Township passes chicken regulations

TRENTON, N.J., April 28 (UPI) -- A New Jersey township passed a law limiting chicken mating times and requiring roosters to produce a clean bill of health before mating with backyard hens.

The Hopewell Township Committee approved the legislation unanimously Monday night, requiring roosters to remain separated from female chickens for all but 10 days each year and undergo disease testing before they can mate with the hens, The (Trenton) Times reported Wednesday.

Committee members said the law is aimed at protecting flocks from diseases.

"You could kill off your entire flock by introducing a sick bird," Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom said.

The ordinance passed Tuesday also includes provisions regulating chicken shelters, food storage and waste disposal.