Collingswood Child Campaigns For Chickens

Monday evening's commission meeting started off like most others.

Until commissioners opened the public portion, and were greeted by a suit-and-tie-wearing resident who voiced a passionate demand.

For chickens.

When 8-year-old Erich Gittler's hand shot up during the public session, those in attendance smiled warmly.

The boy walked to the front of the room, asked his mayor where he could stand to recite a speech he'd prepared.

To the delight of meeting attendees, Erich cleared his throat and began.

"I believe someday people will be allowed to own chickens in the borough of Collingswood," Erich read from the printed speech in his tiny hands. "It is just silly that people cannot already! Why should we not be able to?"

Erich paused for momentary effect, adjusted his small tie. Commissioners were at full attention.

"Would it not be wonderful to go outside and get fresh eggs in the morning for breakfast? The law prohibiting chickens is just outdated and uneccessary," he said.

Erich pushed his glasses further up on the bridge of his nose. He announced there were benefits to owning chickens. 

"Also, for people who have gardens, they (chickens) would be useful," said Erich. "You could use their dung as fertilizer—and chickens eat insects that are harmful to plants. Also, chickens are as clean—and not as smelly—as dogs or cats, if properly bathed."

Erich recited a list of restrictions he proposes all chicken owners should abide by:

• There should be at least three to four square feet (of living space) per chicken
• There must be no more than three chickens per household
• All chickens must be hens
• All chickens must be kept in an enclosed area
• Chickens must be kept no closer than 25 feet from an inhabited building

Erich sat with Collingswood Patch, kindly offering us an exclusive interview and divulging his personal reasons behind the chicken campaign, which he refers to as, "Chickens for Collingswood."

"No, I've never owned a chicken," said Erich with a sigh. "I would like to. As I said, you could just go outside and get fresh eggs whenever you liked!

"I know people who live in cities where they do allow chickens. My cousins in Denver and my aunt and uncle in California would be allowed to keep chickens," he said.

Patch asked Erich how he composed such an intricate campaign.

"I've been researching (laws and regulations governing chicken ownership) since January. I've done it all online," he said, seeming suddenly drained. "I took a break from research from March to about mid-July, because all that research was tiring."

The 8-year-old, who will be entering third grade this fall at Zane North Elementary School, said his proposed restrictions are all backed by research.

"No roosters. They make too much noise, for one. And roosters make the eggs fertile, so you could end up eating a baby chick," said Erich, breaking out in a fit of giggles.

Erich has his own life with chickens all planned out.

"If I could have chickens, I'd have three. I'd name them George, Chicky, and Doo-Doo—because chickens poo a lot," said Erich, hardly able to speak through his laughter.

Doo-Doo aside, Erich made his case to commissioners in complete seriousness.

"Again, why should we not be allowed to possess chickens?" exclaimed Erich, glancing up at the commission. "I hope you will consider what I said and make some of your own suggestions."

After the meeting, Mayor James Maley made a point to speak privately with Erich.

"In all the years I've sat at this table (on the commission), I've never had anyone ask about chickens," said Maley, laughing. "We will seriously look into your proposal, and I promise it will be taken into the fullest consideration."

Young Erich, however, was moved to take an extra step.

"Why don't I give you my email address? That could be helpful," he said to the mayor, ferociously scribbling down the address before even getting a response. 

Collingswood Patch promised to follow-up with the commission and report on any advancements made in the Chickens for Collingswood campaign.

"I even have a pamphlet that shows you how to care for your chicken. I'm ready for chickens to come to Collingswood," said Erich.