Backyard Chicken Keeping Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Backyard Hens

Backyard chickens are becoming more popular, even in urban areas! Fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a deeper connection with your food—what’s not to love? I love my flock of backyard chickens but before you bring home your first hens, there’s a lot to consider. 

From city regulations to coop setup, feed choices, and seasonal care, urban chicken keeping comes with unique challenges.

I live in Northern British Columbia, in a small, remote town.  The unique challenges for me may not be the same for you.  If you keep chickens in an area that is remote, has cold winters and lots of snow, and you have only a backyard and not acreage, these tips are for you.

In this backyard chicken keeping guide, I will walk you through my must-knows tips before getting started, ensuring your flock thrives while staying neighbor-friendly.

Are Chickens Legal in Your City?

Before you start picking out your first flock, the most important step is checking your local bylaws. Many cities allow backyard chickens, but regulations vary widely. Some places have strict rules about how many chickens you can have, while others prohibit them entirely.

In my area, the amount of chickens you can have will depend on the size of your property.  There are also regulations about how close a coop can be to a fence line (and you must have a fully fenced yard) and no roosters allowed. We also had to have our coop inspected before we could bring our hens home.  The bylaw officers wanted to make sure the coop met regulations and ensured that the feed and other attractants were properly stored.  We live in bear country – making sure things that would tempt bears are kept secure is a priority for safety.

Checking your local zoning bylaws is the first place to start.

How to Check Local Ordinances and Zoning Laws

• Start by visiting your city or county government website and searching for terms like “backyard chickens,” “urban livestock,” or “poultry ordinances.”
• Call your local municipal office or zoning department—they can clarify any confusing legal language.
• Look for online forums, Facebook groups, or local homesteading communities where other chicken keepers share their experiences.

Common Restrictions to Look For

Even if your city allows backyard chickens, there may be specific rules you need to follow:

• Flock size limits – Many urban areas allow between 3 to 6 hens, but larger flocks may require special permits.
• Rooster bans – Roosters are often not allowed in city limits due to noise complaints.
• Setback requirements – Coops often need to be a certain distance from property lines, homes, or neighbors’ yards.
• Permit requirements – Some cities require an application, annual fees, or an inspection before you can start keeping chickens.
• Waste management rules – You may be required to properly dispose of manure or control odor to prevent neighbor complaints.

HOA and Landlord Considerations

Even if your city allows chickens, your Homeowners’ Association (HOA) or landlord might not.

• Check HOA bylaws—some neighborhoods have strict bans on livestock.
• If you rent, get permission from your landlord before bringing home chickens.
• Consider portable coops if you’re in a temporary living situation.

We do not have HOA’s where I live so I am not super familiar with the process of dealing with an HOA.  But it is something that I came across when researching for my own backyard flock.

What Happens If You Violate Local Laws?

Keeping chickens illegally can come with serious consequences:

• Fines – Some cities impose hefty fines for violating poultry laws.
• Coop Removal Orders – If you’re caught with unapproved chickens, you may be forced to rehome your flock.
• Legal Disputes with Neighbors – A single complaint can trigger inspections, legal action, or even changes to local ordinances.

Final Tip: Advocate for Backyard Chickens

If chickens aren’t allowed in your area, don’t give up! Many cities have successfully changed their laws due to local advocacy.

• Gather support from neighbors and urban farming groups.
• Present research on the benefits of backyard chickens, including sustainability, pest control, and food security.
• Attend city council meetings and propose reasonable, community-friendly regulations.

My town recently amended their bylaws to increase the number of hens allowed and also implemented regulations for backyard duck keeping.  I do not have any ducks, but now people can!  All because one person wrote a letter to council and started the discussion.

Choosing the Right Chicken Breed

Not all chickens are created equal—especially when it comes to raising them in a backyard. Some breeds are quieter, friendlier, and more adaptable to small spaces, while others may be too noisy, flighty, or high-maintenance for city life.

Some breeds also produce beautiful egg colours – which might be important for you for your flock.

Choosing the right breed can make all the difference in keeping a happy, healthy flock while maintaining good relations with your neighbors.

Best Chicken Breeds for Small Backyards

If you have limited space, look for compact, docile breeds that thrive in confined areas. These breeds are known for their adaptability to urban settings:
Silkies – Small, fluffy, and incredibly gentle—great for beginners and families.
Orpingtons – Friendly, quiet, and excellent egg layers.
Australorps – Calm temperament, hardy, and highly productive egg layers.
Plymouth Rocks – Social and easy to handle, with good egg production.
Sussex – Curious, cold-hardy, and great foragers, even in small spaces.

From this list, we currently have an orpington and a speckled sussex.  In the past, I have had a silkie and plymouth rocks.

Quietest Chicken Breeds to Keep the Peace

One of the biggest concerns in urban chicken keeping is noise—especially early-morning squawking! While no chicken is completely silent, these breeds are known for being quieter than most:
Cochins – Fluffy, friendly, and known for their soft clucking.
Brahmas – Large but incredibly docile and quiet.
Wyandottes – Mild-mannered and less vocal than other breeds.
Faverolles – Sociable and gentle with a soft voice.

We do not have any of these breeds of chicken, but we also have never had a complaint from our neighbors about the noise.  Honestly, the ravens and crows in our neighborhood are WAY louder than our chickens ever will be.

Cold-Hardy vs. Heat-Tolerant Breeds for Different Climates

Your local climate should also influence your breed selection. Some chickens handle extreme temperatures better than others.

This was extremely important for us to consider as winters can frequently get down to -45 degrees celsius and our average snowfall is around 8 feet.

🌨 Best Cold-Hardy Breeds (for snowy or freezing winters):

• Australorps – Thick feathering and great in cold climates.
• Orpingtons – Large, fluffy birds that tolerate winter well.
• Brahmas – Exceptionally cold-hardy, even in freezing temperatures.

🔥 Best Heat-Tolerant Breeds (for hot, humid summers):

• Leghorns – Sleek bodies and large combs help them stay cool.
• Easter Eggers – Hardy and adaptable to warm climates.
• Minorcas – Mediterranean breed that thrives in hot weather.

We also have a specialized breed of chicken that is a mix of easter egger with other cold tolerant breeds.  It is a breed that is bred by a local farmer in our area so not available in other places.  It may be worth contacting local farmers in your area and seeing what kinds of chickens they are raising.  Ours are bred to have smaller combs (helps prevent frostbite) and are more tolerant to our climate than other birds.

Egg Production and Temperament Considerations

Do you want a steady supply of fresh eggs? Some breeds lay almost daily, while others are more seasonal layers.

Best Egg Layers:

• Australorps – Can lay up to 250+ eggs per year.
• Golden Comets – Hybrid breed that lays 300+ eggs annually!
• Rhode Island Reds – Hardy and prolific egg producers.

Best for Friendly, Easy Handling:

• Silkies – Love human interaction, great for kids.
• Orpingtons – One of the sweetest, most affectionate breeds.
• Plymouth Rocks – Social and great for beginner chicken keepers.

Another thing to consider with egg production is colour.  A colourful basket of eggs brings me joy.  We have green eggs, blue eggs, beige eggs, brown eggs, and even eggs that look almost pink!  Funny enough, we do not have any white eggs!  

Setting Up a Coop and Run in an Urban Space

A well-designed coop and run are essential for keeping happy, healthy chickens in a city environment. Since space is often limited in urban backyards, you’ll need to maximize functionality, security, and cleanliness while keeping neighbors in mind.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Coop

Before you build or buy a coop, consider:

• Zoning and Setback Rules – Many cities require coops to be a certain distance from property lines or neighbors’ homes. Check your local regulations first.
• Sun and Shade Balance – Position the coop where it gets morning sunlight but has shade in the afternoon to prevent overheating.
• Drainage and Ground Conditions – Avoid low-lying areas that get muddy; good drainage prevents odor and bacteria buildup.
• Protection from Wind – A sheltered area or windbreak (like a fence) helps protect your flock from harsh weather.
• Winter Conditions – Choose a location that is accessible even in the winter.

We chose to put our coop fairly close to our house on the “food forest” side of the yard (the other side is dedicated to play space for the kids and dogs).  We wanted to make it close to the house for ease of running electrical out to the coop and to make it easier to maintain the coop in the winter months.

Backyard Coop Size and Design Considerations

Since backyard space is limited, efficiency is key when designing a coop and run.

Minimum Coop Space:

• 2-4 sq. ft. per hen inside the coop (more is better).
• 8-10 sq. ft. per hen in the outdoor run.

Features of a Well-Designed Backyard Coop and Run:

• Ventilation: Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup and respiratory issues.
• Predator-Proofing: Secure latches and 1/4-inch hardware cloth keep out raccoons, rats, and hawks.
• Easy Cleaning Access: A large door makes cleaning easier in a tight urban space.
• Deep Litter Method: Making a coop suitable for deep litter will help keep hens warm in winter.
• Nest Boxes: 1 box per 3-4 hens, lined with soft bedding for comfortable egg-laying.
• Perches/Roosts: Chickens need 8-12 inches of roosting space per bird.
• Winterizing: A solid, clear, roof keeps rain and snow out of the coop and run.  Solid walls below average snowline keeps snow out of run.

Our coop and run were made with our winters in mind.  Our coop is raised off the ground – this allows for a warm space under the coop. Our run has a solid roof made of clear plastic to let sunlight in but keep rain and snow out.  We also have plywood walls that can be added around the entire length of the run which protects our hens from the winter winds and snowy conditions.  Chickens can handle snow, but our backyard currently has 4 feet deep of snow.

Creating a Safe and Functional Chicken Run

Since urban chickens may not have free-range access, a well-enclosed run is essential.

Run Design Essentials:
✔ Roof or Netting Cover – Protects against hawks, owls, and climbing predators.
✔ Buried Wire or Pavers – Stops rats, raccoons, and dogs from digging under the fence.
✔ Dust Bath Area – A shallow box with sand, dirt, and wood ash keeps chickens parasite-free.
✔ Weather Protection – Tarps or solid panels provide shade and rain protection.

Managing Noise and Odor in a City Setting

Keeping the coop clean and reducing noise will help maintain good relationships with neighbors.

Tips for Reducing Odor:

• Use Deep Litter Method – A thick bedding layer (pine shavings or straw) absorbs droppings and controls smell.
• Regular Coop Cleaning – If you are not doing the deep litter method, scoop poop every few days and replace bedding as needed.
• Compost Chicken Manure – A compost bin keeps waste from piling up and creates nutrient-rich fertilizer!

Minimizing Chicken Noise:

• Choose Quiet Breeds (Silkies, Orpingtons, Cochins).
• Avoid Roosters (hens are much quieter).
• Keep Chickens Well-Fed and Happy – Bored or hungry hens are more likely to squawk. Happy chickens can make a purring sound – which is delightful!

One noise you may not be able to avoid is the egg song.  I have 3 ladies that love to announce to the world when they are laying eggs.  Their egg song doesn’t last long but it sure can be loud.  This is the only time my neighbours ever hear our chickens.

Feeding and Caring for Backyard Chickens

Keeping chickens in an urban environment means ensuring they get the proper nutrition, healthcare, and daily care—especially when space and resources are limited. A balanced diet, clean water, and a consistent care routine will keep your backyard flock healthy, productive, and happy.

What to Feed Your Backyard Chickens

A nutritious diet is essential for egg production, feather health, and overall well-being.

If you live rural, like me, make sure you have enough food to last.  Our small town recently got a feed store but, before that, it was a 2 hour trip into the next town to be able to buy supplies for our chickens.  We would stock up on 4-6 bags of feed at a time, lots of bedding, and any other supplies we might need.

In the winter, we would buy enough supplies to last us 6 months because winter driving up here can be troublesome and not worth the risk.  Prepare ahead if you have similar circumstances.

Essential Chicken Feed Options:
–Layer Feed (Pellets or Crumbles) – The staple diet for laying hens, containing balanced nutrients and calcium for strong eggshells.
–Grains & Scratch – A mix of corn, wheat, and barley can be used as an occasional treat, but not a primary food source.
–Kitchen Scraps (In Moderation) – Safe scraps include fruits, vegetables, cooked rice, and grains. Avoid processed or salty foods.
–Calcium Supplements – Crushed oyster shells or eggshells help keep eggshells strong.
–Treats – Our hens love bugs.  If your run is on the smaller side or if they cannot freerange and forest for bugs, consider buying them bug treats.  There are a few different ones you can buy depending on where you live.

Foods to Avoid:
❌ Raw potatoes and green potato skins (contain solanine, which is toxic).
❌ Avocado pits and skins (contain persin, which is toxic to chickens).
❌ Chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol (harmful to their digestive system).
❌ Moldy or spoiled food (can cause serious illness).

Providing Clean and Fresh Water

Chickens need constant access to fresh, clean water, especially in warm urban settings where heat stress can be a concern.

Best Watering Practices:
✔ Use a hanging waterer or a nipple system to prevent contamination.
✔ In winter, use a heated waterer to prevent freezing.
✔ Clean and refill waterers frequently to prevent bacteria buildup.

Keeping Chickens Entertained in a Small Space

Bored chickens can become noisy, stressed, or start bad habits like feather pecking. Enrichment keeps them happy and reduces stress in small backyards.

Fun Enrichment Ideas:

• Hanging Treats – Suspend a cabbage or lettuce head for them to peck at.
• Chicken Swings & Perches – Gives them a fun place to roost.
• Mirrors & Pecking Toys – Chickens are curious and love interactive objects.
• Foraging Boxes – Scatter mealworms, seeds, or scratch in hay for natural foraging.

Winter and Summer Care for Backyard Chickens

Cold Weather Care:

• Add extra bedding in the coop for insulation.
• Use a heated waterer to prevent freezing.
• Ensure good ventilation to avoid moisture buildup (which leads to frostbite).
• Avoid drafts and strong winds.
• Ensure chickens are getting enough protein
• Add extra grain – extra carbohydrates with increase their metabolism and increase body temperature

Hot Weather Care:

• Provide plenty of shade and fresh water.
• Add electrolytes to their water to prevent dehydration.
• Offer frozen treats like watermelon or frozen corn to cool them down.

Proper feeding and care are the keys to a thriving backyard flock. By maintaining a nutritious diet, fresh water, regular health checks, and enrichment activities, you’ll keep your hens healthy, happy, and laying fresh eggs for years to come!

I did not get into health concerns with keeping backyard chickens as I am not a vet and this can vary greatly depending on where you live.

The Costs of Backyard Chicken Keeping

There are so many variants to the cost of keeping backyard chickens depending on where you live.

For us, the joy our chickens bring us outweighs the cost – even if the cost makes the eggs about the same as what they would cost us at the store.  Keeping chickens, especially in a backyard flock, is not cheap.  It can be definitely more cost effective if you have a larger flock that can free range and feed themselves (for the most part).

Our chicken coop cost us around $700 to build.  We built it all by ourselves and purchased the materials locally.  You can build a coop for a lot cheaper than that using repurposed materials and you can buy one for a lot more money than that.  I have seen coops that cost $20,000!

Is Backyard Chicken Keeping Right for You?

Raising chickens in our backyard is rewarding but comes with responsibilities. Our hens are our family – just like our dogs.

If you’re ready to commit to proper care, navigate legalities, and be a good neighbor, backyard hens can provide fresh eggs, companionship, and a more sustainable lifestyle. Still unsure? Start by researching your city’s laws and visiting a local backyard flock to see if it’s the right fit for you!