City Council member Don Redman (second from left) congratulates Lauren Trad (third from left) for receiving the first city permit for the backyard hens program. Some neighborhoods opted out, but residents eligible to take part can do so after they pass a class and apply for their permit. The pilot program runs 18 months and has 300 available permits, but Trad said she would like to see it continue and expanded. From left, Scott Wilson, Redman’s executive assistant; Redman; Trad; Gemora Crain-Orth, who worked with Trad on the efforts; council member Doyle Carter, who sponsored the bill; and Mike Sweat, director of the county extension office.