NASHVILLE (AP) - A bill that would allow urban residents in Nashville to keep chickens in their backyards has moved a step closer to approval after a colorful public hearing in which supporters donned yellow hats and shirts and presented the council members with Peeps marshmallow candies.

The Metro Council on Tuesday night gave preliminary approval that would allow people in residential zoning districts to keep up to six chickens with an annual permit fee of $25. Roosters would not be allowed. The Tennessean reported the bill must still win one more approval from the full council (http://tnne.ws/xxrtFO).

Andrew Greer, a supporter of the measure, said residents of Nashville want to produce their own food locally. But critics argued that chickens would make noise and attract predators.