Urban chicken keeping is becoming increasingly popular across Canada. Chickens are friendly, curious, and useful animals that can brighten your backyard and provide fresh eggs for the whole family. However, before adopting hens, it’s important to understand that this is a long-term commitment, as chickens can live up to 8–10 years.
Getting chickens: what you need to know
Before you adopt chickens, check your city’s bylaws. In many municipalities, keeping up to 99 laying hens is allowed without a permit.
Important tips:
- Chickens are social – adopt more than one.
- If you add a rooster, aim for one rooster per 3–4 hens to prevent stress.
- Buy vaccinated hens from hatcheries regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
A suitable environment
To thrive, chickens need access to:
- An outdoor area to scratch and forage
- A heated, well-ventilated, insulated coop
- A nesting box with straw
- A dust bath to clean their feathers naturally
Additional safety measures:
- Limit contact with wild animals
- Install a secure run and lock the coop at night
- Avoid keeping pigs or turkeys, which can spread diseases
Feeding your chickens
Chickens are omnivores and need a balanced diet tailored to their laying cycle:
- Laying period: feed with layer pellets rich in calcium and protein
- Non-laying period: feed with adult hen pellets
Safe treats include:
- Vegetable peels, crushed eggshells, cooked meat scraps
Give in moderation:
- Soaked bread, cooked pasta or rice, plain yogurt, cheese rinds
Avoid completely:
- Fatty, salty, or sugary foods, onions, garlic, citrus, raw potatoes, avocados, chocolate, coffee
Always provide fresh, clean water – chickens drink 300 to 600 mL per day.
Egg laying and handling
A hen lays 150 to 300 eggs per year. If an egg is dirty:
- Brush it gently rather than washing it (water may damage the protective coating)
- Discard cracked eggs
- For children, seniors, or immunocompromised individuals, always fully cook eggs
Health risks to humans
Chickens can carry diseases such as salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis, which may cause serious digestive illness.
To prevent infections:
- Wear dedicated clothing when handling chickens
- Wash your hands thoroughly afterward
- Never wash eggs with water
- Discard damaged eggs
Common health issues in chickens
Urban chickens are prone to various health conditions:
- Frostbite (comb, wattles)
- Pododermatitis (foot inflammation)
- Egg-laying disorders
- External parasites (lice, mites)
- Internal parasites (worms, coccidia)
- Marek’s disease (serious viral infection)
- Respiratory or eye problems
Veterinary care matters
If your chicken shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian promptly. There are effective treatments available for pet chickens. Note: do not eat eggs during medication. An annual health check is also strongly recommended.
