Backyard Chickens

The City of Brantford executed a campaign from January 12 through to the 26, 2022 to engage the public on the keeping of backyard chickens (hens and roosters). 568 responses to the survey were received. 33 respondents indicated they had chickens/roosters on their property. Over half of the respondents (54%) indicated their support for keeping roosters in a backyard and cited reasons such as roosters are no more of a nuisance than dogs, and roosters help to protect the hens. 38.4% of respondents indicated they do not support keeping roosters for reasons such a noise, noise early in the morning, and that roosters can be aggressive.

When asked what concerned them about the keeping of chickens and or roosters in the City of Brantford urban boundary, 340 respondents indicated they had no concerns, while 154 and 149 respondents cited noise and smell respectively as concerns, followed by sanitary concerns (128), may attract predatory wildlife (126), and may attract rodents (123).

212 respondents definitely agree that the City should inspect all properties wishing to keep backyard chickens and 185 respondents definitely agree that backyard chickens should require a permit from the City. A large amount of survey respondents definitely disagree that the City should charge a fee in connection with the inspection.

When asked how many chickens per property would be an appropriate limit, the responses were as follows:

• Up to 6 chickens = 55.5%
• Up to 4 chickens = 24.8%
• Up to 2 chickens = 19.7%

The keeping of backyard chickens (hens and roosters) is currently permitted in Brantford under Chapter 206 of the City's Municipal Code provided the resident is a registered member in good standing of the Brant County Pigeon, Poultry, and Pet Stock Association or any other organization that may be approved by the City and the chickens are being raised for exhibition at a bona fide agricultural exposition.

Learn more about Animal Control Services in the City of Brantford.