I’ve been advised that consideration of the backyard hen bylaw change has been deferred until after the Olympics. So, we do not need to attend at City Hall this Thursday, February 4, 2010. I’ll let you know when the matter has been rescheduled.
Regards,
Dane
We’ve been advised that Vancouver City Council is looking at placing the proposed bylaw change allowing the keeping of backyard hens on the agenda of its February 4, 2010 meeting. Given that approval is not considered a slam dunk, supporters are being urged to attend the meeting and speak in support of the proposed bylaw amendment. If approved, it is expected that we’d receive the green light to bring hens into the City subject, of course, to the restrictions set out in the proposed bylaw.
Another Backyard Chicken - photo by Jenn Pentland
We’re getting close folks! The City of Vancouver has just released the draft guidelines for keeping backyard chickens. Now they are looking for your input.
Here’s what the city has to say:
Chicken in coop @ Both Feet on Main Street. Photo by Dan Toulgoet (Vancouver Courier)
Of course we think so, and so does the Vancouver Courier. Writer Sandra Thomas freely admits that she was initially skeptical about the idea, but the tone in her recent cover story in the community newspaper suggests that she may have changed her tune. Here’s the article:
“I hear that sometimes an egg can get stuck. What do you do then?”
You could have heard a pin drop when a woman attending a June screening of the documentary Mad City Chickens at Langara College asks that question following the film. But unfazed animal scientist Heather Havens, who is often referred to as the “Chicken Lady,” answers without blinking an eye.
Zilla @ Home
Here we go everyone! In preparation for a modified bylaw that will allow Vancouver residents to keep backyard birds, we finally have our first urban chicken workshop taking place in Vancouver. Sign up to learn what it takes to responsibly care for chickens on a small scale. Including information on housing, feed, disease control, pest and predator deterrents, and generally how to prepare for the commitment and joys of raising chickens.
Brought to you by FarmFolk/CityFolk and the Environmental Youth Alliance, and facilitated by ag and animal scientist, Heather Havens. (That’s her girl, Zilla, above.)
When: Sunday, July 19th from 10-12
Where: Strathcona Garden on the SW corner of Hawks and Prior, just WEST of Strathcona Park.
Details: The workshop is by donation ($25 recommended) and seats are limited. RSVP to jwnield@ffcf.bc.ca
Backyard Chickens 101 workshop with Heather Havens
Monday, June 22nd, 7:30-9:30 pm
By donation
Langara College Summer School on Building Community June 16th-27th (full programme info at www.villagevancouver.ca or www.langara.bc.ca)
100 West 49th Ave, Vancouver
Learn about the proper care and keeping of small urban flocks of hens. This interactive session will help participants discover the ease of caring for small flocks and allay fears and animosity about backyard hens.
Heather Havens is an agricultural and animal scientist. In January, 2008, she legally imported her hens to Canada and has since worked with others to help the Vancouver City Council change the backyard chicken bylaw. Heather taught the first local back yard chicken keeping workshop in Richmond in February.
Co-sponsored by Village Vancouver and Langara College Continuing Studies.
Register: 604.323.5322 (Course reg. no. 60785)
Further info: Leslie Kemp 604.323.5981 or lkemp@langara.bc.ca
Mad City Chickens: Coming to a Backyard Near You! screening and discussion with Heather Havens
Thursday, June 18th, 7:30-9:30 pm
By donation
Langara College Summer School on Building Community June 16th-27th (full programme info at www.villagevancouver.ca or www.langara.bc.ca)
100 West 49th Ave, Vancouver
I think you’ve probably all heard of the film Mad City Chickens, (and know Heather) but just in case…
Mad City Chickens (79 min) is a sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical look at the people who keep urban chickens in their backyards. From chicken experts and authors to a rescued landfill hen or an inexperienced family that decides to take the poultry plunge — and even a mad scientist and giant hen taking to the streets – it’s a humourous and heartfelt trip[ through the world of backyard chickendom.
Following the film, Heather Havens will lead a discussion. Heather is an agricultural and animal scientist. In 2008, she legally inported her hens to Canada and has since worked with others to help the Vancouver City Council change the backyard chicken bylaw. Heather taught the first local backyard chicken keeping workshop in Richmond in February.
Co-sponsored by Village Vancouver and Langara College Continuing Studies.
Register: 604.323.5322 Course reg. no.: 60784
Further info: Leslie Kemp 604.323.5981 or lkemp@langara.bc.ca.
Hey there,
Im having a hard time finding oyster shells. Maybe Im just looking in the wrong places, but can I feed my chickens my own calcium pills?
Photo of Les Booth by Dan Toulgoet in Vancouver Courier
While I haven’t had a chance to check out the size, strength and security of these coops, it’s great to see urban chickens hatching businesses in Vancouver.
From the June 5, 2009 edition of the Vancouver Courier.
Businesses prepare for backyard chicken boom
by Sandra ThomasMain Street is no longer simply a haven of funky restaurants and showcase for fashion designers. It’s now becoming the go-to neighbourhood for backyard chicken supplies.
Backyard poultry farmers stop on the way home from the office to order a bag of chicken feed from Tisol Pet Supply near Main and West 12th Avenue. And they can also purchase chicken coops at Both Feet on Main Street shoe repair at 4410 Main St.
