Backyard Chickens

Residents of Georgian Bluffs can now keep backyard chickens in residential neighbourhoods, thanks to a recently approved by-law. Here’s a quick guide to the benefits, eligibility, and requirements for keeping chickens in your backyard.

Why Keep Backyard Chickens?

Backyard chickens offer several benefits:

Fresh Eggs: Enjoy a consistent supply of fresh, organic eggs.
Pest Control: Chickens eat insects, helping to reduce pests in your garden.
Natural Fertilizer: Chicken manure makes an excellent fertilizer for gardens.
Educational Opportunities: Great for teaching kids and adults about animal care and sustainability.
Community Building: Sharing eggs and chicken-keeping tips can strengthen neighbourhood connections.

Eligibility and Requirements

Property Size: Residential properties must be at least 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres) to qualify.
Zones: Backyard chickens are allowed in Agricultural, Rural, Residential, and Shoreline Residential zones.
Hen Limit: Up to six hens are permitted per household.
No Roosters: Roosters are not allowed to prevent noise issues.
Personal Use Only: Chickens and eggs are for personal use only; selling is not permitted.
No Home Slaughtering: The by-law prohibits the home slaughtering of chickens.

Coop and Enclosure Specifications

Coop Size: Coops can be up to 10 square metres in total floor area.
Distance from Dwellings: Coops must be at least 10 metres from any neighbouring homes.
Space Requirements: Each hen needs at least 0.4 square metres in the coop and 1 square metre of covered outdoor space.
Construction Standards: Coops must be secure, weatherproof, and provide adequate light, ventilation, and protection from predators.

Waste Management

Manure Storage: Store manure in an enclosed container, with a maximum of 0.5 cubic metres allowed.
Disposal: Any unused manure should be disposed of through the municipal waste management program.

If you have a concern that someone is not keeping chickens in alignment with this by-law, or to report potential health and safety concerns related to backyard chickens, please get in touch through Contact GB or by calling 519-376-2729.

Why Keep Backyard Chickens?

Resources to Help You Get Started