Chickens must go, Roswell tells resident

The city of Roswell wants Andrew Wordes to get rid of RooRoo, Henrietta, Red Man and his 10 other chickens that live in his backyard.

To Wordes, they’re pets. To the city, they’re livestock.

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Doug Nurse/dnurse@ajc.com

Andrew Wordes gathers eggs in his Roswell backyard.

Are these chickens livestock or pets?
Pets: He named them.
Livestock: Think eggs, maybe drumsticks.
Not sure, but I'm getting hungry.
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“They give unconditional love,” Wordes said. “They’re delicious eggs. They’re organic, fresh and safe. I take care of my pets.”

Wordes believes the city’s ordinance is vague and allows him to raise chickens. He will make his case before a city judge at a preliminary hearing on Thursday, his chicken-loving friends decked out in yellow in support.

Wordes began raising chickens on Alpine Drive about four years ago. They roost in cages and a coop he built, and they roam his fenced yard eating bugs. When one was sick, he says he dropped $200 at a veterinarian. When it’s cold, he feeds them oatmeal. With raisins.

As far as he knows, Wordes said he has no issues with neighbors — they bring him empty egg cartons to fill. But someone complained to the city in January.

Assistant City Attorney Bob Hulsey said the law is clear: No chickens.

“I’m old enough and Southern enough that all I remember is you pet chickens long enough to wring their necks.”

Wordes rejects that notion. He has no intention of eating RooRoo or Henrietta.