Coffin speaks with Press Herald about increasing popularity of backyard chickens

Donna Coffin, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator and professor, was quoted in the Portland Press Herald article, “Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to fill your yard with baby chicks.” According to the USDA, major cities in 40 states permit urban chickens. In Maine, several cities have debated the idea of backyard chickens and approved chicken ordinances, according to the article. When the backyard chicken revival started 10 to 15 years ago, it was more about the eggs and teaching children about farm life, the article states. “Some of it is that people want to know where their food is coming from,” Coffin said. “Some of it is they want to have a family project that can help teach kids responsibility and an appreciation for other life-forms; to give them some compassion.”