Urban chickens are becoming increasingly popular in cities across North America, and Edmonton is no exception. Many people are discovering the benefits of raising chickens in their own backyards.
First and foremost, raising chickens in an urban environment is perfectly legal in Edmonton, provided that you follow the city’s guidelines. These guidelines dictate that you must keep your chickens in a secure coop or enclosure, ensure that they have access to fresh water and food, and properly dispose of their waste. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of raising chickens without causing any disruption to your neighbours.
One of the main benefits of raising chickens in an urban environment is the access to fresh eggs. Chickens are incredibly productive animals, laying one egg per day on average. This means that a small flock of chickens can provide a household with a steady supply of eggs. Not only are these eggs fresh and delicious, but they’re also more nutritious than store-bought eggs. Chickens that are allowed to forage for their food produce eggs that are higher in vitamins and minerals than those from chickens that are kept in cages.
Another benefit of keeping chickens in an urban environment is pest control. Chickens love to eat insects, including ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. By allowing your chickens to roam free in your backyard, you can reduce the number of pests in your yard without using harmful chemicals.
Chickens can help reduce food waste. Chickens will eat most food scraps, including vegetable peelings, fruit cores, and bread. By feeding your chickens food scraps, you can reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill.
Chickens are a sustainable source of food, and they produce fertilizer that can be used to grow vegetables and flowers.
By following the city’s guidelines, you can raise chickens in your backyard without causing any disruption to your neighbours. So why not consider raising a small flock of chickens in your own backyard? You’ll be amazed at how much joy and satisfaction they can bring to your life.