Here are our 2011 rules. We decided to jointly own all the birds and share all costs. Using the technology available these days we decided that if there was a problem with a bird we could SMS all the other members and get a majority decision in good time. These rules work for us. If your setting up a group use them as a guide but make your own to suit your circumstances.
1. You must have held your allotment tenancy for at lease 1 year to be eligible for membership.
2. A maximum of 10 members on our current allocated land. (As agreed by the Town Council in the letter dated 24th June 2010 ).
3. A plot holder can choose to share the responsibility with an adult family member, who can also stand in proxy. The membership will be required to be signed by the plot owner.
4. If you own more than one plot (or half plot – as allocated by the Town Council) you can have more than one membership. You will need to go onto the waiting list if all 10 memberships are allocated.
5. One month’s notice is required on leaving the Chicken Co-operative Should the plot holder relinquish their allotment tenancy to the Town Council then they will be required to give one month’s notice to the Chicken Co-operative.
6. On joining the Chicken Co-operative you are acknowledging shared liability for all expenses relating to the housing, fencing, feeding, equipment and medical treatment of all the co-operative chickens and for cleaning/feeding/letting in and out of all of the chickens as per rota. Each membership requires 1 turn on rota.
7. If you are on holiday/ill on your rota (feeding/cleaning/collecting) day, then it is your responsibility to arrange cover with another member.
8. The Chicken Co-operative jointly purchase and ring the chickens. No cockerel(s). Should a chicken fall ill members will be consulted as to the most appropriate course of action and a majority decision will suffice.
9. Members have the right to collect eggs only on their rota day.
All eggs are for our own consumption (NOT for sale under any circumstances).
10. On joining the Chicken Co-operative you are agreeing to organic feed (e.g. grain/pellets) for the chickens. This will be topped up with our allotment grown greens etc. Please check if you use sprays that they are chicken friendly.
11. All new members joining the Chicken Co-Operative will pay a joining fee of £20.00 (per membership).
12. On leaving the Chicken Co-operative all jointly acquired assets are transferred to the ownership of the current members.
13. Should the chickens not be fed/cleaned when you are responsible then you may be asked to leave the Chicken Co-operative, and any money paid will be forfeit.
14. The club will aim to keep a minimum of 12 chickens in the flock but the introduction of any replacement birds may be delayed if this is in the best interests of the birds.
