We applaud Nashua Board of Aldermen members for proceeding with an ordinance to allow, but regulate, urban chickens.

Though some may view the entire concept of urban chickens as downright absurd, others may want to keep them as pets.

After months of discussion, debate and amendments to the original ordinance, board members approved the measure during the lengthy Tuesday meeting. The law requires that all chickens are female, while the number is limited to six.

Alderwoman Shoshanna Kelly, who introduced the ordinance, said its passage shows Nashua is a city open to new ideas.

“I think this is an idea that will help us grow,” Kelly said.

The ordinance mandates the following:

 prohibits chickens from roaming free or at large;

 forbids the sale of eggs and chicken breeding;

 requires that chickens are kept in a coop during non-daylight hours;

 mandates that manure is “covered by a fully enclosed structure or container;” and

 requires that dead chickens are promptly removed from the property.

“No chicken or fowl as defined in Section 190-264, sheep, swine, horses, mules, asses, oxen, cows or other cattle shall be permitted to go at large in any street, highway, lane, alley, common, square, or other public place within the city,” the ordinance states.

It defines the term “at large” as off the owner’s premises, while not under lead, leash or other restraint.

The ordinance further states that anyone – not only a city officer, but anyone – who finds an at large chicken may “impound and detain the same” until the owner pays a penalty.

We interpret this to mean that if someone happens to see an at large chicken crossing the road to get to the other side, someone may take possession of it.

We hope those who decide to keep urban chickens in Nashua will follow the law as outlined. Do not allow your chicken to cross the road unless you have it on a leash.