In the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, you can keep hens in your backyard as pets, or to provide food to your household on your residential property. You can only keep hens (no roosters), and their shelter enclosure must meet the standards of the Zoning By-Law.

Zoning By-Law Standards

  • The keeping of hens shall be restricted to properties that are zoned to permit a single detached dwelling.
  • The keeping of hens shall be restricted to properties that have a minimum of 0.4 hectares (one acre).
  • A maximum of six (6) hens shall be permitted.
  • An enclosure for keeping one or more hens:
    • Shall be located at least 3.0 metres from the side lot and at least 1.2 metres from the rear lot line of the lot on which the hen coop is located.
    • Shall be located at least 3.0 metres from abutting dwellings.
    • Must be at least 7.5 metres from any church or school.
    • Shall contain an enclosed roof structure and shall not be greater than 3.0 metres by 3.0 metres and no greater than 4.5 metres in height.
    • Shall only be located in the rear yard.

Before You Get Started

  1. Review the requirements from the Zoning By-Law listed above.
  2. Read the OMAFRA Factsheet, Biosecurity Recommendations for Small Flock Poultry Owners.
  3. Read about Poultry Health Management and Biosecurity.