Can You Keep Chickens in Burnaby?

1. Local Regulations and Zoning Laws

Burnaby has rules in place that govern the keeping of chickens. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these local laws to avoid fines and ensure your chickens are kept safely and responsibly.

Permit Requirements: In Burnaby, you are allowed to keep chickens on your property, but you need to apply for a **permit** to keep more than 4 chickens. The city requires that chickens be kept in an appropriate and sanitary manner, and permits are issued by the **City of Burnaby’s Animal Control**. You’ll need to demonstrate that your chickens will not cause nuisances such as noise or odors.

Roosters: **Roosters are not allowed** in Burnaby due to their loud crowing. Keeping a rooster can lead to complaints from neighbors, so if you want to keep chickens, you’ll only be able to keep **hens**.

Number of Chickens: The general limit for chickens is **up to 4 hens** without a special permit. If you want to keep more than 4 chickens, you will need to apply for an **animal keeping permit**. The city may require you to meet additional conditions, such as providing more space or better facilities.

2. Housing and Space Requirements

Chickens need a proper living space to ensure their health and well-being. Burnaby requires that chickens be housed in a manner that is safe, clean, and hygienic. The chicken coop and outdoor run must meet certain standards.

Coop Size: The coop should be large enough for each chicken to have **at least 2–3 square feet** of space inside. For example, if you have 4 chickens, the coop should be **8–12 square feet**. The coop should be designed to protect the chickens from predators and the weather, and it should have **ventilation** to allow for fresh air circulation.

Outdoor Run: Chickens need access to an outdoor run or area where they can scratch the ground, forage, and exercise. The outdoor run should provide at least **10 square feet per chicken**. It should be secure to prevent the chickens from escaping and to protect them from predators such as raccoons, foxes, or dogs.

Fencing: A secure fence is important to keep your chickens safe from predators. Use sturdy materials like **welded wire** or **hardware cloth** to make sure the run is strong. The fence should be at least **4–6 feet** high, and it should be buried a few inches underground to prevent predators from digging under it.

3. Waste Management and Cleanliness

Proper waste management is crucial to prevent odors, attract pests, and ensure that your chickens live in a clean environment. Burnaby’s regulations require that chickens be kept in hygienic conditions.

• Regular Cleaning: Clean the chicken coop at least once a week to remove manure, soiled bedding, and leftover food. Changing the bedding regularly (e.g., straw or wood shavings) will help absorb moisture and control odors.
• Composting Chicken Manure: Chicken manure is a great source of fertilizer but must be composted before it can be used in your garden. Fresh manure can burn plants, so it should be composted for several months to break down its harmful compounds.
• Odor Control: Proper ventilation in the coop is essential to prevent ammonia buildup, which can harm the chickens and create a strong odor. You can use lime or other odor-neutralizing materials in the bedding to help keep the coop fresh.

4. Noise and Neighbor Considerations

One of the main concerns when raising chickens in an urban or suburban setting is noise. While hens are generally quieter than roosters, they can still make noise, especially when they are laying eggs or interacting with each other.

• Hen Noise: Hens make clucking, chirping, and squawking sounds, particularly when they lay eggs or are excited. While these sounds are generally not as loud as roosters, it’s still important to consider your neighbors when placing the coop.
• Placement of Coop: Try to place the chicken coop as far from neighbors’ homes or property lines as possible. Adding natural barriers, such as trees or shrubs, can help absorb sound and reduce noise complaints.
• Communication with Neighbors: It’s a good idea to let your neighbors know about your plans to keep chickens. Talking to them before you set up the coop can help address any concerns and prevent misunderstandings about noise or odor.

5. Enrichment and Natural Behaviors

Chickens are social and active animals that need space to engage in natural behaviors. It’s important to provide enrichment in your chickens’ living space to keep them healthy and happy.

• Foraging: Chickens love to scratch the ground and forage for food. You can scatter grains, vegetable scraps, or other food in their run to encourage them to forage, which helps provide mental stimulation.
• Dust Bathing: Chickens need to take dust baths to clean their feathers and control parasites. Provide a designated area in the run with sand or loose dirt where they can dust bathe.
• Socialization: Chickens are social creatures and do best in groups. Keeping at least two or three hens together will prevent loneliness and reduce stress.

6. Benefits of Keeping Chickens in Burnaby

Despite the challenges of keeping chickens in an urban or suburban area, there are several benefits to raising chickens in Burnaby:

• Fresh Eggs: Chickens provide fresh, homegrown eggs that are often healthier and tastier than store-bought eggs.
• Natural Pest Control: Chickens help control pests like insects, slugs, and small rodents, which can reduce the need for chemical pesticides in your garden.
• Sustainability: Raising chickens promotes sustainability. Chickens can eat vegetable scraps, reducing food waste, and their manure can be used to fertilize your garden.
• Educational Opportunity: Keeping chickens can be a great learning experience, teaching children responsibility and where food comes from. It can also provide valuable lessons about sustainability and animal care.

7. Conclusion: Keeping Chickens in Burnaby

In conclusion, you can keep chickens in Burnaby, but it’s important to follow the regulations set by the city. Ensure you have a proper permit, provide enough space for your chickens, maintain cleanliness, and be considerate of your neighbors regarding noise and waste. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a more sustainable lifestyle while keeping your chickens happy and healthy.

By meeting the city’s requirements and providing the right environment, you can successfully raise chickens in Burnaby and reap the benefits of this rewarding experience!