Fresh eggs could soon be produced in Oro-Medonte backyards.

Jen Kunej has wanted to raise chickens in her backyard since moving to Oro-Medonte. However, a bylaw currently prohibits the raising of hens on properties under five acres.

Kunej took her wish to township council, requesting a draft bylaw to allow chickens to be raised in any backyard.

“I grew up on a farm and I can see some merit in the arguments that are being put forth, but there has to be a balance here that says that if they are kept they meet conditions like they don't bother neighbours and the hens are being treated in a humane way,” says Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes.

Kunej would like to have four to six chickens in a coop. They'd produce about four eggs a day and cost under $25 a month to maintain. 

Many urban centres in Canada already allow the raising of backyard chickens and Oro-Medonte is a lot more rural than most.

The township says the next step involves asking residents how they feel about the raising of chickens in people's backyards.

A public meeting is expected sometime before Christmas.