ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Imagine having free, organic eggs anytime you want, right from your own backyard. That could soon be a possibility in Orange Park.
The town of Orange Park is the latest Northeast Florida community pecking around the idea of allowing people to keep hens in their own backyards.
On Tuesday night, town leaders looked over the draft for a proposed pilot program, which would allow for five hens per household. If approved, it would last 18 months and no more than 50 permits will be issued.
Town leaders said they’ve had mixed reviews from residents. A lot of people are excited about getting their own eggs, others say they're not sure this is a good idea. The current draft has quite a few guidelines -- one of the big ones is that no roosters are allowed.
Sarah Apperson grew up in the country, and is on board with the idea.
"I would really like some fresh eggs. We run through them with three boys. We run through a lot of eggs. We're hoping to have some free, fresh ones," said Sarah Apperson.
READ: Proposed ordinance
When it comes to bringing neighborhood chickens to the town of Orange Park, it's all about location. Front yards would be off limits. A chicken coop would be a requirement and would have to be at least 10 feet, the length of the height of a basketball hoop, from your property line and your house.
The hens would also have to be kept in safe and sanitary conditions. They wouldn't be allowed to run around the neighborhood.
If you're interested in having hens on your property, you'd have to take a class on how to care for them.
While a lot of people like the idea, others have questions. Some aren't convinced their neighbors will follow the rules.
"They could get out if the homeowner isn't responsible. Yes, that would be an issue for me," said Teresa Hardwick.
