Sidney is moving ahead on a bylaw to join the region’s other municipalities in allowing backyard hens.
Council voted Monday on bylaw changes to allow up to five backyard hens on single-family lots that are at least 550 square metres.
An application will be required for those wanting to keep backyard hens to confirm they meet criteria for hen enclosures and care.
Residents have been asking for permission to have backyard hens for several years. Backyard chickens were explored in 2013, but the council of the time chose not to move forward.
Hens will have to be at least four months old to prevent residents from purchasing chicks and accidentally acquiring roosters, which will not be allowed.
Bylaw enforcement of regulations related to backyard hens will be primarily done by Capital Regional District animal control under the existing contract between the CRD and Sidney.
The bylaw still needs to be adopted at a future council meeting.
