Backyard fowl are welcomed to Norman

Ed Kessler said he has kept chickens in his backyard for years with no complaints from neighbors.

“The communities are losing their attachment to the land. It's a very trivial matter to have a few chickens in your backyard. It's educational, provides fresh eggs and an occasional chicken in the pot,” he said.

People who want to own chickens take care to provide them with what they need so they are safe, healthy and not a nuisance to anyone, chicken owner Kim Frakes said.

“Our chickens have names. They are family pets. They provide a benefit to the community,” she said.

Councilman Tom Kovach said the idea of allowing urban chickens wasn't “plucked” out of the air.

“This has been done all across the country. It's a simple concept. These are people wanting to do something for their families in their own backyards. We're not putting a farm in everyone's backyard,” Kovach said.