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KEARNEY — The question of backyard chickens being allowed in Kearney was raised with the newly composed Kearney city council during their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Jeff Morgan, a resident of Kearney, addressed the city council and asked if a change in the city ordinance could be made to allow residents to own and keep backyard chickens.
Morgan had appeared with the same request at the November city council meeting.
Former Mayor Stand Clouse had noted that new council members would be seated following the general election and they may have different thoughts on the matter than councils in the past.
If backyard chickens were allowed, Morgan said during the November meeting it would be a great way to teach children about care for animals and show them where some of their food comes from. Chicken would also be a sustainable food source.
Morgan also noted that with prices increasing, especially eggs at the store, allowing people to own backyard chickens would help offset that cost. They would also help deal with any food shortages, given the avian flu that has infected chicken flocks around the state in the recent past.
Morgan noted that other municipalities in Nebraska, including Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln and Omaha now allow for chickens within the city limits.
It was mentioned that roosters obviously wouldn’t be allowed due to the noise, especially at untimely hours for many residents.
Newly appointed Mayor Jonathan Nikkila noted during the November meeting that he has long been supportive of allowing backyard chickens in Kearney.
During the December meeting, Nikkila said they would take the matter under advisement.
