There’s a growing trend amongst city dwellers who want “farm fresh” eggs to start coops of their own in residential back yards. Proponents, such as a woman who goes by the name “Toronto Chicken” say that keeping chickens is environmentally friendly and the eggs are better than anything she can buy in a store.
"Toronto Chicken"
While it’s not currently legal to keep chickens in Toronto, neighbouring cities such as Niagara Falls, ON, Brampton and even Victoria, BC are all by law, allowed to keep backyard chickens. Living with “underground chickens” can be a stressful proposition. On her blog, Toronto Chicken writes, “Notwithstanding the fact that the girls are very quiet and very clean, one must be aware at all times that legal matters may take a turn for the worse. Always mindful of such a possibility, contingency plans must be put into place. Therefore, a number of safe houses have been set up. For example, friends in neighbouring Brampton, where one could live openly and in harmony with one’s chooks, are at the ready to receive the hens at a moment’s notice. I look forward to the day when we too could be similarly liberated.”
BLT Farm - Poulty Farm
A recent visit to BLT Farm in Mapleton Township with farmers Len and Brenda Jewitt gave a group of food writers a chance to see a poultry farm first-hand. Jewitt and Ontario Farm Animal Council members Crystal Mackay and Kelly Daynard explained that chickens, like pigs are omnivores. As such, they can turn on each other, especially when determining their “pecking order.” There will always be an alpha hen amongst the lot. Millions have been spent on how to best house chickens. The more alpha hens like to be outdoors, while the more shy hens prefer the safety of a coop or cage to go “home” to. Even so, this is far from an exact science.
Len and Brenda genuinely care about their chickens and turkeys. Safety, cleanliness and poultry care practices are ensured. If however, you should prefer to raise your own chickens and collect your own eggs, here are:
The Top Ten Chicken Chores
(Prepared by poultry Veterinarian Dr. Mike Petrik so that you, your chickens and family stay healthy):
- Chicken feed must be purchased from a specialized supplier because pet food stores don’t generally carry the kind of feed that hens require. Hens need a feed high in protein and calcium- levels that would make a cat or a dog (non-producing animals) sick.
- Hens need shade in hot days and a heat source for cold days to be comfortable (and to lay eggs).
- Lock up the chickens at night to keep them safe from skunks, raccoons, and neighbouring pets who may try to eat the hens and/or their feed.
- Provide clean water EVERY Day. Failing to do so may lead to hen infections and illness.
- Egg shells are porous- they can absorb invisible harmful bacteria if not handled properly.
- Educate yourself on the signs of hen illness. They may require vaccinations and health care from a qualified vet.
- Do not compost chicken manure- its high level of minerals (particularly phosphorous) can stop the composting process in typical backyard composters. You’ll need to develop a plan for how to dispose of their manure (approx. 2 lbs per week, per hen).
- Hens can live 7-10 years of age. Older hens need to take a break from egg production periodically (called molting- necessary for old hens to remain healthy).
- Any area where animals live will become increasingly contaminated the longer animals are housed there. Plan to have “down time” when no poultry live in the yard, which will give you the chance to decontaminate the area and break the life cycle of viruses or bacteria.
- All livestock (including chickens) are carriers of diseases that can be transferred to humans. Learn how to carefully handle your chickens without exposing yourself to illnesses such as Avian Influenza.
Mary Luz Mejia - Colombian-born and Canadian raised. After earning an honours History degree from Queen's University and a Journalism post-grad diploma ...
