More than 20 people gave Durham City Council members good reasons to pass the female chicken ordinance up for vote at Monday's council meeting, but all council members decided to hold off yet another week on making a decision.

The item has cycled through the council more than twice now, but with each stop sign held up by a council member more and more residents come out in support of allowing chicken coops within city limits.

The city council is looking at amending the city's ordinance and allowing residents to keep a coop of up to 10 hens in their backyard with the proper fencing.

Mayor Bell raised a red flag in Monday's meeting stating he didn't feel the city has the proper procedures in place to notify property owners living adjacent to the proposed coops. He also believes there needs to be a better way for residents to voice their concerns if they don't want coops around their property.

The council heard from dozens of residents who stated the positive aspects of having their own chicken coops and debated any health concerns raised. The council will continue the hearing and vote on the issue on Feb. 16.

To read the revised ordinance click here.