Backyard hens

Steps to keeping backyard hens

Important note Raising other animals for meat, fibre, milk, eggs, or other products (animal husbandry) is not currently permitted in the City of Vancouver.

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  Step 1: Review the rules for keeping backyard hens

  To keep your backyard hen coop from being a nuisance for your neighbours:

  • A maximum of four hens (no roosters), four months or older, per lot is allowed (Important note Our by-law requires you to register your hens, get a permit, and inform us if you decide not to keep your hens.)
  • Ducks, turkeys, or other fowl or livestock (such as goats) are not allowed
  • Eggs, meat, and manure cannot be used for commercial purposes
  • Backyard slaughtering is not allowed
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  Step 2: Review the City 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:

  • Animal Control By-law
  • Guidelines for Keeping of Backyard Hens PDF file (225 KB)
  • Zoning and Development By-law (Section 10.2.2) PDF file (154 KB)
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  Step 3: Learn how to care for hens

  Next, you should read the following basic hen care documents before getting your hens:

  • How to prevent and detect disease in backyard flocks and pet birds
  • Basic hen care and chicken coop design requirements
  • Humane considerations for backyard hens
  • Resources for backyard hen owners
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  Step 4: Register and apply for a permit for your hens

  After you review the basic care documents and zoning regulations - and you build your coop - you can go ahead and purchase your hens.

  Once the hens are purchased, you need to register your hens with the us. Registration is free.

  Important note There is no fee to apply for your permit.

  Important note Our by-law requires you to register your hens, get a permit, and inform us if you decide not to keep your hens. 

  Register your hens and apply

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  Step 4: Renew your permit

  To renew your permit, email animal.services@vancouver.ca:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Existing permit #
  • The number of hens on your property 

  Important note There is no fee to renew your permit.