I think Crestwood should allow its residents to have hens.

Hens are good pets and they provide eggs. Naturally, composted hens’ manure is extremely good for your garden.

Chickens are considered farm animals, but they do not need much space. Most chickens can easily settle in your back yard in a small coop with hay and something on which to perch. This is where they will lay their eggs and sleep in the night.

The hens should also have a larger outdoor pen. That way they can get exercise and fresh air, but be protected from predatory birds and raccoons. These structures can be made sturdy and attractive.

Chickens are wonderful animals. There are many types of chickens from speckled to red to brown. Other cities such as Kirkwood, St. Louis city and Wildwood allow chickens. Hens should be allowed, but roosters should not. Who wants to be woken up at the crack of dawn? Hens are hens. Roosters are roosters.

Hens are peaceful animals. They don’t fly much either, and if they do, they don’t fly far. They could jump over a fence though, so you would need to keep an eye on them or keep them in their pen. Hens are also a great learning experience. We want hens to be allowed in Crestwood.

We hope that soon the city of Crestwood will change its law and allow peaceful, well-cared-for hens to reside here.

Olivia Hoijarvi, age 9

Crestwood