Steps to Keeping Hens

Steps to Keeping Backyard Chickens

Please take the time to review the information below before getting your backyard hens.

Step 1 – Municipal Regulations

If you want to have backyard hens, you must get to know the relevant sections of the Animals Bylaw 8556 [PDF - 3 MB]. This bylaw sets out the rules and requirements for keeping backyard chickens, including:

• maximum number of hens
• size and location of chicken coops
• other important details

Step 2 – Important Information: Hen Care

You must also review the following before registering your hens:

• Quick Information Guide [PDF - 879 KB]
• Basic Hen Care [PDF - 4 MB]
• Composting [PDF - 242 KB]
• Bird Health Basics – How to Prevent and Detect Disease in Backyard Flocks and Pet Birds
• Resources [PDF - 348 KB]

You need to register your coop with us.

1. Download the registration form [PDF - 610 KB]
2. Email your finished copy to planning@saanich.ca