there is a problem. It’s not the person with the backyard (flock who gets blamed).”Recently both the cities of Winnipeg and Saskatoon was asked by a small number of hopeful backyard chicken producers to amend animal bylaws to allow them to place coops on their property.Victoria allows backyard egg production and Edmonton is studying the notion.Within the cities, many have opposed the practice because of the potential for smell from the manure. Others have been concerned that predators will multiply if backyard chickens become an available food source.And commercial chicken producers worry that open air chicken flocks allow bird and other animal diseases to move and mutate and get into commercial chicken operations.But Froese said the desire for backyard chickens comes from a developing anxiety around the world about food supply safety.”The world at large is asking more questions about food security, food safety. They want guarantees from somebody. Chickens in the backyard are part of that …,” said Froese.Backyard chickens will likely never become a major movement, because of the practical complications of becoming an urban chicken farmer, said Froese.
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