The big question for many potential urban farmers is, how much is this poultry adventure going to set me back?

Your friendly neighborhood chicken expert, Ron Welker has that answer. Welker manages the Aslin-Finch in the Spokane Valley. He says that in the long run chicks will cost less than a dog.“You’re going to spend the same on housing the chicks as you would a dog. Your overall expense for the chicks is going to be less,” said Welker. “If you want to get a good coop that’s going to hold 2, 3 or 4 birds, you’re going to spend on a good one, probably right around $400-$500. That’s going to be your number one expense.”

There are several resources out there if you would like to build your own coop. The creative urban farmer might convert an old camper top into a hen house or build a pint-sized Victorian mansion for their girls. Once you have a coop, the residual costs are reasonable compared to other pets.

One of the biggest expenses Mojo, the dog, racks up is at the vet’s office getting vaccinated.

Spokanimal employees were just about to celebrate the adoption of the last 50 animals seized in a hoarding case in Hillyard, when 16 more cats came into their care.

The cats were surrendered by their owner and an additional 15 to 20 more cats are coming to make the grand total of about 36 cats.

Spokanimal says overpopulation continues to be a critical issue for cats, so they're jumping on the spring kitten influx early and offering discounted neuter rates.

Male cats can be neutered for $20. The normal cost is $30.

To schedule an appointment call their spay and neuter clinic at 509-534-8133 ex 204.

It's not too late to take home a cat or dog for Christmas for next to nothing! SpokAnimal is cutting deals!

The shelter held an adoption fair, of sorts yesterday at Appleway Subaru on East Sprague. As part of Subaru's “Share The Love” event, the dealership paid for all pet adoptions yesterday.

SpokAnimal brought a total of 27 animals... all but a dog and a handful of cats found homes. Now, it wants the remaining critters to find a home for the holidays. So, SpokAnimal is adopting available dogs and cats for the cost of a license and rabies vaccination ($38 for dogs and $28 for cats) today and tomorrow (December 23rd and 24th).

I just can't believe the cat in the picture hasn't been adopted yet. Her name is Fur Elise (I would change that the second I took possession of her). If I remember correctly, she is four-years-old.

She has beautiful green eyes, really cool markings and has an awesome temperment. My daughter, McKensie (who's arm is in the picture) kept trying to take her home. If YOU adopt her, send me an email (with her new name) ;)