Being a co-operative we decided that we needed rules so here are some of the points that you may need to consider when making yours....
1. The amount of chickens agreed (by the local authorites/Town Council) for the area allocated for your chickens .
2. The amount of space needed to keep the chickens healthy - we wanted free range. A good idea would be to limit 10 members to a coop ensuring that you get eggs every 10 days. We have a Summer and Winter area allowing the chickens a change of grassland.
3. You must have held your allotment tenancy for a minimum of a year. Some people give up allotments during their first year - this would ensure that the person was serious about the commitment of having chickens.
4. A maximum number of members (we have 10). The membership is signed by the plot holder but a family member (over 18 years) can help them.
5. We decided that larger families could have more than one chicken (So if you owned more than one plot (or half plot - as allocated by the Town Council) you could join and have a membership number / go on the waiting list for each plot/chicken required).
6. Should the plot holder relinquish their tenancy then one month notice to the club will be required before they remove their chicken. The replacement member can be advised and then included in the following months rota.
7. On joining the club the member is acknowledging shared liability for all expenses relating to the housing/fencing/feeding of all of the chickens whilst a member.
8. On joining the club the member is acknowledging shared responsibility for the maintenance of all housing/fencing/feeding equipment of all the chickens whilst a member.
9. All eggs are for our own consumption (NOT for sale under any circumstances). We felt that this was an important point - it isn't a money making venture.
10.No cockerel(s). *You may need to check if you want one that you are allowed one*. Hens can lay without one.
11. On joining the club the member is acknowledging the shared responsibility of the cleaning/feeding/letting in and out of all the chickens as per rota.
12. We are purchasing our chickens from the same flock at the same time. There will be 12 (10 for members plus 2 extra that will be kept collectively - should a hen die then one of the two "spare chickens" can be purchased from the club by the member to replace their chicken. This will ensure that no new chickens are introduced to the flock.
13. If you are on holiday/ill when you are responsible for feeding/cleaning the chickens then it is the members responsibility to arrange cover with other members. Having many members we are all able to offer support to each other : )
14.All members pay a joining fee of £20.00 (per chicken). This ensures that a float (as well as fundraising money) is available to replace equipment when required. Therefore keeping our outgoings to a minimum.
15. When you leave the club all the jointly acquired assets are transferred to the club and its current members.
