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News-Sun photo by ED BALDRIDGE Josiah Plum and Selah Plum from Zolfo Springs listen to music Saturday while petting their baby bunnies at the Chicken Swap on CR 29 in Lake Placid.

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published: Friday, January 27, 2012

Chicken swap attracts hundreds to Lake Placid

By ED BALDRIDGE

ed.baldridge@newssun.com

LAKE PLACID -- Do you know the difference between a Sizzle and a Frizzle?

Check the feathers.

But if you are still not sure, there are more than 500 people from around central Florida who would be willing to help answer your questions about chickens, ducks, quail, rabbits and just about any other small animal out there.

Using both Facebook and regular get-togethers, the Chicken Swap of Florida group is willing to lend anyone a hand and some advice.

The Facebook page, which was started by Highlands County resident Beth Gollihue, is updated every few minutes with useful information.

"There are a lot of people out there that talk and get together and discuss small animals. I started the site so we could share our experiences. I had no idea it would take off like it has," Gollihue said.

"We sometimes get together to 'swap' chickens. That's where the Facebook page really helps to get the word out," Gollihue said.

When the group gathers in Highlands County, they usually meet just outside Lake Placid on County Road 29 where Christina Duncan, another fowl aficionado, hosts a swap on her family's 25 acres.

"We get together and listen to a band, enjoy the country and talk about the animals. My kids are really into raising animals, and it is good way to teach them to be self-sufficient," Duncan said.

Last Saturday, crowds came and went on Duncan's property, located deep into Florida's back country, bringing animals for show and trade.

Red, White and Blue Grass provided music on the stage jutting out over the small pond on the property, and Napoleon the chicken endured pets from small children.

"He has a small bird complex, that's why we call him Napoleon," said owner Christina "Peanut" Byers.

Many of the folks at the last Chicken Swap were concerned with the longevity of the gatherings, voicing concerns that Highlands County Code Enforcement could stop future meets.

"They came out three days before our last swap and told us we couldn't have a swap. They didn't give us anything in writing but said that Highlands County code does not allow commercial activities agricultural property," said Duncan on Saturday.

"We were never cited and never given anything in writing," Duncan added.

"Look around, we are just a bunch of folks who like to have animals and fresh eggs. What's wrong with that?" Duncan asked.

"I visited the property to speak with the owner regarding this item to ensure they were complying with zoning regulations," said Linda Conrad, manager of the county's code enforcement department.

"No records or notes were taken. April Hartseil, code enforcement officer, accompanied me to the site; however, this was not a code enforcement complaint or inspection, this was strictly a zoning matter," Conrad added. According Conrad, the group is allowed to swap, or exchange animals, but not sell them on agricultural land.

Another member of the Facebook Swap is Hardee County resident Lucy Hall.

"Its a shame more people can't enjoy having chickens in their own yard. My mom which lives in Sebring off of 17 near Highway 98 can't. She intended on having four hens only, no roosters and began to build her coop. She was so excited she told a few of her neighbors. Before it was even completed zoning enforcement came out and told her she could not have chickens. Her being retired and living on a restricted budget, its very sad," Hall said.

"Have you ever eaten a fresh egg? It actually has a flavor. Yeah, never knew eggs had flavor until I got my chickens. Fresh eggs make cakes fluffier. Did you know a store brought egg is at least three weeks old before you buy it in the grocery store? I didn't, until I did a little research," said Hall.

Stephanie Stephenson, of Frostproof, also enjoys the swaps.

"I enjoyed my time, not to mention that I learned some new information and got the opportunity to meet some wonderful people plus I got a chance to see different breeds of poultry," Stephenson said in an e-mail to the News-Sun.

"I was very impressed that so many people shared my same interest," she said. "I think more swaps are needed. I like the educational tools that these places offer along with meeting more and more people who like raising chickens."

Oh, and the difference between a Sizzle and a Frizzle? Sizzle chickens have a silky fur instead of traditional feathers.

Napoleon is a Sizzle.