CR-CLUC

A picture of Rebecca's Hen Maxine

  Lets chat a little about our local group here in Cedar Rapids called CLUC. If you are wondering what CLUC stands for, it stands for Citizens for the Legalization of Urban Chickens. This group was started back in November of 2009 by the amazing Rebecca Mumwaw. She spearheaded the campaign and effort to have the keeping of backyard chickens legalized here in town. She spent countless hours working with the city to raise awareness and bring change to our city of five seasons. (don't ask haha.) And in 2010 the ordinance to allow up to 6 hens in a backyard was passed! If it weren't for the work of this one woman we wouldn't be here today!
  I am rather new to the world of chickens, and have Rebecca to thank for it all. She leads the Urban Chicken class that each person seeking the $25.00 permit is required to take. I had the opportunity to adopt three hens from a woman a few towns away, but there were no classes scheduled for several months, and Rebecca took the time out of her day to run through the class with me over skype! A few days after that I was able to bring my girls home. So in truth not only do I owe Rebecca a very big thank you, but everyone else in Cedar Rapids does as well.
  Since passing the chicken ordinance back in 2010, Rebecca and CLUC haven't stopped their work and efforts. We have been helping Iowa City with their attempts to get a similar ordinance passed, and we have a facebook group dedicated to furthering awareness and assistance to others in the country who are trying to go through the same endeavor.
  Since beginning my journey into the world of chickens, my eyes have truly been opened to the backwards thinking of many people. Something that I always get from people when they find out that I raise chickens is, "Chickens in the city! But the smell and poop! Chickens are meant to be out on a farm." Of course they are right that chickens are indeed meant for farms, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with raising them in your backyard. They make wonderful pets and provide you with the amazing farm fresh egg every day! What a blessing.

Cedar Rapids CLUC Facebook Page

Ciao xo