Toronto Chickens

There is finally a feeling of optimism among chicken-keepers and chicken-supporters on the issue of legalizing backyard hens in the City of Toronto. It is important to understand how the process of changing a bylaw works, and thus the chart. Right now the chicken file is in the Policy Development phase. The next step is… Continue reading Update on Toronto Chicken Law

So, I contacted each of the candidates and asked whether or not they support the responsible keeping of backyard chickens in Toronto. Winner: Joe Pantalone – He responded clearly supporting backyard chickens, “with certain reasonable conditions and restrictions.” It is interesting to note that he also received top grades from the Toronto Environmental Alliance’s survey.… Continue reading Toronto Mayoral Race

Since I’ve become a chicken-keeper 4 years ago, I’ve acquired only ‘point-of-lay’ hens. These hens are about 6 months old and are just about ready to lay eggs. Some have been more people-friendly than others, but they do tend to be rather skittish. I now have the opportunity to get ‘day-old’ chicks. Since we will… Continue reading Who wants chicks?

The City of Toronto Municipal Code has a schedule of prohibited animals. In the mammal section, we see the following: Galliformes (such as pheasants, grouse, guineafowls, turkeys). While chickens are not specifically mentioned, they fall under the “Galliforme” category. Pigeons, however, not being Galliformes, are allowed. Where are we in the process right now? The… Continue reading Changing the Law

There is much to be learned from the way farmers manage their livestock pasture. This is my mini-version of the same concept in my backyard pasture. First I allowed the chickens to consume 100% of the grass, weeds and bugs in the top right corner. What is great about this approach is that the entire… Continue reading Working the Land

Raising Backyard Chickens A pet that gives eggs! Learn the basics of raising a chicken in your yard. Thursday, April 8th, 6:30-8:30pm The Green Barn: 601 Christie St. Barn #4 This is our second workshop this year – back by popular demand!

On Friday, I attended a workshop hosted by Toronto Public Health on food strategy issues for the city of Toronto. There was a plethora of wonderful ideas brought forth, which would make Toronto a better city for all. Better quality food, better use of urban space, better accessibility of quality food. I was there to… Continue reading Food Connections, Toronto’s Food System of the Future

This past Sunday we had the opportunity to talk to both supporters and future chicken-keepers in Toronto.  It was delightful to talk to so many people in favour of legalizing backyard hens. It was also interesting to learn that there are many illegals out there living in harmony with their chickens and neighbours. Thank you… Continue reading Seedy Saturday on Sunday

Raising Backyard Chickens A pet that gives eggs! Learn the basics of raising a chicken in your yard. Thursday, Feb. 4th, 6:30-8:30pm The Green Barn: 601 Christie St. Barn #4

Soooo cold lately. But, the chooks are comfortable. This is my 3rd winter, and I’ve got the winterizing process down pat now. During the first winter, in 2007, I was quite concerned that the girls would get frost-bitten. At first I closed the coop each night to keep in the warmth, but before long I… Continue reading The Eglu becomes an Igloo (Winter-Care)