Keeping Chickens in Canberra: Laws and Guidelines

Thinking of raising backyard chickens in Canberra? It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh eggs and live more sustainably. The good news is that keeping chickens is allowed within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), including suburban areas—provided you follow the rules designed to protect animal welfare, public health, and your neighbours’ comfort.

✅ Is It Legal to Keep Chickens in Canberra?

Yes, it’s legal to keep chickens on private residential properties in Canberra under the ACT Domestic Animals Act 2000. However, certain limits and responsibilities apply, especially in urban areas.

📋 Key Rules for Keeping Chickens in the ACT

• Number of Chickens: You can keep up to 10 chickens in a suburban backyard without requiring special approval.
• Roosters: Roosters are not allowed in residential zones due to noise concerns.
• Housing: Coops must be well-maintained, weatherproof, and provide adequate ventilation, roosting, and nesting space.
• Cleanliness: The coop must be cleaned regularly to prevent odours, flies, or rodent infestations.
• Neighbour Relations: You must ensure that your chickens don’t cause nuisance. Repeated complaints can lead to penalties or enforcement action.

🛑 What’s Not Allowed

Even though chickens are allowed, there are several restrictions:

• No roosters in suburban areas
• No selling of eggs or birds without the proper licenses or permits
• No large-scale poultry farming in residential zones

For commercial poultry or egg production, you would need to apply for appropriate business and planning permits.

🏘 Local Council Enforcement

The ACT Government handles most animal welfare and nuisance complaints. If your chickens are causing:

• Odour or hygiene problems
• Noise (especially if you secretly keep a rooster)
• Rodent infestations due to poor feed storage

then municipal officers can investigate, issue notices, and even force you to remove your flock if issues aren’t resolved.

📐 How Much Space Do You Need?

There’s no set minimum yard size in the ACT, but you need to ensure that chickens:

• Have enough room to roam, scratch, and perch
• Are housed in a coop that is clean, secure, and protected from predators
• Don’t escape your yard or impact the neighbouring properties

Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to plan how much space you need for 2, 4, or 10 hens. This handy tool helps you determine coop size, run space, and nest box requirements based on your flock.

🦠 Health & Disease Control

Chicken keepers must remain aware of biosecurity rules. Even small flocks can spread disease if not properly maintained. Here’s what’s recommended:

• Keep food and water containers clean
• Regularly disinfect coops and equipment
• Prevent contact with wild birds where possible
• Monitor for symptoms of illness (e.g., coughing, discharge, feather loss)

Although not currently mandatory for small backyard flocks, registration during outbreaks of avian flu may be requested by local authorities.

🥚 Selling Eggs or Fertilized Eggs

You are allowed to consume and share your eggs. However, selling eggs to the public or businesses requires food safety registration and compliance with ACT Health’s food handling rules.

Check with Access Canberra for up-to-date licensing requirements.

📣 Responsible Chicken Keeping Tips

• Keep hens only—avoid roosters
• Clean your coop weekly
• Provide dust baths, shade, and secure fencing
• Collect eggs daily and store feed securely
• Be respectful of neighbours by controlling odours and noise

🔚 Final Thoughts

Keeping chickens in Canberra is not only legal—it’s encouraged when done responsibly. With just a few hens, you can enjoy fresh eggs, reduce kitchen waste, and teach your family about animal care and sustainability.

Before you build your coop or buy your first hens, make sure you use the Chicken Coop Calculator. It will help you plan everything from space and shelter to feed and maintenance needs.

Backyard chicken keeping in Canberra? Absolutely! Just do it by the book—and enjoy the eggs.