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As urban farming grows in popularity, a British design company has made it even easier for city dwellers to raise chickens and keep bees in their backyard by designing ready-made coops and hives. I may only be a few home projects away from keeping bees and chickens myself, and while I think I’d prefer to build them myself, I must admit that the cleverly designed, ready-to-go structures are certainly appealing.

Omlet, the amusingly named company started by two graduates of the Royal College of Art in London, sells the Eglu (another great name), a plastic igloo that keeps out neighborhood predators, makes egg retrieval easy and is available in brilliant colors.  The team’s latest product, the Beehaus (apparently only available in the UK for now), simplifies the process of setting up a backyard or rooftop hive and streamlines honey collection. 

With so many people excited about producing their own food, the two products are a great way for people to get involved in the fun and sustainable endeavors quickly and easily.  My one concern is that the pre-made structures could make it too easy for some people who are not prepared to follow through with tending bees or chickens, which require a great deal of care and attention.  Fortunately, the company provides a thorough guide and support network to help newcomers learn about chicken health and laws regarding urban farming.  When the company begins to offer beehives in the U.S., which will hopefully be soon, there will definitely have to be a lengthy explanation of the state-by-state legality of beekeeping, considering it is currently illegal in New York City.