ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

People who want fresh eggs should be able to keep their own hens around the house or yard, even in this college town, a city councilman said.

Stephen Kunselman said a number of business people and residents support the idea and said he plans to bring a resolution before the council.

Many communities allow chickens but not roosters, which can make a lot of noise at dawn, Kunselman said. He said regulations typically require a 25-foot setback from other homes to avoid disturbing neighbors.

The chicken talk enlivened Saturday's council retreat in the hometown of the University of Michigan.

"What's with the chickens?" Councilman Stephen Rapundalo asked Kunselman.

"Chickens lay eggs," Kunselman said. "I want fresh eggs. It's just a simple ordinance change."

"I want to have fresh milk," Rapundalo said. "Let's change the ordinance to allow cows or goats."

"You can live in New York City and have chickens," Kunselman responded. "It's not a matter of how urban you are. It's a matter of political will."