The First Flock: Chickens at the White House

The White House has been in the news lately, stirring excitement among gardeners and beekeepers worldwide.   On the first day of spring, the First Lady Michelle Obama broke ground for a 1,100 square foot fruit and vegetable garden on the south lawn of the White House.  She was assisted by a group of local 5th graders, which highlights her interest in food and nutrition education.  Also, it was recently announced that the White House now has it's first bee hive, which will help to pollinate the garden and highlight the important role of pollinators in food production. 

Will we soon see a flock of chickens roaming the White House lawn?  Well, it's really up to the Obama's and the White House staff to decide (they may have no interest in chicken keeping), but here are some of the positives from keeping a flock at the White House (or any household):

• The fresh eggs would be a great compliment to the vegetables, fruits and honey being produced at the White House garden.
• The chicken manure could be composted and used to fertilize the garden and surrounding trees.
• Chickens are small, making them a good choice for home protien production.  Therefore, only a small area of the White House lawn would be needed for a coop and run.
• The chickens could serve as an alternative pet to the Obama children, while further connecting them to the food they eat. 
• Chickens would only further the example being set at the White House about the importance of household food production, proper nutrition, and food education.

Whether chickens end up at the White House garden or not, I am very pleased about the new fruit and vegetable garden.  The bee hive is an added bonus!