Backyard Hens for Mansfield

01/09/2026

An announcement for our 4-H community.

12/02/2025

If this issue is important to you, even if you don't want to speak, it's super important you show up tomorrow. This is the most likely time to change anyone’s mind before the next meeting. This is going to be a really close vote currently, and we are struggling to secure the final vote we need.

What will encourage the council members is a large number showing up TOMORROW. Most will already make up their mind by next meeting.

Time: 7 PM
Place: 30 N Diamond St, Mansfield, OH 44902

Enter at the police entrance on the 1st floor, the Adams and 3rd Street lot entrance is the one unlocked for Council. Council meets on the third floor.

Let me know if you plan on being in the audience.

11/20/2025

City Council Talks Turkey, Well, Hens, In Backyard Chicken Update

11/20/2025

Our friends at the News Journal published about the meeting.

11/19/2025

We love that Richland Source reported this so well!

Mansfield City Council began discussions Tuesday on a proposal that allow backyard chicken coops in the city.

11/18/2025

City Council is reading the proposed ordinance TOMORROW (Tuesday, 11/18) at council. They are having public comment at 7:00 pm.

Will you be joining us?

08/08/2025

🐔 Thinking about getting hens but not sure where to start? There are several great options depending on your comfort level, space, and goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:

🔄 Adopt or Rehome Hens – Many people look to rehome hens that are still laying but need a new coop. Check local farms, Facebook groups, or animal rescues. It’s a great way to give a hen a second chance.

🐣 Start with Chicks – Buying baby chicks lets you raise them from the beginning and build trust early. You’ll need a brooder setup with heat, food, and water for the first few weeks, but it’s a rewarding experience for families.

🥚 Hatching Eggs – For the most hands-on experience, you can incubate fertilized eggs and hatch them yourself. This requires a bit more equipment and patience, but it’s an amazing way to see the full life cycle.

🏡 Rent a Coop and Hens – Not ready to commit long-term? Some farms offer chicken rental packages that include a coop, hens, and supplies. It’s a great trial run to see if backyard chickens are a good fit.

🛍️ Buy Pullets – Pullets are young hens just about to start laying (around 16–20 weeks old). They skip the baby stage and get you eggs sooner.

No matter how you get started, raising hens is a rewarding way to connect with your food, reduce waste, and enjoy a little bit of farm life right in your backyard. 🐓💛

08/08/2025

🏡 As development in northern Columbus continues to grow, more and more people are looking for affordable housing options in surrounding communities — and that includes places like Mansfield.

With rising costs pushing families out of central areas, people are searching for neighborhoods that offer space, opportunity, and a better quality of life without the heavy price tag.

This shift is an important reminder that as our community grows, we should also be thinking about sustainable living options, like the ability to raise backyard hens. Allowing families to grow some of their own food, reduce waste, and live more self-sufficiently makes our city more resilient and attractive to new residents.

Let’s work together to create a future that’s not just more affordable, but also more sustainable and community-focused. 🌱🐔

08/07/2025

Why Do Chickens Molt?

If your chickens are losing feathers, don’t panic — they’re probably molting!

Molting is a natural process where chickens shed old feathers and grow new ones. It usually happens once a year, often in the fall, and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

🐓 Molting helps keep feathers healthy for weather protection
🥚 Egg laying often slows down while their bodies focus on feather regrowth
🍂 It’s triggered by shorter days and seasonal changes

During this time, your flock may look a little scruffy and act more low-key. That’s normal. You can support them with extra protein in their diet and a stress-free environment.

Molting is just one more way chickens remind us of the rhythms of nature.