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# Backyard Chickens
Residents of Georgian Bluffs can now keep backyard chickens in residential neighbourhoods, thanks to a recently approved by-law. Here's a quick guide to the benefits, eligibility, and requirements for keeping chickens in your backyard.
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## Why Keep Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens offer several benefits:
* **Fresh Eggs**: Enjoy a consistent supply of fresh, organic eggs.
* **Pest Control**: Chickens eat insects, helping to reduce pests in your garden.
* **Natural Fertilizer**: Chicken manure makes an excellent fertilizer for gardens.
* **Educational Opportunities**: Great for teaching kids and adults about animal care and sustainability.
* **Community Building**: Sharing eggs and chicken-keeping tips can strengthen neighbourhood connections.
Eligibility and Requirements
* **Property Size**: Residential properties must be at least 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres) to qualify.
* **Zones**: Backyard chickens are allowed in Agricultural, Rural, Residential, and Shoreline Residential zones.
* **Hen Limit**: Up to six hens are permitted per household.
* **No Roosters**: Roosters are not allowed to prevent noise issues.
* **Personal Use Only**: Chickens and eggs are for personal use only; selling is not permitted.
* **No Home Slaughtering**: The by-law prohibits the home slaughtering of chickens.
Coop and Enclosure Specifications
* **Coop Size**: Coops can be up to 10 square metres in total floor area.
* **Distance from Dwellings**: Coops must be at least 10 metres from any neighbouring homes.
* **Space Requirements**: Each hen needs at least 0.4 square metres in the coop and 1 square metre of covered outdoor space.
* **Construction Standards**: Coops must be secure, weatherproof, and provide adequate light, ventilation, and protection from predators.
Waste Management
* **Manure Storage**: Store manure in an enclosed container, with a maximum of 0.5 cubic metres allowed.
* **Disposal**: Any unused manure should be disposed of through the municipal waste management program.
If you have a concern that someone is not keeping chickens in alignment with this by-law, or to report potential health and safety concerns related to backyard chickens, please get in touch through Contact GB or by calling 519-376-2729.
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## Resources to Help You Get Started
* Georgian Bluffs Backyard Poultry By-law
* Ontario Guide: Raising Healthy Small Flock Poultry
* Ontario Public Health: Backyard Chicken Safety Tips
* Poultry Industry Council
* Government of Canada: Bird Flu Prevention
* Report a Concern
Contact Us
**Planning Services**
177964 Grey Road 18,
Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5
Email Planning Services
Phone: 519-376-2729 ext. 908
Fax: 519-372-1620