Chickens in the city

Ellen Anthony of New London attempts to pick up one of her 14 chickens Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. The hens - no roosters - live in her back yard in a 20-by-20 enclosure, which includes a small wooden coop, and have for the past 18 years, she said.

Hens belonging to New London resident Ellen Anthony live in her back yard in a 20-by-20 enclosure, which includes a small wooden coop, and have for the past 18 years.

Ellen Anthony of New London collects eggs from her 14 chickens Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. She's never had a complaint from a neighbor or the city, she said.

Hens belonging to New London resident Ellen Anthony live in her back yard in a 20-by-20 enclosure, which includes a small wooden coop, and have for the past 18 years.

Ellen Anthony of New London tends to her 14 chickens Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. She's never had a complaint from a neighbor or the city, she says.

On a day this week, New London resident Ellen Anthony collected six eggs laid by her 14 hens. The hens - no roosters - live in her back yard in a 20-by-20 enclosure, which includes a small wooden coop, and have for the past 18 years, she said. She's never had a complaint from a neighbor or the city. But according to city planner Harry Smith, keeping chickens is prohibited in New London.