Backyard Hens & Ducks

Keeping and Raising Backyard Hens/Ducks in Golden

• Step 1: Know and understand the regulations

  The Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Control bylaw outlines the standards of care for keeping backyard hens/ducks. This includes how many you can keep, the required size for your coop and enclosure, and how to maintain the health and welfare of your chickens.

  For a full list of guidelines and regulations, please refer to Bylaw No. 1510, 2026 Town of Golden Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Control.

  Key guidelines to keep in mind:

  • You may only keep a maximum of six (6) hens or ducks in your backyard.
  • You must supply an enclosure that is at least 0.92 square meters (9.9 square feet) per backyard hen/duck and is enclosed entirely on all sides and the top.
  • The enclosure may not be within five (5) meters (16.4 feet) of a neighbour’s windows or doors.
  • Coops must be at least 0.37 square meters (four square feet) of floor area per backyard hen/duck and no more than two meters (6.56 feet) in height containing at least one perch and one nest box for each hen/duck.
  • Hens/ducks must be provided with food, water, shelter, light, ventilation, Veterinary care, and opportunities for essential behaviours such as scratching, dust-bathing, and roosting.
  • Enclosures, litter, and other equipment must be kept clean and well-maintained.
  • Feed must be enclosed in an airtight container outside of the Backyard Hen Enclosure, store feed containers in a location not accessible by Wildlife or other Animals, and take steps to reduce other Wildlife attractants
  • Roosters are prohibited within municipal boundaries.

  We recommend you read and review the bylaw before proceeding with keeping backyard hens/ducks.

  Download the Backyard Hen Guide

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• Step 2: Learn how to care for backyard hens/ducks

  You are accountable for the health and welfare of your animals, and the bylaw carries with it penalties for failing to care for your backyard hens/ducks.  Educate yourself on best practices for backyard chicken keeping. 

  Backyard hens/ducks: benefits and considerations

  The BC SPCA supports raising backyard hens/ducks which can create a source of cage-free eggs while supporting local food production. Backyard hens/ducks can make great companion pets as well. If you are thinking of raising backyard hens/ducks, the BC SPCA recommends considering whether you have the knowledge, time, and resources to care for them.

  Backyard hens and ducks can attract wildlife and increase incidences of human-wildlife conflicts. The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw includes guidelines to help you manage the associated risks of wildlife and vermin attraction.

  Diseases can pass between poultry and people, so be sure to follow good hygiene practices if you decide to adopt backyard hens/ducks.

  The following links provide some helpful resources:

  • BC SPCA tips on keeping backyard hens
  • BC SPCA tips to enrich the lives of backyard hens
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency: How to Prevent and Detect Disease in Backyard Flocks and Pet Birds
• Step 3: Register your backyard hens/ducks

  There are 3 options for registering your backyard hens/ducks.

  • Complete the online registration form.
  • Download and complete a PDF copy of the registration form and email to enquiries@golden.ca 
  • Mail a completed form to: 
    Town of Golden
    810 9 Ave South, Box 350
    Golden, BC V0A 1H0

  You will receive confirmation when your registration has been received and processed.