A new Backyard Hens By-law has been adopted to allow and regulate the keeping of chickens (hens and pullets only, excluding roosters), on properties with single detached dwellings in the Town’s Residential zones. This by-law does not in any way change or affect the keeping of chickens in agricultural or rural zones where keeping chickens has been historically permitted as an agricultural use.
On this page:
1. Background
2. Registration
3. Required Reading and Resources
Background
The Town has adopted By-law 2026-40, known as the Backyard Hens By-law, in response to public interest in doing so as part of a movement toward sustainable living, greater self-sufficiency and healthy eating. Supporting opportunities for urban agriculture aligns with The Blue Mountains Future Story, the Town’s sustainability plan.
Prior to adopting this by-law, the Town did not allow the keeping of hens on any residential property in the Town, whether in settlement areas in Thornbury and Clarksburg, residential properties in hamlets such as Ravenna and Red Wing, or residential communities near recreational amenities such as Castle Glen and Lora Bay.
The new by-law allows the keeping of a limited number of hens on residential properties with a single detached dwelling, where there is enough space to meet the setback requirements and where the owners follow the other requirements of the by-law, including regulations to ensure public health, avoid impacting neighbours and animal welfare.
Registration
It is a requirement of By-law 2026-40 to register a small flock of hens with the Chicken Farmers of Ontario’s Family Food program, until such time as Egg Farmers of Ontario completes their own registration program for small flock and backyard hen owners.
Please Note: Purchasing hens from a local broker dealer should include registration with the Family Food program. If your hens or pullets are not registered, please enter up to 6 hens as ‘Chicken Layer’. Also note that day old chicks are not permitted, as hens must be at least four months old to be considered Backyard Hens under the by-law.
Town By-law Enforcement staff may contact Chicken Farmers of Ontario at any time to verify if a specific property has registered for the Family Food program.
Required Reading and Resources
Raising even a small number of hens can be a lot of work and responsibility, especially for new owners. Hens need daily care and can become sick or injured. Coop and run structures require regular cleaning and maintenance including regular manure management. Current and prospective hen owners may look to online resources for help, but it will be important for residents of The Blue Mountains to ensure their practices are in keeping with the requirements of By-law 2026-40.
The following resources, including three required readings outlined in By-law 2026-40, will assist backyard hen owners in understanding the responsibilities and tasks involved in taking appropriate care of their small flock of hens.
Required Reading
- By-law 2026-40 - Backyard Hens By-law
- Raise Healthy Small Flock Poultry (OMAFRA)
- Rodent Control in Livestock and Poultry Facilities (OMAFRA)
- Reducing Health Risks Associated with Backyard Chickens (Ministry of Health)
Recommended Resources
- Raising Backyard Chickens (Poultry Industry Council)
- Learning Hub (Small Flock Ontario)
- Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens (The National Farm Animal Care Council)
- with specific reference to Section 5.6 and Section 7 for information on managing sick and injured birds, including euthanasia
- Biosecurity Basics for Small Flock Owners (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)