Urban Hen Keeping

Hen enclosures may only be located in the backyards of properties that are completely fenced and secure. Some properties, due to the smaller size of a backyard or other situational factors, may not be deemed suitable for urban hen keeping.  A single-family house is allowed only one coop and run, and they must be in compliance with all guidelines. Proposed coop locations should minimize impacts to adjacent neighbours (away from bedroom windows, the furthest point from the building).

Standard coop and run setback requirements are outlined below:

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Backyard hen keepers shall maintain the sites under good management and animal husbandry practices in order to reduce impacts to the local environment while providing safe and effective housing for the hens. Hens require conditions to prevent distress, disease, and welfare issues such as appropriate food, water, shelter, light, warmth, ventilation, veterinary care and opportunities for essential behaviours such as scratching, pecking, dust-bathing and roosting, in order to be comfortable and healthy.

The Coop:

The coop must be constructed with materials that enable effective cleaning and disinfection as well as protect birds from anticipated environmental conditions, including normally expected changes in heat, cold, and precipitation. The coop must be built and maintained to prevent vermin from living beneath it or within its walls and to prevent other animals from entering it.

• Coop area must be a minimum of 4sqft per hen (0.37m²) with direct access to the run. (Coop area is permitted to overlap or be raised above-run area)
• A minimum of 1 nest box enclosed on three sides per 4 hens (12 x 12 inches in size)
• 8 – 12 inches of perch space per hen is required. Perch must be 2.5 – 3.5 inches wide and have smooth, rounded edges and not exceed 39.4 in (1 m) above closest floor or perch. Perch must be positioned to minimize fouling of birds, feeders, or drinkers located below.

The Run:

The run must be built to prevent the escape of hens and access by other animals,  and located in an area that provides shade, direct sunlight, good drainage, and protection from wind.

• The entire coop and run must be surrounded by electric fencing designed and maintained in accordance with the electric fencing guidelines of the WildSafeBC to prevent dangerous wildlife (eg: bears) from gaining access.

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• The run must be predator resistant. The run can be established with a chain link, welded, or woven fencing on a sturdy frame. A reinforced bottom of woven fencing will deter burrowing animals from entering.
• The run (connected outdoor space) must provide at least 1 m² (10 ft²) of floor area per hen.

Feeding and watering should take place within the coop to discourage access by wild birds.

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Feeders:

Food receptacles should be made of non-corrosive material that is easily cleaned minimizes spillage, prevents contamination with droppings and keeps food dry. The containers should be large enough for all the birds to comfortably eat at once or numerous enough to prevent competition or intimidation.

Water:

Water receptacles should be made of non-corrosive material that can be cleaned and disinfected with a solution of chlorine bleach, prevent contamination with droppings and is spill and leak proof. The containers should be large enough for all the birds to comfortably drink at once and hold enough water for all birds for an entire day. They should be slightly positioned higher than the feeder or far enough away to prevent contamination with food.

Foraging and dust bathing is essential behaviours required for hens in order to be comfortable and healthy. Foraging is a behavioural need that consists of pecking and scratching on a solid surface that is associated with searching for and ingesting food. Dust bathing is often a communal activity and is done to keep themselves free of external parasites such as mites. Foraging and dust bathing sites should be located within the run instead of the coop.

Foraging:

• Spread bales of hay or straw, insoluble grit, or oat hulls in an area of the run to provide foraging opportunities as well as nutritional enrichment
• Locate foraging site in an area where hens can access it from as many sides as possible

Dust bathing:

• Hens can make a dust bath directly in the ground. Alternatively a wide food-safe plastic container such as a cat litter pan or small kiddie pool can be used
• Dust bath material in the most basic form is dirt and sand
• Additives to control mites and other external parasites include diatomaceous earth, wood ash, dried herbs such as mint and sage may be used
• Locate dust bath in a sunny area where hens can access it from as many sides as possible

Equipment Storage:

• Hen keeping supplies, including additional feed and litter, should be maintained in a secure enclosure such as a shed or garage to reduce contamination from pests as well as minimize attracting nuisance animals or dangerous wildlife.

Waste Disposal:

• The site and coop must be properly maintained to prevent smells that could act as attractants to nuisance animals. Fouled feed, manure and soiled bedding must be removed and composted or discarded to prevent nuisance odours.

1. What if rodents become an issue?

Neighbours who are concerned can make a complaint [PDF/97KB] to the Bylaw Enforcement division. 

2. What will be done to prevent attracting dangerous wildlife such as bears and coyotes?

To prevent entry from dangerous wildlife, the hives and coops must be surrounded by electric fencing designed and maintained in accordance with the electric fencing guidelines of WildSafe BC and Get Bear Smart Society.

3. What if the hens are loud or emit an unpleasant odour?

The City's Good Neighbour Bylaw outlines acceptable noise levels and times. No roosters are permitted under the Zoning Bylaw. The bylaw also speaks to noxious odor prevention. Neighbours who are concerned can make a complaint to the Bylaw Enforcement division. 

4. Will the City be making regular checks that the regulations are being followed?

No.