Are Chickens Allowed in Saskatoon?
No — as of now, backyard chickens (hens or poultry) are not permitted in Saskatoon under the city’s animal control bylaws and “Good Neighbour Guide.” The laws classify chickens among Galliformes, which are listed under “prohibited animals” in residential areas. Below is a detailed explanation of what is currently allowed, what people are trying to change, and what you should do if you’re interested in raising hens.
What the Current Bylaws Say
- “Livestock” and “poultry” (including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and similar animals) are prohibited in residential (urban) areas of Saskatoon.
- The city’s Animal Control Bylaw includes chickens as Galliformes under the list of animals not allowed within city limits.
- The official guides to residents, like the “Good Neighbour Guide,” explicitly state that backyard chickens/coops are not permitted and encourage reporting violations.
Proposed Changes & Community Interest
While current law prohibits chickens, there’s active community interest in changing that. Groups have submitted proposals, and pilot project ideas have come up. But none of those changes have become law yet.
- A proposal for an “Urban Hen Pilot Project” was drafted, suggesting 3-5 hens per household, no roosters, and specific coop/run size and placement rules.
- Groups like “Bridge City Chickens” and “Queen City Chickens” are advocating for changes to the bylaws to allow small backyard flocks under strict conditions.
- Despite these proposals, as of now the city council has not adopted any law or bylaw that allows backyard chickens.
What Would Be Required If Chickens Were Allowed in the Future
If Saskatoon changes its bylaws, here are common conditions proposed by community groups and pilot guidelines that are likely to show up. These help make sure chickens are kept responsibly and don’t cause nuisances.
- Limit of hens per household (e.g. 3-5 hens), with **no roosters** allowed.
- Coop and run located in the backyard, fully enclosed, and fenced.
- Setbacks from neighboring houses and windows to reduce noise and odor impact.
- Cleanliness standards: regular removal of manure and bedding, secure feed storage, proper predator protection.
- No on-site slaughter; waste disposal handled responsibly.
- A licensing or registration system to enable tracking and ensure accountability.
Advantages & Concerns People Mention
Here’s what residents often cite as potential benefits, along with possible challenges.
- Potential benefits:
- Fresh eggs from your own flock.
- Reduced food waste (scraps can feed hens).
- Composting of chicken manure for gardens.
- Educational experience and satisfaction from caring for animals.
- Challenges:
- Concerns about noise, smell, pests affecting neighbours.
- Winter and climate challenges in Saskatoon (cold winters, snow) for chicken care.
- Possible complaints and bylaw enforcement if animals are not kept responsibly.
- Zoning, housing density, and lot size restrictions may make compliance difficult.
What You Can Do If You Want Backyard Chickens in Saskatoon
- Watch City Council and Planning Department meetings to see if the pilot project or bylaw amendment gets introduced or passed.
- Get involved with local groups advocating for hens — this helps build public support and raise awareness.
- Prepare a coop design that meets high standards of cleanliness, predator protection, setbacks, and humane care, in case rules change.
- Talk with neighbourhood associations and neighbours to get input and reduce concerns ahead of proposing changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal right now to have backyard hens in Saskatoon?
No. The current bylaws prohibit poultry and chickencoops in city residential areas.
Can I get a special permit?
Not under the current law. There is no permit or license pathway for backyard chickens at this time.
What about keeping chickens just as pets?
Even if they are pets, the bylaws classify chickens as prohibited animals (Galliformes) in residential zones.
Are roosters allowed?
No. Roosters are similarly prohibited under the classification of prohibited poultry/livestock in residential areas.
Conclusion
Saskatoon does not currently allow chickens in city limits for residential properties. While there is community interest and proposed pilot projects, those have not yet changed the law. If you live in Saskatoon and want to raise hens, you will need to wait for bylaw changes, advocate with local groups, and be prepared with a good plan that meets strong animal welfare, sanitation, and neighborhood impact standards — so you’re ready when (or if) rules change.
Special Resource
If you are planning ahead, Backyard Eggs: The #1 Guide in the US can help you prepare. It includes:
- Step-by-step coop building plans
- Noise and odor control strategies
- Care routines for hens in colder climates
- Feeding, health, and predator protection guidance
Get Backyard Eggs Now and be ready for when Saskatoon allows backyard hens