Municipal, provincial and federal government documents provide guidance to owners in the proper care, housing and safe-keeping of backyard chickens.
City of Vancouver Resources:
City of Vancouver Information about Backyard Hens
Here you will find key information for keeping backyard hens in Vancouver including the rules about your coop, number of hens allowed, and annual permit process. Outlines detailed steps to keeping hens, reviews relevant City by-laws, and shares valuable learning resources on hen care.
Humane Considerations for Backyard Hen Owners
A fact sheet covering the “five freedoms” essential for humane treatment of farm animals.
Basic Hen Care and Chicken Coop Design Requirements
General information about chickens, coops and yards, feeding, safety and good care.
City of Vancouver By-laws:
Our by-laws explain all of the rules and requirements for keeping backyard hens, including the size and location of your coop, and other important details. These by-laws both protect the health of people living in the area, and ensure the hens are treated humanely:
Guidelines for Keeping of Backyard Hens
Animal Control By-law (Section 7)
Zoning and Development By-law (Section 10.2.2)
British Columbia Resources:
Jointly published by the Government of Canada and BC Government, this is a comprehensive manual for disease prevention and good management of backyard birds containing information on housing and management (includes coop designs, feeding and nutrition information, pests and diseases – recognizing, treating common problems, biosecurity (includes CFIA Biosecurity Guide), and suggested references.
Government of Canada Resources:
How to Prevent and Detect Disease in Backyard Chickens
Biosecurity basics for small flock owners, from Government of Canada: Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
