DES MOINES, Iowa — There's some cooped up anger surrounding a possible new city ordinance.
The Des Moines City Council proposed new restrictions on backyard chicken flocks Monday, which would ban roosters and shrink the number of allowed hens from the limit it currently sits at of 30, down to 12.
This plan would impact a way of life for one Des Moines family. For the Delgado's and their backyard flock, it is much more than just a wakeup call.
The 27 hens, two roosters and one turkey provide the Delgados with their eggs, donations to the food pantry, their pets and food security.
"I can't even put it in words what that means to me, to know that no matter what, I have food to be able to feed my children," said Rebekah Delgado, Des Moines Resident and backyard chicken flock owner. "I know where the food came from, I know what the food was eating, like I just know everything about that food and it's a sustainable practice."
Delgado said the cut proposed by the city council would significantly impact them.
"Which is a drastic cut and that would barely sustain my family in my house because we have such a large family," Delgado said.
The banning of roosters is also something Delgado voiced frustrations over. They said it is a necessity for the flock.
"That's what our roosters provide us, they provide us fertilizing the eggs so we can continue the cycle, have more eggs, have more meat and that's what they do for us," Delgado said.
The Des Moines City Council said the ordinance is coming because of complaints from residents.
"They are being disturbed of their peace and quiet, they are disturbed by the smell, they are disturbed by the uncleanliness of everything," said Councilmember Linda Westergaard, Ward 2.
The complaints are something the Delgados said they have never heard from neighbors.
"I was livid, I'm gonna fight for this," Delgado said.
Residents can voice their concerns about this ordinance at the city council meeting on August 5th.