Some animal science experts are seeing a rise in people raising small flocks of chickens, a trend that may reflect both the struggling economy and a growing interest in local foods. One Kansas State University professor told Mary Lou Peter-Blecha of K-State Research & Extension News that, since 2007, he's received a lot more phone calls from people wanting to know about raising chickens. “Many of the calls are from people who have little experience raising any type of farm animal; other calls are from people who once had a flock, and now want to keep chickens again," animal science professor Scott Beyer says.He says that most refer to the economy when asked why they want to keep their own flock. One man told him that “’running into town’ was actually a 50-mile round trip, and with gas at $4 a gallon, a dozen eggs could cost him $15!” But Beyer also says that growing interest in locally-grown produce and increased coverage of small chicken farmers in national magazines and newspapers have also helped the hobby grow in popularity. (Read more)
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