There can be no open feed on site. Feed must be in a dry, wildlife-resistant container. Storage of more than 180 L of manure is not permitted. There can be no slaughter on site.

Deceased hens are not acceptable in curbside garbage or organic pickup. They must be taken to the landfill for disposal.

In order to have healthy hens, you must provide a minimum 0.5 m² per hen inside the coop, and a minimum 1 m² per hen outside the coop. Both areas must be fully enclosed and covered. Each hen must have its own nesting box and roost. This provides the hens with humane living space.

You can protect your hens from predators and wildlife by ensuring good sight lines between your coop and your house, a well-built coop, and a sturdy fence.

The coop must be:

• no bigger than 10m² in total (including the inside and outside space)
• in the backyard
• a minimum of 1 m from property lines
• a minimum of 3 m from any doors or windows of dwellings
• no taller than 2 m from average grade

1. Learn About Hens - Research the needs, lives, and care of hens and eggs. Do as much research as you can!

2. Understand Regulations - Review the City of Kamloops information, including this web page and Animal Control Bylaw.

3. Build Your Coop - To have healthy hens you must have at least 0.5 m² per hen inside the coop, and a minimum 1 m² per hen outside the coop with both areas fully enclosed and covered; each hen must have their own nesting box and roost. The coop must be no bigger than 10 m² and must be in the backyard. Setbacks for the coop in the backyard are 1 m from the side and rear property lines and 3 m from the dwelling unit. See bylaw for specific details. 

4. Register With The City - Self-registration is required and free of charge. Ensure your coop and property are ready for inspection before you complete the online Registration Form.

5. Gather Supplies - Buy your feed, dishes for feed and water, pine shavings for the coop floor, and straw for the nest boxes.

6. Get Hens - Buy hens from a reputable dealer or have a friend gift them to you. (2-5 hens older than 3 months, no roosters)

7. Harvest Eggs - Urban hens are for the enjoyment of the person or family living on the premises. No one is allowed to sell eggs, meat, or manure.

8. Care for Them - Hens need attention and care including fresh water, healthy food, and a clean and well-maintained coop that is free from manure, smells, and pests.

9. Keep Feed Secure & Locked - Feed can attract pests so be sure to keep all feed in closed containers that are wildlife-resistant and dry. See WildsafeBC for more information.

10. Protect Hens From Pests & Predators - Predators such as bears, raptors, and cougars must be kept away from your hens; you may want to consider electric fencing to reduce attracting predators. See WildsafeBC for information and tips.

11. Properly Dispose of Deceased Hens - The average life span of a chicken is around eight years but can range from four to eleven years. Deceased hens are not acceptable in curbside garbage or organic pickup. They must be taken to the landfill for disposal. If you wish to get rid of live hens, contact local farmers and suppliers.

For educational inquiries, please contact foodsecurity@kamloops.ca or 250-828-3850.

For animal control issues and inquiries, please contact communityservices@kamloops.ca or 250-828-3409.

• City of Vancouver - Basic Hen Care (printable)
• How to prevent and detect disease in backyard flocks and pet birds
• Do you want to raise backyard hens?