Pleas from two dozen third-graders at Taylor Elementary School have prompted Cayce to join the ranks of Midlands communities allowing chickens in backyards.

Their campaign combined lessons in civics, writing and science.

It developed after the youngsters “became fascinated” with the fowl and learned that letting homeowners keep a few hens could help feed fellow students, teacher Floyd Dinkins said.

Dinkins knows a bit about the benefits since he keeps a few chickens at his home in nearby Pine Ridge, where he is also a town councilman.

As part of an exercise in persuasive writing, Dinkins’ class sent Cayce City Hall letters in late 2011 urging leaders to OK chicken-raising.

“They decided they wanted to try to make a difference,” Dinkins said.

Interest intensified when Mayor Elise Partin dropped by the school for a visit this spring and listened to gentle but persistent support for the idea.

City Council unanimously approved the step last week as an exception to its ban on livestock in neighborhoods.

The change came after the students “put it on our radar,” Partin said.

A maximum of four hens is allowed at a home. Noisy roosters remain banned, along with other fowl such as ducks, pheasants and swans. Four hens produce about a dozen eggs a week, Dinkins said.

Up next for the students?

Getting permission from City Hall and Lexington 2 school officials to raise chickens at the school of nearly 400 students. For now, city guidelines bar that.

Dinkins hopes to build a coop at the school playground, populating it with a few of his birds.

Jordan Boone, 9, led the student effort to win approval of the idea.

He advocated the change “like a champ,” Partin said.

But Jordan says it’s unlikely he’ll be raising chickens at home.

“We have big dogs in our backyard,” he said. “That wouldn’t be smart.”

Reach Flach at (803) 771-8483.