Push To Make It Easier For Chickens In Denver

DENVER (CBS4) - Voters in Denver may be asked this May whether or not people can have chickens as backyard pets.

Right now people can have chickens if they apply for a permit and have an inspection done by the health department.

"You have to get a permit through the zoning department and then you have to get an inspection through the environmental health department," City Councilmember Carla Madison said.

The organizers of a group called Denver Backyard Farms have written a ballot initiative that would allow people to have six chickens without a permit.

People who already have chickens say there are many benefits.

"It's just a good learning experience, I think," chicken owner Paige Riggins said. "(The eggs) are much fresher, you can tell. They have a totally different taste."

Roosters have never been allowed in the city because they're too loud.

Supporters are still working on the language with the city attorney, but if it's approved, the organization still has to collect the required number of signatures to get it on the ballot.