Like chickens themselves, it’s a no-brainer.

If people want to keep four female chickens — the non-noisy gender — for eggs, meat, pest control, whatever reason, they should be allowed to do so.

Maybe it’s a prejudice against what might be seen as “backwards” that led a City Council committee to put the kibosh on city chickens. Maybe it’s simply stubbornness.

As has been noted, even upscale Bellevue, not to mention East Bremerton, gives its residents this freedom.

Now that Bremerton’s leaders have ruled, residents are getting their chance to have the last word.

Supporters of city chickens are organizing, and have said they will try to put the matter up for a vote.

It’s an interesting precedent, and Bremerton city leaders should take note.

If residents have faith in their leaders, they won’t chafe too much when unpopular decisions are reached.

If not, keep in mind, all it takes is about 2,000 signatures to begin overturning the legislative process.