Have you ever dreamed of that pastoral country life? Do you picture yourself hoeing rows of produce and collecting farm fresh eggs for breakfast? While rolling green fields and a herd of animals may be a pipedream in the city, did you know that keeping chickens is allowed in certain wards of Toronto?
As of March 2018, UrbanHensTO was established with a framework of requirements prepared to guide interested residents in the proper keeping and care of hens in the city. Before racing to get birds for your backyard, you need to see if your property falls within the acceptable zoning. Click here to see if you are eligible to partake in the project!
Getting started
Once you determine if you are able to partake, you must take steps to create the ideal enclosure and coop to house your hens.
Your dwelling must be a house or townhome and have a backyard and the coop should ideally be built a minimum of a metre away from all property lines. Further recommendations include a minimum of three metres away from your neighbour’s windows and doors. You can expect a city inspector to assess your compliance with guidelines.
The coop must not exceed a height of two metres, nor a living space of 100 sq ft. The structure must provide four sq ft of floor space and 10 sq ft of covered (roofed) outdoor space for each hen. The coop must have as many eight-inch-plus perches as there are hens, nest boxes, and a locking mechanism fastened at night.
Hello Hens!
After establishing your coop and enclosure, your hens may be purchased. There is a limit of four hens per dwelling, with a recommendation of at least two, considering the social nature of the bird. No roosters are permitted. To ensure your coop houses hens only, birds must be acquired after four months of age, the time when the bird’s sex may be determined.
Your birds must be registered and have access to a veterinarian educated in the care of chicks.
It is essential to note that these birds are to be kept as pets or for egg production. They are for personal enjoyment and egg consumption, with a caveat that the eggs will not be sold nor given away to those outside of the household. They are not to be raised as livestock to consume.
Ongoing Care
Hens must be properly fed a proper diet. Healthy choices include leafy greens, grains, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. It’s best to consult with your vet to see what food would best suit your backyard babies! The coop should be cleaned regularly and waste disposed of according to city guidelines.
The birds should be kept in a temperate condition, with allowances made for weather and seasonal changes. You are responsible for your hen’s health, treat them well and they will return the ‘flavour’!
*Sadly, the pilot program is set to come to a close this May of 2023. Discussions are in the works of program extension. Reach out to your MP for more info!
Buying the Farm
While this idiom usually entails an untimely demise, more and more city dwellers are looking for a property with sprawling green space, hobby or working barns, and the opportunity to grow their own food and house their own animals. If you are looking to leave the city centre and find the farm of your dreams, there are a number of properties available now in the GTA and surrounding area.
Take a look at three of our favourite active farm listings within 90 minutes of the city!
East Gwillimbury – If you’re looking for 27 acres, a cozy 3-bedroom country farmhouse, with an accompanying detached garage and attached loft, plus barn and workshop–all for under 3M, this property is worth checking out. It’s described as where meticulous rustic charm meets modern convenience and it’s all less than 60 kilometres from the downtown core. Enjoy privacy and scenic views, and plenty of space to work and play!
Caledon – If you are looking for a property right out of a fairytale, look no further than Belain Farm in Caledon. This working farm was established in the 19th century and is protected under the Ontario Farmland Trust. The 4-bedroom home is situated on 96 acres of land and features a 2-acre pond, horse stalls and paddocks, and additional structures to enjoy. For just under 6M and 70 kilometres from downtown Toronto, you too can roam the green gables where CBC’s Anne with an E was filmed.
Milton – Just listed! Almost 10 acres of property in rural Milton with quick access to neighbouring cities, close to major highways, and 50 minutes from the Toronto city centre is this property in Lower Base and Henderson Road. The open-concept 3+1 bedroom homes and accompanying inground pool, large barn, and spacious land make for a great place to live, work, and entertain. This property is listed at 8.5M with endless possibilities for personalization.
Like what you? Let us show you around and make all your pastoral dreams come true. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Danielle Demerino
ddemerino@royallepage.ca
416-728-5401
Brittany Huggins
bhuggins@royallepage.ca
647-863-7234
