Yes, you can keep chickens in Calgary, but it is regulated by the city’s by-laws. Calgary allows residents to raise chickens, with certain rules designed to ensure proper animal welfare, prevent nuisances, and ensure the safety and hygiene of the living environment. Here’s what you need to know about keeping chickens in Calgary.
1. Local Regulations and Zoning Laws
Calgary has specific regulations regarding the keeping of chickens. These regulations are part of the **Animal Control Bylaw**, which outlines the rules for keeping backyard chickens and poultry in residential areas.
Permit Requirements: In Calgary, you **must** apply for a **poultry permit** to keep chickens on your property. This is required regardless of the number of chickens you plan to keep. The permit ensures that you are meeting the necessary animal care standards and that your setup complies with the city’s regulations.
Roosters: **Roosters are not allowed** in Calgary. This is primarily due to their loud crowing, which can be disruptive to neighbors, especially in residential areas. If you plan to keep chickens, you can only keep **hens**.
Number of Chickens: Calgary allows you to keep up to **4 hens** in residential areas, but you must have a poultry permit. The number of chickens you are allowed to keep may depend on the size of your property, so you should check with the city’s bylaws to ensure compliance.
2. Housing and Space Requirements
Chickens need to be housed properly to ensure they are healthy, safe, and comfortable. Calgary has specific rules for chicken coops and outdoor spaces to ensure the welfare of the chickens and the consideration of neighbors.
Coop Size: The general recommendation is that each chicken should have **at least 2–3 square feet** of space inside the coop. For example, if you have 4 chickens, the coop should be at least **8–12 square feet**. The coop should provide proper **ventilation** and be weatherproof to protect the chickens from the elements.
Outdoor Run: Chickens need an outdoor run where they can exercise, forage, and engage in natural behaviors like scratching. The general guideline is **at least 10 square feet** per chicken in the outdoor run. If your backyard is small, you may want to use a **portable chicken run** or a **chicken tractor**, which allows you to move the chickens around your yard to reduce wear on one area.
Fencing: It is important to have a secure fence around the chicken run to prevent the chickens from escaping and to protect them from predators. The fence should be made of strong materials like **welded wire** or **hardware cloth**, and it should be at least **4–6 feet** tall. You should also bury the bottom of the fence to prevent predators from digging underneath.
3. Waste Management and Cleanliness
Proper waste management is important for maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your chickens, as well as preventing odors and attracting pests.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the chicken coop and run regularly. It’s important to remove manure and change bedding at least once a week. This prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and keeps odors under control.
- Composting Chicken Manure: Chicken manure is rich in nitrogen and makes great fertilizer for your garden, but it must be composted before use. Fresh chicken manure can burn plants, so it should be composted for several months.
- Odor Control: Proper ventilation in the coop is essential to reduce ammonia buildup. You can also use absorbent bedding materials such as straw or wood shavings to help control moisture and odors.
4. Noise and Neighbor Considerations
Noise is an important factor to consider when raising chickens, especially in urban areas like Calgary. Hens are generally quieter than roosters, but they can still make noise, particularly when laying eggs or interacting with each other.
- Hen Noise: While hens do not crow like roosters, they can still make clucking, chirping, and squawking noises. This is usually not as loud as a rooster’s crowing, but it’s important to consider the proximity of the chicken coop to your neighbors’ properties. You can reduce noise by placing the coop away from shared fences or property lines.
- Communication with Neighbors: It’s always a good idea to speak with your neighbors before getting chickens. Let them know your plans and address any concerns they might have about noise, odors, or space. This proactive approach can help prevent any conflicts in the future.
5. Enrichment and Natural Behaviors
Chickens are active, curious animals that need space to move around and engage in natural behaviors. To keep your chickens healthy and happy, it’s important to provide them with enrichment opportunities.
- Foraging: Chickens love to scratch the ground and forage for food. Scatter grains, vegetable scraps, or insects in their run to encourage foraging behavior.
- Dust Bathing: Chickens need a place to take dust baths, which helps them keep their feathers clean and free of parasites. Provide a shallow dish of dirt, sand, or ash for dust bathing.
- Socialization: Chickens are social animals and do best in groups. Keeping at least 2–3 hens together helps prevent stress and loneliness.
6. Benefits of Keeping Chickens in Calgary
Despite the challenges, keeping chickens in Calgary offers several benefits:
- Fresh Eggs: Keeping chickens gives you access to fresh, homegrown eggs, which are healthier and tastier than store-bought eggs.
- Natural Pest Control: Chickens are excellent at controlling pests like insects, slugs, and small rodents. They can help keep your garden healthy without the need for chemical pesticides.
- Sustainability: Raising chickens is a more sustainable way of living. You can reduce food waste by feeding chickens scraps, and their manure can be composted to fertilize your garden.
- Educational Opportunity: Raising chickens teaches responsibility and provides an educational experience, especially for children, about where food comes from and animal care.
7. Conclusion: Keeping Chickens in Calgary
In conclusion, you can keep chickens in Calgary, as long as you follow the city’s regulations. Make sure you obtain the necessary permit, provide enough space for your chickens, and maintain a clean and safe environment for them. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a more sustainable lifestyle.
By adhering to these rules and caring for your chickens properly, you can successfully raise chickens in Calgary and enjoy the many benefits they provide!