LOS ANGELES—Beverly Hills never looked so green.  Maybe it's the rain that's been pouring down this winter or maybe it's the chickens nestled behind a few mansions and even in West Hollywood, Brentwood, and Santa Monica.  No, Los Angeles is not turning into the chicken capitol like Key West, Florida.  But many people have figured out that chickens make great pets.  Doctors say that working with them just a few minutes a day can lower blood pressure and help the mind fight off dementia.  There is something about living creatures that helps the soul and the body.

Not since Jed, Granny, Jethro, and Ellie Mae Clampett has Beverly Hills been so welcoming to the farm foul.  Well, let’s just say, a pet chicken or two is as many as should be allowed in any major city.  Paris Hilton's been chased down by the Animal Authorities here in Hollywood because she is about 14 dogs over the limit for pets.  The City says that each home should be limited to three.  But when has Miss. Hilton ever lived by the rules the rest of us have to live by?

If you are looking for the occasional pet chicken, then check out the photo of my little farm back home with the gorgeous poultry enjoying an early spring day.  But if you are really serious about having a few fowl as pets, my friends Derek and Traci run a very lucrative business on the web:  www.MyPetChicken.com.  They hatch and will deliver as few as three chicks to any major city, and as many as you wish to rural homes and pet chicken owners.  Their site is easily navigated and if you need a readymade coop, they sell those as well, including the famed "Eglu," which has become a wonderful coop for a very small suburban or city flock.  Don't break any laws, call your city and see what the ordinances and regulations are for your locale. But if you can get a few hens, they will be a treat to have.

Before you purchase any chickens, you should, however, learn all about them.   The most fascinating and talented teacher/chicken hobbyist is my friend Fred Dunn in Pennsylvania.  Fred has produced the most informative and entertaining DVD called Regarding Chickens.  You can purchase it through Amazon and it has a five star rating.  Fred's video teaches you the different breeds, how to raise them, and how to hatch them. He even interviews the occasional expert, though he didn't interview me!  Just kidding, he produced this wonderful DVD before we met.  We are planning to do a show together on television soon about chickens and those who love to raise them.  So please, get Regarding Chickens on Amazon before you even think of becoming a poultry enthusiast.

My Pet Chicken will be shipping me a few Cuckoo Marans very soon.  They are the beautiful barred standard size birds that lay eggs, whose shells look almost like chocolate.  They are fascinating birds.   Be sure to check their site for available breeds, as some enthusiasts in towns or suburbs have limited space and choose to raise a fancier breed.  Do consider your next door neighbors may not like to be awakened by a crowing rooster.  So I suggest you think of hens if you get some.  Nothing is more heartbreaking to a family than to become attached to a pet only to have the neighbors demand it leave the community.  So be a responsible pet owner and good neighbor. 

And for dog lovers in Los Angeles, check out Vi's Corner for the most adorable dog you could ever ask for.  And for those across America reading this column, cock-a-doodle doo!

By:  Tommy Garrett