Number of La Crosse chicken flocks small but growing

Henrietta rules the roost.

A sturdy redhead, she wasnt above taking out a rival in the early days of sorting out the pecking order.

Big boss woman. She doesnt take any crap from anyone, Dawn Schmeckpeper said.

Shes mellowed with maturity, even taking timid blond Chicken under her wing. But newcomers Zebra and Hawk know whos in charge in this yard when Henrietta struts by.

For the Schmeckpepers, having chickens at their North Side home over the past year hasnt just meant eggs. Its entertainment.

Theyre a hoot to watch, Dawn said. Weve had a blast.

La Crosse began allowing residents to keep up to five hens at home in June 2011. The number of people seeking licenses so far has been small only four, though another three were approved May 10 and four more have applied for consideration in June.

Those who have taken the plunge into raising poultry, however, say theyve been worth the investment, though more pet than livestock.

Tending the flock

The Schmeckpepers got their first chicks in July, including Rhode Island red Henrietta, silky Japanese bantams and a buff Orpington they dubbed Chicken because shes afraid of everything. They added Zebra and tan Hawk this year.

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Number of La Crosse chicken flocks small but growing