The Rural Municipality of Hanover is toying with the idea of allowing chickens in urban centres.

Council has received a request from a resident of Mitchell asking for a few chickens to be used for laying eggs. Reeve Stan Toews says this is currently not allowed.

"The current bylaw is that we don't allow any livestock in urban centres," notes Toews.

Council discussed the matter at its regular meeting Wednesday. Chief Administrative Officer Luc Lahaie has promised to explore what is allowed elsewhere, though he says there are some large cities in Canada that do allow poultry to co-exist with humans. However, he cautions that if not taken care of properly, chickens can start to smell and attract rodents.

Toews says Council is aware that some chickens are probably already living in their urban centres.

"It wouldn't be very hard to hide five chickens," notes Councillor Henry Funk.

Toews says as long as there are no adverse effects on neighbours, then allowing chickens probably isn't a big deal. However, he says it is roosters crowing at 5:30 in the morning that wouldn't excite too many people.

Council has discussed that should they allow chickens, they will probably need to limit the number and set a minimum yard size requirement.

Lahaie says the municipality welcomes feedback on the topic and encourages residents to email their opinion to general@hanovermb.ca with Urban Chickens in the subject line.