Red Deer County solves clucky conundrum in allowing urban hens

Staff determined that out of 1522 Country Residential Parcels, there are 85 between four and five acres, 65 between five and ten acres, and 13 larger than 10 acres.

With third reading passed, the bylaw addresses this discrepancy and will permit those parcels larger than 3.0 acres to have up to 40 hens. However, those larger than 10 acres will work under Agricultural District rules.

For parcels 1.99 acres and smaller, six are allowed, while those between 2.0 and 2.99 acres, 12 are 20 (one unit) will be permitted.

“We started to receive requests from some of our hamlet residents to have urban hens within them. It is becoming more and more popular to have your own eggs and whatnot,” says Treena Miller, Manager of Current Planning. “We did do a survey last year that gave us a really good indication as to what our residents within the hamlets wanted to see and the majority definitely supported urban hens.”

Anyone wishing to exceed the limits will be required to submit a request to the County Manager, who can approve exceptions. In addition, those who already have urban hens will not be forced to downsize.

Roosters are not allowed, and the sale of eggs, manure or other hen by-products is prohibited.

Other approved changes include increasing the allowed number of rabbits on a Country Residential parcel from 10 to 20.

Additionally, there are new penalties related to the keeping or harboring of livestock, hens or fowls in contravention of the bylaw — $100 for a first violation, increasing to $200 and $400 for further infractions.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Red Deer County solves clucky conundrum in allowing urban hens

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