Are Chickens Allowed in Toronto?
No, not generally. Chickens are only permitted in limited circumstances within Toronto. The city once ran a program called UrbanHensTO, which allowed certain households to keep hens, but that program has since been paused. At present, only those who were previously registered under the pilot can legally keep hens, and no new registrations are being accepted.
Background: The UrbanHensTO Pilot Program
- Launched in 2018, the program permitted select Toronto households to keep up to four hens for personal egg production or as pets.
- Roosters were prohibited because of noise concerns.
- Only residential properties with sufficient outdoor space could participate—condos, apartments, and properties without yards were not eligible.
- Participants had to register, agree to inspections, and maintain proper standards of coop design, sanitation, and hen welfare.
Why the Program Was Paused
- In May 2023, Toronto City Council voted to pause the program.
- No new registrations are accepted, and new participants cannot join.
- Existing participants can keep their hens until the birds’ natural end of life, as long as they comply with the original rules.
- The pause was influenced by public health concerns, particularly avian influenza, and the administrative costs of inspections and enforcement.
Rules for Participants Who Still Have Hens
- Maximum of four hens per household.
- No roosters permitted.
- Hens could only be kept for personal use—no commercial egg sales.
- Coops had to be fully enclosed, predator-proof, weather-resistant, and located in the backyard with proper setbacks from property lines.
- Feed had to be stored securely, and waste had to be managed to avoid odor and pests.
Current Situation
- The UrbanHensTO program is paused indefinitely as of 2023.
- Existing registered owners may continue caring for their hens under the old program rules.
- No new residents can register or legally acquire hens for backyard use.
- City staff may revisit the issue in the future, but no permanent by-law change has yet been adopted to legalize backyard hens across Toronto.
What This Means for Toronto Residents
If you’re interested in backyard chickens today, here’s what to keep in mind:
- If you were part of the pilot: You may continue keeping your hens under the same program terms.
- If you were not part of the pilot: You cannot legally start keeping chickens in Toronto right now.
- Future changes are possible: City Council may revisit the issue, but until then, chickens remain restricted.
Pros and Cons Highlighted by the Pilot
- Pros:
- Fresh, home-produced eggs.
- Educational opportunities for families.
- Community interest and positive experiences among many participants.
- Potential environmental benefits, such as composting manure and reducing food waste.
- Cons:
- Concerns about avian influenza and other poultry diseases.
- Noise, odor, and pest issues if coops are not properly maintained.
- Costs of building compliant coops and maintaining hens.
- Administrative burden on the city for inspections and oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start raising chickens in Toronto now?
No. Only participants already registered under the UrbanHensTO program may keep hens. No new registrations are allowed.
Are roosters allowed?
No. Roosters are not allowed under any circumstances due to noise concerns.
How many hens can participants keep?
Up to four hens per household under the pilot rules.
Will Toronto allow chickens again in the future?
Possibly. City Council has not ruled out revisiting the policy, but for now, no changes have been made to allow backyard hens citywide.
Conclusion
At present, Toronto does not generally allow backyard chickens. The UrbanHensTO pilot program, which permitted a limited number of hens in select households, has been paused since 2023. Only previously registered participants may continue caring for their hens, and no new households can join. For most Toronto residents, this means chickens are not allowed until City Council decides on a permanent by-law change.