Can Hens be Raised Responsibly in Lakewood Backyards?

Can hens be responsibly raised in the backyard of Lakewood homes?

That's the issue up for discussion at a public forum at at 6:30 p.m.

The forum — presented by  organization and  — will feature experts from the Ohio State University extension, veterinarians, local Realtors, family hen-keepers and local food advocates.

April Stoltz, a member of the Hens in Lakewood organization, said the group is looking to educate the public about backyard hen-raising.

“Our hope for this forum is that people will come with their excitement and their concerns," she said. "We want to show why Hens in Lakewood and the (Lakewood Earth and Food organization) want this.

"For those folks who aren’t convinced and have concerns and questions, we hope we can answer some questions and address some of those concerns.”

The groups’ short-term goal is to allow a pilot project — involving only a few Lakewood families — to move forward, Stoltz said. The long-term goal is for city council to change its ordinance banning backyard hens.

Hundreds of cities across the country, including Cleveland, now allow backyard hen farming.

Last year, Mayor Michael Summers OK’d a four Lakewood families to raise hens in their backyards.

later in the city’s ordinances that allows the mayor to make an exemption on the issue.