Raising chickens in the city may sound like a farm fantasy. Still, it’s becoming an increasingly popular way for urban dwellers to enjoy fresh eggs, reduce food waste, and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Even in smaller spaces, you can create a cozy little chicken haven that adds charm and personality to your backyard. Whether you’re looking for a fun hobby or a way to connect with nature amidst the hustle and bustle, raising backyard chickens in the city is easier than you might think.
After moving to a new property with a large yard in Oro Medonte, my family decided we wanted chickens. After converting an old shed that had been left on the property and building an attached run, we bought six day-old Orpington chicks and raised them in my bedroom until they were old enough to be moved to their coop. It didn’t take very long for the hens to start laying eggs, and we were getting between three and five eggs a day.
The ‘ladies’ were relatively low maintenance, interacted well with our dog, and were fun little birds to watch and interact with. They helped with finishing off fruit and veggie scraps, like strawberry tops and peelings from carrots and cucumbers, could be picked up and petted, and in the warmer months they were allowed to roam the backyard when my family was out relaxing.
Backyard chickens are a fantastic hobby for anyone willing to put in the work. You don’t have to live on a huge property with ample amounts of space, chickens can thrive in a city backyard with enough preparation and TLC.
Check Local Rules and Regulations
Before starting, check with your local municipality to see if raising chickens is allowed in your area. Many municipalities have bylaws that regulate the number of chickens, whether or not roosters are allowed, and how far your coop needs to be from your neighbors. For example, some cities in Ontario only allow hens, while others may restrict the number of chickens you can keep.
Alberta Municipalities and Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens
Calgary: Calgarians can keep backyard chickens between two and four because hens are group animals. Roosters are not permitted, and young hens must be at least 16 weeks old.
Edmonton: The City of Edmonton operates an urban hens pilot project, with both a minimum and maximum of hens and requirements concerning the coop. No roosters.
Spruce Grove: Participants must build a secure coop and enclosed run since free-ranging hens in backyards is not allowed. They must also complete a hen-keeping course, find a local vet for care, have a mentor for the first year, and apply for a license to join the program.
British Columbia Municipalities and Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens
Vancouver: The City of Vancouver permits residents to keep backyard hens for hobby and personal use, but not for commercial purposes. No roosters.
Victoria: It is lawful to keep poultry (chickens, ducks, geese) in Victoria, but roosters are prohibited, and the maximum number of poultry permitted is 15
Surrey: The City allows domestic poultry (excluding roosters), with specific requirements regarding lot size, location, and the number of animals.
Kelowna: The City of Kelowna allows residents to keep chickens, specifically hens, on lots larger than half an acre, with a limit of up to 10 hens
Ontario Municipalities and Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens
Brampton: Residents can keep up to two hens in a backyard coop. For more, an application must be submitted. No roosters.
Clearview: Residents can keep up to four hens after applying for a permit. Selling eggs is not allowed.
East Gwilimbury: Residents can keep up to four backyard hens on a property less than one acre. Hens must be at least four months old when acquired.
Guelph: Residents cannot have more than 10 domestic poultry unless specific requirements are met. All poultry must be registered with the city. No roosters.
Kitchener: The city allows up to four chickens per home, prohibits roosters and egg sales, and requires registration and coop inspections. No roosters.
Niagara Falls: The City of Niagara Falls’ animal control bylaw does not prohibit homes within the city from housing chickens, as long as they are kept within the residential unit of the owner. No roosters.
Norfolk County: Residents can keep up to a maximum of four hens.
Russell Township: Urban residents can keep up to three hens and rural residents can keep up to five hens pending approval of licenses.
Orillia: The permanent licensing bylaw permits hen ownership with restrictions on the number of hens and their age. There are no roosters.
Springwater: Residents must apply for one of 25 licenses available each year. Once approved, they can keep up to a maximum of four hens.
Quebec Municipalities and Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens
Gatineau: Residents are permitted to own hens if they meet lot size and location requirements and are allowed a maximum of 5 hens. No roosters.
New Brunswick Municipalities and Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens
Moncton: Residents can have hens if they comply with registration and coop bylaws. No roosters.
Check your city or local municipality, as laws change from one area to the next.
What Are the General Costs of Raising Chickens?
Chickens: The cost of chicks depends on the breed, but generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $10 per chick. Some premium or rare breeds may cost more. If you’re purchasing adult hens, they can cost between $15 to $50 each, depending on the breed and where you buy them.
Chicken Coop and Nesting Boxes: A basic prefab chicken coop can range from $150 to $800, depending on the size and quality. Larger or more elaborate coops with insulation and better predator protection can be even more expensive.
If you build your own coop, the materials (wood, wire mesh, insulation, roofing, etc.) can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000+ depending on the design and materials you choose. Nesting boxes are easy to incorporate, and they typically cost about $10 to $20 to build using scrap wood or inexpensive materials. Pre-made nesting boxes can cost around $30 to $50 each.
Feeding and Watering Equipment: Automatic feeders and waterers cost from $10 to $50, depending on size and quality. Simple manual versions can be found for as low as $5 to $10 each.
Feed: Chicken feed can be one of your largest ongoing costs. Depending on the number of chickens, you may spend anywhere from $15 to $30 per month on feed for a small flock (4–6 chickens). You can buy in bulk, which helps reduce the cost. Layer feed (for egg production) is the most common type and is usually around $20 to $35 per 20-25 kg bag.
Bedding: You’ll need bedding material like straw, wood shavings, or sawdust. Costs are typically around $5 to $10 per bag, and you may need a bag every 1–2 weeks, depending on the size of your flock and how often you clean the coop.
Water: This is a minimal cost, but you may need to invest in a heated waterer in colder months to prevent freezing. A heated waterer can cost between $25 and $75.
Backyard Chickens FAQ
People always want to know more about backyard chickens, and these are the questions I get the most.
How Many Chickens Should I Start With?
If you’re in an area that doesn’t regulate the number of chickens you can have, start small and work your way up. Chickens are social creatures, so a beginning flock of three to six is perfect. This allows you to learn how to handle a flock and see how much care they need, and will give a good amount of eggs without getting overwhelmed.
Can You Sell Eggs from Backyard Chickens? Here’s What You Need to Know
Most municipalities don’t allow selling eggs from backyard chickens, but you can still enjoy farm-fresh eggs and share them with friends and family. Always check local regulations before offering eggs beyond your household!
Is Raising Backyard Chickens Hard?
Raising backyard chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does come with some challenges. It’s not hard, especially for beginners, but it requires time, effort, and commitment. Chickens are fairly low-maintenance compared to other animals like dogs or livestock. They don’t need constant attention and can be left alone for a day or two if needed, as long as they have enough food, water, and a secure coop. Chickens are social animals and can be fun to interact with. Watching them interact with each other and the environment can be quite enjoyable, and they can develop bonds with their caretakers.
How Do I Protect Backyard Chickens From Predators?
It’s important to know the potential predators that might threaten your flock. These animals are often drawn to easy prey, from raccoons and foxes to hawks and even domestic dogs. To protect your chickens, ensure their coop is secure with strong fencing, a solid roof, and locks that can’t be easily tampered with. Also, consider providing a safe, enclosed area for them to roam during the day, and keep an eye out for signs of predators around your yard. Being vigilant and prepared can help ensure your chickens stay safe and healthy.
What Are the Cons of Backyard Chickens?
Chickens need to be fed, watered, and let in and out of the coop every day. While they don’t require constant attention, you’ll still need to check on them, especially to collect eggs and ensure they’re safe from predators. Keeping the chicken coop clean is a regular task. You’ll need to clean out bedding (usually every week) and remove waste to prevent odor and health issues, which takes time. Chickens can get sick, so you’ll need to watch for signs of illness and address any health concerns promptly. Regular checks for parasites, like mites and worms, are also important.
Are Backyard Chickens Right For You?
Raising backyard chickens in the city can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a unique connection to nature, even in an urban environment. While it’s important to be mindful of local regulations, space limitations, and potential challenges like noise and predator protection, city chicken-keeping can be practical and enjoyable with the right planning and commitment. By starting small, ensuring a secure and well-maintained coop, and fostering good relationships with neighbors, you can enjoy the benefits of raising chickens right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re looking to add a sustainable element to your urban lifestyle or simply want the joy of caring for animals, backyard chickens can be a fantastic addition to your city life.
Are you looking for a home fit for chickens? Give us a call today! One of the experienced agents at Zoocasa will be more than happy to help you through the exciting home-buying process!
