Finger-lickin’ good?

Further evidence that this darned recession is serious:

Folks are starting to raise chickens in their backyards to save a few bucks.

That’s right, barbecue breath. According to the all-seeing, all-knowing AP, “A growing number of suburbanites (near Dallas) are buying and raising hens prompted by a slumping economy and the promise of fresh eggs. One Dallas farmer said he had sold more than 2,000 hens this year.”

This does not sound like a good idea to this city boy.

Sure, the upside is farm-fresh eggs (OK, maybe backyard-fresh eggs) and an unlimited supply of drumsticks and hot wings.

But what about the downside?

Chicken coops and chicken feed, for starters — that’s gotta cost a few bucks. And what about the stuff that comes out of the south end of a chicken facing north? Yuck!

Don’t chickens attract coyotes … and health inspectors? How soon until being awakened at 05:45 by a crowing rooster ceases to be charming?

Frankly, it sounds like more trouble than it’s worth. Let real farmers raise chickens — and put up with jokes about spending the egg money and breasts vs. thighs and why did the chicken cross the road.

If you wanna enjoy chicken, do it the way God intended: Buy a bucket from the Colonel or Church’s or at least the deli at your friendly neighborhood grocery.

Your neighbors will appreciate it even if you don’t.