Written for RentersGuide.ca
Urban Hens Pilot Project launches in Edmonton
Edmonton’s City Council has approved the Urban Hens Pilot Project, a project that will study the experiences of a small group of city residents keeping hens in their backyards. The initiative was proposed by the River City Chickens Collective. They’re an informal group working to see Edmonton join the ranks of other cities that permit urban hen-keeping.
“Having backyard chickens allows you to see where your food is coming from and ensures that the chickens have a positive life environment. It also enables people to engage their children in food production,” said Sherry, supporter of the project.
The project took years to be approved as some Edmonton residents had concerns regarding barnyard smells and sounds in their neighbourhood. River City Chickens published Chicken Myths Busted on their website, insisting that these city slicker chickens will not be a nuisance.
“Dogs poop. Cats poop. Responsible owners clean up the poop. Chicken poop can be disposed of as any pet poop…hens cluck, but the level of noise they make is much less than that of a barking dog.”
Early morning cock-a-doodle-dos will not be a concern as roosters are not permitted in backyard flocks, according to the Urban Hens Pilot Rules and Guidelines. Guidelines also require a minimum square footage of indoor and outdoor space per chicken and that coops are weather and predator proof.
The project is expected to run until the end of next summer 2015 with results analyzed in the fall of 2015. Supporters of the project hope it results in the legalization of urban hens in Edmonton. Those interested in participating in the Urban Hens Pilot Project should complete the application form as soon as possible as there are a limited number of pilot sites available.
– See more at: http://www.rentersguide.ca/expert-advice/city-slicker-chickens/12603/#sthash.xXAPCadr.dpuf