Are Chickens Allowed in Regina, SK?
Backyard chickens have become a hot topic across Canada, as more families look for sustainable food sources and the joy of keeping hens. If you live in Regina, Saskatchewan, you may be wondering: are chickens allowed in the city? The answer is a little complicated. As of now, Regina does not officially allow residents to keep backyard hens in standard residential areas, but there has been strong community interest and council discussions about changing that. Let’s break down what this means for you.
The Current Bylaw in Regina
Regina’s Animal Bylaw (Bylaw No. 2009-44) sets the rules for owning pets and other animals. While it covers dogs, cats, and general animal welfare, it does not specifically permit residents to keep chickens in backyards. In practice, this means that backyard hens are not currently legal under city rules.
Key Points
- Chickens are not listed as permitted animals in standard residential areas.
- Roosters are especially problematic due to noise and are not considered suitable for neighborhoods.
- Without a specific change to the bylaw, keeping hens could result in bylaw enforcement and fines.
Community Push for Backyard Hens
Despite the current restrictions, Regina has seen growing interest in allowing small backyard flocks. Local advocates, such as the Queen City Chickens group, have been campaigning for change. They argue that hens provide fresh eggs, reduce food waste, and teach families about sustainability.
Proposed Changes
- A pilot project has been discussed that would allow 2–6 hens per household under strict conditions.
- Hens would be permitted, but roosters would remain banned due to noise.
- Licensing would be required, ensuring that only responsible owners keep backyard flocks.
- Coops would need to meet setback and sanitation standards to protect neighbors from odor or pest issues.
These proposals are modeled after other Canadian cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, where backyard hen programs are already in place with positive results.
Why Residents Want Chickens in Regina
Interest in backyard chickens isn’t just about fresh eggs. Families and homeowners see multiple benefits:
- Food security: Daily eggs from your own hens add healthy protein to the table.
- Sustainability: Chickens recycle food scraps, cutting down on household waste.
- Education: Children learn where food comes from and how to care for animals.
- Gardening help: Chicken manure makes excellent compost, enriching garden soil.
- Companionship: Many families find hens to be gentle, friendly pets.
What Other Cities Are Doing
To understand Regina’s debate, it helps to look at what nearby cities are already doing:
- Calgary: Runs an Urban Hen Pilot Program, allowing hens with permits and education requirements.
- Edmonton: Permits backyard hens under a licensing system, with clear rules for coop design and flock size.
- Winnipeg: Has approved backyard hens with strict regulations on care, noise, and waste management.
These programs show that backyard chickens can work well in urban settings when managed responsibly. Supporters in Regina point to these cities as successful examples to follow.
Challenges and Concerns in Regina
Not everyone supports chickens in the city. Common concerns include:
- Noise: While hens are fairly quiet, roosters can be disruptive. Proposed bylaws in Regina exclude roosters for this reason.
- Odor: Poorly managed coops can create smell issues. Strict sanitation rules would be necessary.
- Pests: Feed and manure must be stored properly to avoid attracting rodents.
- Health: Concerns about diseases like salmonella can be addressed with good hygiene and coop care.
What to Do If You Want Chickens in Regina
For now, backyard hens are not allowed under Regina’s current bylaws. However, if you’re interested, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay informed: Watch City Council updates on the backyard hen debate and proposed pilot programs.
- Get involved: Join local groups like Queen City Chickens or participate in public consultations.
- Prepare in advance: Learn about coop designs, hen care, and neighbor-friendly practices so you’re ready when rules change.
- Talk to neighbors: Building support in your community makes it easier for council to approve changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chickens legal in Regina right now?
No. At this time, backyard chickens are not permitted under the city’s animal bylaw in most residential zones.
Can I keep roosters in Regina?
No. Even under proposed changes, roosters would remain banned due to noise concerns.
How many chickens could I keep if the rules change?
Proposals suggest between 2–6 hens per household, but the final number will depend on what City Council approves.
Do other Canadian cities allow chickens?
Yes. Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg all allow backyard hens under structured licensing programs. Regina may follow their lead.
What should I do if I want hens in the future?
Follow city updates, join local advocacy groups, and start planning for a legal coop that meets health and sanitation standards.
Conclusion
As of now, backyard chickens are not allowed in Regina. However, community pressure and City Council discussions suggest that this may change soon. If a pilot program is approved, residents could be able to keep a small number of hens under strict rules. For anyone interested in food security, sustainability, and fresh eggs, the movement toward backyard chickens in Regina is an exciting development to watch. With responsible practices and clear bylaws, hens could become part of Regina’s neighborhoods in the near future.
Special Resource for Chicken Enthusiasts
If you’re preparing for the day when backyard chickens are officially allowed in Regina, consider Backyard Eggs: The #1 Guide in the US. This resource includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for coop building
- Noise and odor control strategies
- Beginner-friendly care routines
- Feeding, health, and predator protection tips
Get Backyard Eggs Now and be ready for when Regina approves backyard hens
