Council Report - City of Orillia

CITY OF ORILLIA
TO:
Council Committee – February 29, 2016
FROM:
Development Services Department
DATE:
February 10, 2016
REPORT NO:
DS-16-08
SUBJECT:
Backyard Hens
Recommended Motion
THAT staff be directed to schedule a Public Open House to solicit public input on
proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning By-law and Municipal Code that would
permit the keeping of laying hens for household egg production/consumption;
AND THAT staff be directed to report back to Council Committee on May 30, 2016
outlining the public input received and the recommended next steps.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to respond to an inquiry from a ratepayer (Attached Schedule
“A”). Furthermore this report provides information and options with respect to the keeping
of a limited number of laying hens in the backyards of residentially zoned properties for the
purpose of household egg production/consumption.
Background and Key Facts
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There are presently several major Canadian municipalities permitting the keeping of
laying hens in residential backyards, including Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna,
Surrey, Montreal, Gatineau, Moncton and Whitehorse.
There are many other municipalities also considering permitting backyard hens
as a part of an overall movement towards a locally produced and sustainable
food source.
Local municipalities including the Township of Severn and the Town of Huntsville
have amended their by-laws to permit a small number of laying hens in
residential areas with certain stipulations.
Township of Severn has advised that they haven’t received any complaints
regarding backyard hens since enacting their By-law in 2008.
Staff research has determined that some potential advantages and
disadvantages of backyard hens on urban properties are as follows:
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Advantages:
o Backyard hens will provide a fresh and sustainable source of local food
(eggs).
o Hens are an educational experience for people of all ages.
o The fertilizer produced can be used in the production of vegetables and flower
gardens.
o Chickens assist in reducing household waste output.
Disadvantages:
o Chickens may be dirty and potentially harbour disease or vermin.
o Chicken manure, if allowed to accumulate, can have an unpleasant odour.
o Depending on the number of homeowners who choose to keep backyard
hens, there may be By-law enforcement issues.
o Chickens can attract predators.
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The City’s Zoning By-law (By-law 2014-44, as amended) has a definition of
“Agricultural Use”, and “Livestock” including the keeping of poultry (egg laying
hens). Agricultural Use is only permitted on properties zoned Rural (RU). A
Zoning By-law Amendment would be required for any properties not zoned Rural
(RU). Lot area, setbacks and property lines will need to be identified.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has “Minimum Distance
Separation” (MDS) criteria that would apply to the keeping of laying hens in
residentially zoned areas. These calculations require a minimum separation
between a livestock operation and adjacent residential uses based on the
number and type of livestock being kept.
As a result of their typically larger lot sizes, and their ability to accommodate the
MDS setbacks, the lower density residential zones (Residential One and
Residential Two) would be most suited to consider for the keeping of laying hens.
Permitting them in higher density neighborhoods may be problematic due to
smaller lot sizes, multiple tenancies, shared responsibility for the hens, etc.
Chapter 285 of the City’s Municipal Code (The City of Orillia Animal Care By-law)
contains provisions with respect to the keeping of all animals (defined as “nonhuman”) within the City Limits. The by-law would automatically apply to the
keeping of backyard hens:
“ 285.2.1
Animal - appropriate care
Any person, who keeps an animal within the City, shall provide adequate
and appropriate care, food, water, shelter, exercise, attention and
veterinary care as may be required to meet the need of the species.
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285.2.2
Animal - care - outdoors
If an animal is customarily kept out of doors, the owner shall provide for
the animal’s use, an accessible, structurally sound, weather-proof and
insulated enclosure of appropriate size and dimension.
285.2.4
Animal - kept - sanitary conditions
The owner or person having custody and control of an animal must keep
the animal in sanitary conditions with no accumulations of fecal matter and
offensive odour, which may endanger the health of any person or animal,
or which disturbs or is likely to disturb the enjoyment and comfort of
neighbouring persons.”
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Chapter 286 of the City’s Municipal Code currently includes Chickens as “Exotic
Animals” and prohibits them within the City Limits.
Municipalities that have permitted laying hens in residentially zoned areas have
done so subject to strict regulations with respect to the maximum number of
birds, the size and location of enclosures, minimum lot size, and other specific
criteria.
Some municipalities have permitted laying hens on a trial basis for a specified
term. This may be achieved through a Temporary Use By-law under Section 39
of the Planning Act which would permit the use (keeping laying hens) for a term
of up to three years.
In the event hens have been permitted in various municipalities, roosters have
generally been prohibited due to their loud crowing.
There are some urban municipalities that have required backyard hens to be
registered for tracking purposes.
Options & Analysis
OPTION 1 – Recommended Option
THAT staff be directed to schedule a Public Open House to solicit the public’s input
on proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning By-law and Municipal Code that would
permit the keeping of laying hens for household egg production/consumption;
AND THAT staff be directed to report back to Council Committee on May 30, 2016
outlining the public input received and recommended next steps..
This option is recommended for the following reasons:
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The City’s policy with respect to a Zoning By-law Amendment requires a NonStatutory Public Open House for an application that is complex or large-scale.
Although a Zoning By-law Amendment application for the provision of backyard hens
is not a complex subject matter there is the potential of impacting a large number of
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properties in the City of Orillia and therefore the application would warrant a Public
Open House.
Support and/or opposition to the proposal can be scoped during a Public Open
House session which may assist in assessing the public’s receptiveness.
In addition, staff recommends that permitting backyard hens in the Institutional
One Zone would be appropriate since this would allow schools to keep hens for
educational purposes.
A subsequent report to Council could propose appropriate changes to the City’s Bylaws in order to permit the keeping of hens for egg production and to provide
recommendations for regulations, including but not limited to the following:
o Maximum number of hens permitted
o Minimum lot size for the keeping of hens
o Minimum setback from lot lines
o Standards for coops and enclosures
o Disposal of manure
o Disposal of carcasses
o Registration or licensing of laying hens
Consideration would need to be given to the provision of educational material
and training for first-time backyard hen keepers. This could be facilitated by
coordinating with local groups such as the Orillia Food Council and interested
local chicken farmers.
As a result of press coverage on the original correspondence from Mr. Tulloch, a further
letter in support of allowing laying hens in residentially zoned areas was received
(Attached Schedule “E”).
OPTION 2
THAT staff be directed to schedule a Statutory Public Meeting, in conjunction
with a future meeting of Council, with respect to a proposed Zoning By-law
Amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act to permit Laying Hens for
Household Egg Production/Consumption on certain properties in the City of
Orillia;
AND THAT in conjunction with the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment, a By-law
to amend the City’s Municipal Code to permit Laying Hens for Household Egg
Production/Consumption, and to prescribe regulations for the keeping of Laying
Hens, be brought forward to Council for consideration at the same time.
If Council were to pursue this option, the proposed amendments to the Zoning By-law
would (if approved) be permanent in nature. This option is not recommended by staff
as it would be more appropriate to proceed with the statutory amendment process
following the completion of a Public Open House for the reasons noted in Option 1
herein.
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OPTION 3
THAT staff be directed to schedule a Statutory Public Meeting, in conjunction
with a future meeting of Council, with respect to a Temporary Use By-law under
Section 39 of the Planning Act to permit Laying Hens for Household Egg
Production/Consumption on certain properties in the City of Orillia for a term of
three years from the date of passing of the by-law;
AND THAT in conjunction with the proposed Temporary Use By-law, a By-law to
amend the City’s Municipal Code to permit Laying Hens for Household Egg
Production/Consumption from the By-law for a period of three years, and to
prescribe regulations for the keeping of Laying Hens, be brought forward to
Council for consideration at the same time.
If Council were to pursue this option, the proposed amendments (if approved) would be
in place for a period of not more than three years. This option is not recommended by
staff as it would be more appropriate to proceed with the statutory amendment process
following the completion of a Public Open House for the reasons noted in Option 1
herein. Although a Temporary Use Zoning By-law does provide the advantage of a “trial
period”, it does create a subsequent enforcement demand after the Temporary
permission has lapsed. Unlike some other situations, the establishment of a use under a
Temporary Use By-law does not create a legal non-conforming or “grandfathered” use
once the term of the by-law has expired, and therefore Staff does not recommend this
approach since, if the permission was not renewed, there may be an issue with
removing established coops.
OPTION 4
THAT Report No. DS-16-08 be received as information.
This option is not recommended, as there is evidence of growing support within the
community for the keeping of laying hens for household egg production/consumption.
Financial Impact
Should Council choose to permit backyard hens subject to a registry or permitting system,
there may be additional staff time and resources required for processing. This could be
offset by the establishment of an annual fee suitable to offset the cost, similar to the system
that is in place now with respect to dog licenses.
Comments from Departments/Agencies
This report has been circulated to the following Departments/Agencies for comment:
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Public Works Department:
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Public Works comments have been incorporated into this report.
Clerk’s Department:
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Clerk’s Department staff support the recommendation set out in this report.
Simcoe County District Health Unit (Schedule B Attached):
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Letter from Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health, Simcoe Muskoka District
Health Unit.
Orillia Food Council (Schedule C Attached):
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Letter of support from Orillia Food Council.
List of recommendations supplied by Orillia Food Council.
Letter of support from a local chicken farmer.
Egg Farmers of Ontario (Schedule D Attached):
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Egg Farmers of Ontario does not have recommendations for hen housing or set
back provisions for use in an urban environment and advise that the provincial
ministry of agriculture could have resources on the subjects that would relate to
land that is zoned as agricultural.
They recognize that there has been a growing interest in raising egg-laying hens
in urban environments. Hen health and human health are their primary concerns
in any environment. Properly taking care of chickens requires a great deal of
expertise. If hens are not appropriately cared for, they can pose significant health
risks to the farmers, neighbouring families, those who eat the eggs and the hens
themselves.
Comments from Committees
Comments were neither solicited nor obtained from any of the City’s Advisory
Committees.
Communications
The Manager of Communications will work with the Development Services Department
to develop a communications plan to promote a Public Open House. Background
information regarding the keeping of laying hens for household egg
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production/consumption will be added to a section of the City’s website in advance of
the Public Open House as a resource for residents.
Link to Strategic Plan
The recommendation included in this report supports the following goals identified in
Council’s Strategic Plan:
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Healthy Communities – healthy local food
Environmental Stewardship – initiative through the wise use of land for food
production within the City.
Conclusion
Council referred correspondence from Mr. Ian Tulloch to staff with respect to a request to
change City By-laws to permit the keeping of laying hens in residentially zoned areas of the
City for household egg production/consumption. A further e-mail was received from Bernie
Logan supporting this initiative. The Orillia Food Council is supportive of the concept. Staff
recommends a Public Open House be held to obtain input with respect to permitting laying
hens for domestic egg production within the City Limits and to report back to Council by May
30, 2016.
Schedules
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Schedule “A” - Email from Ian Tulloch
Schedule “B” - Letter from Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Schedule “C” - Comments from Orillia Food Council
Schedule “D” - Documents from Egg Farmers of Ontario
Schedule “E” - Email from Bernie Logan
Prepared by & Key Contact: Susan Votour, Planning Coordinator
Approved by: Ian Sugden, Director of Development Services
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Schedule A - Email from Ian Tulloch
Janet Nyhof
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Carol Trinier
Thursday, November 12, 2015 11:33 AM
Janet Nyhof
FW: hens in coops on orillia residents property
-----Original Message----From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2015 11:28 AM
To: MAYOR EMAIL
Subject: hens in coops on orillia residents property
dear mayor and council members ...i would like to propose an idea that is innovative and necessary in 2015. with most
food products containing chemicals, gmos, etc it is important for citizens of orillia to be allowed to provide themselves
with opportunities to feed themselves organically. we can already achieve this with growing gardens. but as in
coldwater ontario and places around orillia...we need to change the bylaws to all citizens of orillia to have hens in
contained coops within fenced in properties to provide eggs to eat. it is the new way of living and we need orillia to help
us with this need.... there are many benefits to having hens....food, eggs, and they will make the ground fertile for
growing vegetables... i am looking forward to hearing that orillia is following cold waters example ...thank you for your
time
sincerely ian tulloch (orillia resident)
Schedule B - Letter from Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
February 22, 2016
Ms. Susan Votour, Planning Coordinator
Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Adjustment
City of Orillia
50 Andrew Street South, Suite 300
Orillia, Ontario L3V 7T5
Dear Ms. Susan Votour:
Thank you for your inquiry into urban/backyard chickens.
In general, public health concerns resulting from urban chickens are similar to those hazards that are
associated with having domestic animals. According to research, the risk of pathogen transmission from
backyard chickens appears to be low and does not present a threat to the public's health and is
comparable to keeping other animals allowed by similar bylaws such as dogs and cats. Adherence to
proper hygiene (e.g. hand washing, maintaining and regularly cleaning chicken coops) will significantly
mitigate the risk of disease acquisition which are commonly found in chickens, including Salmonella.
Regular maintenance will also assist with some of the nuisance-related issues that are associated with
backyard chickens including attraction of pests (rodents, raccoons, flies to animal feces or animal feed
products) and odours (associated with animal waste). In order to prevent nuisance issues, animal
caretakers should be required to ensure proper disposal of waste (e.g. animal feces) and dead animals,
limit the number of chickens in structures, and keep structures (chicken coops) tight to avoid pest
interaction with feed and odours. The poor location of a chicken coop could potentially impact the
ground water and well heads both on and off the property depending on the physical location of the
coop and animal waste storage. It is important proper clearance distances from wells and water courses
are adhered to.
There are also a number of provincial and federal regulations regarding food safety, chickens and
chicken eggs. Some of these regulations can be found under the Health Protection and Promotion Act,
1990, and Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001. Under these regulations, producers can only use the
ungraded eggs for their personal use and sell their ungraded eggs for a consumer's own use (i.e. not a
commercial activity). The use and sale of ungraded eggs is also subject to Section 19 of the Health
Protection and Promotion Act, which allows Public Health Inspectors to seize any food that constitutes a
"health hazard". Food premises and institutions are not permitted under the legislation to have
ungraded eggs for use and/or sale. Further, all meat and poultry sold or used in food premises and
institutions in Ontario, must be inspected by a meat inspector. If urban producers wish to sell meat the
birds would be have to be slaughtered at a licensed abattoir and the producers would have to comply
with the Food Premises Regulations, 562, 1990.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit can assist with educational materials for residents to reduce
the risk of hazards associated with domestic animals including providing food safety information (e.g.
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Schedule B - Letter from Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
eggs should be cooked thoroughly to at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure they are safe to eat), hand washing
education, and information on proper disposal of wastes.
A survey of other jurisdictions in regards to backyard chickens suggests that bylaws are inconsistently
distributed in the province of Ontario. For example, in the city of Toronto, the city’s licensing and
standards committee voted to “defer indefinitely” a request to study the feasibility of allowing backyard
chickens in January of 2012. There are currently three municipalities in Simcoe County and the District
of Muskoka (Township of Severn, Town of Huntsville and Lake of Bays Township) that have bylaws
permitting urban chickens, and a few others who are currently considering such a bylaw. Mississauga
also has a bylaw restricting the practice of having chickens on residential properties as does KitchenerWaterloo. Conversely, Brampton allows a maximum of 2 chickens per residential while the city of
Kingston allows residents to keep up to six hens in their backyards. Similarly, Niagara Falls’ bylaws allow
residents to keep a maximum of 20 chickens in permitted regions while Guelph also permits residents to
keep poultry as long as they are kept within a pen.
For your convenience, I have attached some information that I have gathered in regards to the subject
matter.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
ORIGINAL Signed By:
Charles Gardner, MD, CCFP, MHSc, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health
CG:CW:cm
Public Health references
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/avflu/bacdoc/floelee.shtml
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/daio-enia/2-eng.php#jmp-lan23
www.cdc.gov/features/salmonellapoultry/
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/birdbiosecurity/
Bylaw, Regulation and Health unit references
http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/zoonotics/poultry.aspx#1
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01/25/no-legal-backyard-chickens-for-toronto-anytime-soon-ascommitte-defers-study/
http://www.bramptonguardian.com/news/cityhall/article/1329845--city-to-re-think-urban-chickenlimit-in-rural-areas
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Schedule C - Comments from Orillia Food Council
Orillia Food Council
Friday, Feb. 19, 2016
Subject: Backyard Hens
To Mayor and Council;
On behalf of the Orillia Food Council I would like to enthusiastically support the
idea of backyard hens in Orillia.
Our mission is to connect our local food communities through common policies,
strategies, objectives and goals to grow a healthy and secure local food system.
Backyard hens produce one of the most perfect protein foods available. Hens
are reasonably easy to manage and care for. We support local food initiatives
that lower the carbon footprint, provide healthy and sustainable food, and
promote healthy communities. Keeping hens is a very healthy, low cost, low
environmental impact way for local citizens to feed their families.
We recognize the importance for developing a comprehensive set of Backyard
Hens by-laws and regulations that will promote a healthy community. We have
reviewed a long list of Backyard Hens by-laws that are used by municipalities
across Canada, and made recommendations to Staff (Susan Votour).
In addition we would suggest the coordination of a public education program
and/or workshops that would work in conjunction with residents registration for
keeping backyard hens. Educating people in what is required would go a long
way to the successful implementation of the bylaws.
Thank you for your consideration
Louise Cohen
Chair
The Orillia Food Council
Schedule C - Comments from Orillia Food Council
Recommendations for Backyard Hens from Orillia Food Council
(Best Practices for Backyard Hens)
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Ban roosters
Limit # of hens (agreed/3-5 hens maximum)
One bird per 100 square metres of property (3-5 hens maximum)
Outline setback from residential buildings
Mechanism for handling community complaints
o Bylaw officers
 Enforcement (in an educational manner)
 Humane society
Chicken coops need to protect from predators – coyotes, raccoons (agreed)
Chickens need to be registered online (who will maintain this registry?/word
chickens crossed out/
resident is registered to permit chickens/registration requires courses/education
program for raising healthy hens)
Inspector can drop by anytime
Urban chicken farmers banned from slaughtering chickens (this is a small mobile
business opportunity)
(land owners vs. rental properties)
Pilot project (question as to whether this meant to eliminate program after a
designated time for a pilot project, or whether to offer a monitoring period and
then check in with data collected re. complaints, to modify bylaw rules and
regulations)
Coops must be 4.5 square metres from any dwelling
Coops must not be built onto a shared fence
Hens confined to coop between 9pm-8am (between dusk to dawn; sunset to
sunrise)
Feed must be stored securely
Manure must be composted in enclosed bin
Sale of eggs or manure prohibited
(clip wings to prevent roaming; clip wings)
Coops and runs at least 15 feet from any dwelling (reasonable)
All other animal control bylaws apply: noise, odour, animals-at-large
Fill out application to register/licence fee for coop = $10 per year (no more red
tape – voluntary registry)
Hens must be at least four months old to ensure you’re not getting a rooster
Schedule C - Comments from Orillia Food Council
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Hen coops and runs must be clean and free from odours, vermin, and
substances (question about meaning of word substances; add word noxious to
substances?)
Applicants need to let their neighbours know and have them sign a document
that they’ve been made aware (don’t agree to have neighbour sign; wouldn’t do
so with dog)
Chicken coops must be in rear yard (sidewalks & roadways?)
Dead chickens must be disposed of in 24 hours/promptly (bylaw re. disposal of
deceased hens?/how?/on weekends?)
Coops must be maintained with good animal husbandry practices
Schedule C - Comments from Orillia Food Council
Susan Votour
Subject:
FW: Letter of Support for Backyard Hens in Orillia - Personal Letter from Judy Burton
From: Orillia Food Council [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: February-19-16 5:38 PM
To: Susan Votour
Subject: Fwd: Letter of Support for Backyard Hens in Orillia - Personal Letter from Judy Burton
Susan
Please see the letter below, endorsing backyard hens.
---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Judy Burton <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, Feb 19, 2016 at 8:52 AM
Subject: Letter of Support for Backyard Hens in Orillia - Personal Letter from Judy Burton
To: [email protected]
Hello,
My name is Judy Burton and I am a farmer in Severn Township.
I am in the business of raising hens to produce eggs; I have 200 hens and a CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection
Agency) Licensed Egg Grading Station. My hens are free range and produce wonderfully delicious and
nutritious eggs.
In the last three generations in Canada, we have gone from a society where virtually everyone knew how to
raise food, including having backyard chickens, to being a society that is almost wholly dependent on others in
our own country and other countries for our food. While the Canadian food supply is highly regulated, food
supplies from some other countries is not and the food produced there is full of antibiotics and hormones, and
animals are fed byproducts from industrial endeavors.
With the trend away from raising our own food, the nutritional value of the food we eat has declined
significantly, and eggs are a specific example of this. Factory raised eggs have only a portion of the vitamin D
that free range farm eggs have, and free range farm eggs have significantly more protein and virtually no bad
cholesterol.
Hens are easy going, quiet unless responding to a threat, and produce an egg a day for most of their productive
life. They require twice a day feed and water, and routine cleaning out, but in return for that care, will provide
delicious and nutritious eggs.
It is my belief that the backyard hen program would benefit the citizens of Orillia in many ways including
providing high quality food, teaching people how to raise some of their own food, and teaching children and
adults a bit about animal husbandry.
Please accept this as my personal letter of support. Judy Burton
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Schedule D - Comments from Egg Farmers of Ontario
Daily Chores of an Urban Egg Farmer:
There has been a growing interest in raising egg -laying hens in urban environments. Properly taking
care of chickens requires a great deal of expertise. If hens are not appropriately cared for, they can pose
a significant health risk to the farmers, and those who eat the eggs.
There are several important areas of care that the average urbanite may not be familiar with that are
crucial for proper laying hen care. If you are considering having a backyard flock of your own, here is an
example of a daily chore list you should expect and consequences if these expectations are not met.
 Put out fresh feed every morning away from any moisture and other animals. A hen needs feed
that is specifically tailored to their nutritional needs, which will vary with age. They require feed
that is especially high in both protein and calcium, and absolutely cannot live on the same food
we do. If they are not given the appropriate feed, they will lay eggs to the detriment of their
own health which affects the hen, the egg quality and the egg consumer. Feed must be
purchased from a feed and farm supply store as they are the only carrier of the appropriate feed
hen’s need.
 Adjust shade and water for the heat and a heat source for the cold each day so hens are
comfortable during the day. The ideal temperature for hens is between 21⁰C and 25⁰C. If the
temperature is not adjusted each day, the hens could suffer from frost bite or heat exhaustion,
which can easily be fatal. Furthermore, predators like skunks, racoons and neighbourhood pets
will try to eat the chickens and their feed. Be prepared for these animals to come and lock up
the chickens at night to keep them safe.
 Drinking water must be cleaned, changed, and available to hens every day, at all times. Chickens
spend a lot of time by their water and feed, which increases the risk for contamination of water
with feces, dirt and bugs. Failing to provide this every day can lead to hen infections and illness.
 Be sure to collect the eggs daily, wash in cold water and rinse thoroughly. Eggs are porous and
can absorb invisible harmful bacteria if not handled properly. Because the eggs are not being
graded, it is difficult to guarantee that the egg is in fact fresh and safe to eat. Anyone providing
food that is not subject to government inspection is responsible for the quality of the food
delivered. Please see our egg quality guidelines for more information.
 Hens require vaccinations and health care. Be sure to monitor your hens daily and have access
to professional health care. A hen may appear healthy, but can be laying eggs to the detriment
of their own health if not properly cared for.
Failing to do these chores can severely affect hen health, egg quality, and consequently, human health.
Mike Petrik, DVM, Poultry Veterinarian
Schedule D - Comments from Egg Farmers of Ontario
urban egg farmer:
There has been a growing
interest in raising egg-laying
hens in urban environments.
Properly taking care of
chickens requires some
physical adaptations to a
typical backyard, a daily time
commitment to caring for your
flock, a lot of preparation, and
a great deal of expertise.
If you are considering having
a backyard flock of your own,
here is an example of a chore
list you should expect.
did you know:
• A hen excretes
approximately 2 lbs of
manure per week.
• A hen may appear
healthy, but can be
laying eggs to the
detriment of their own
health if not properly
cared for.
• Laying hens need
feed that is especially
high in protein and
calcium. The high
calcium level that a
hen needs in her diet
would be toxic to nonproducing animals
such as a cat or dog.
top ten list of chores
1Chicken feed must be purchased from a specialized supplier.
Pet food stores are not known to carry the feed hens need.
2To be comfortable, hens need shade for hot days, and a
heat source for cold days.
3Be sure to lock up the chickens at night to keep them safe
from skunks, rats, raccoons and neighbourhood pets who
will try to eat the hens and their feed.
4Failing to provide clean water every day can lead to hen
infections and illness.
5Eggs are porous and can absorb invisible harmful bacteria
if not handled properly.
6Educate yourself on the different warning signs that
indicate a hen is ill. Hens require vaccinations and health
care from a qualified veterinarian.
7 It is not appropriate to compost chicken manure due to
the high level of minerals (especially phosphorus) in the
manure, which can stop the composting process in typical
backyard composters. Develop a plan for how to dispose
of your chicken manure.
8All livestock including chickens can be carriers of diseases
which can be transmitted to humans who are in close contact
with them including children. It is important to learn how
to handle and care for hens without accidentally exposing
yourself to an animal disease such as Avian Influenza.
9Hens can live to be 7-10 years old. An older hen needs to
take a break from egg production periodically. Going out of
production is termed molting, and occurs naturally, and is
necessary for old hens to remain healthy.
10Any 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 a chance to decontaminate the area, and
break the life cycle of the bacteria and viruses.
Being an Urban Egg Farmer can be a rewarding
experience and a great source of pride. However,
failing to do these daily chores can severely
affect hen health, hen welfare, egg quality, and
consequently, human health.
Dr. Mike Petrik, DVM, Poultry Veterinarian
This information fact sheet was prepared by Dr. Mike Petrik, DVM,
on behalf of Egg Farmers of Ontario.
Schedule E – Email from Bernie Logan
From: Bernie Logan <[email protected]>
Date: Wed, Feb 10, 2016 at 9:59 PM
Subject: Backyard birds in Orillia's future?
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
To Councillor Sarah Valliquette-Thompson
I am pleased and excited to read in the Packet about Ian Tulloch’s request to the Mayor and City
Council to consider allowing the keeping of hens in city backyards.
I have recently moved to a home on Mississaga Street West with a lot large enough to house a
garden. I mentioned to my family a week ago about possibly writing to the city to inquire about
the possibility of ever being permitted to keep hens in the city as in the distant past.
I would like the opportunity to raise my own eggs for family consumption. It would be a great
idea for so many reasons, many of which Ian probably pointed out. Raising food organically, on
a small scale, education for our young people about where our food comes from, to name a few.
I have read the bylaw of Severn Township 2013-08 which is a reasonable guideline that our city
could draw from.
A well kept henhouse would be more sanitary than a backyard with dogs, and quieter than my
old Laclie Street neighbourhood.
Thank you for considering my letter!
Sincerely,
Bernie Logan
255 Mississaga Street West
Orillia L3V4N6
705-323-2542