To Chris Huston, a City of Calgary employee, hen-keeping started as an interest in sustainability that developed into a passion for animals, his community, and cooking. “Each one of the hens has its own distinct personality,” he said with a smile.
Huston participated in Calgary’s urban hen-keeping pilot program last year and has made countless omelettes since last spring. “Collecting the eggs from the nests will never get old. We even invite the neighbours and their kids to visit the chickens and feed them,” said Huston.
Before Huston built his coop, he talked to his neighbours; they were concerned they’d be woken first thing by a rooster. That is a common misconception about hen-keeping, but roosters are not permitted under the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw, meaning nobody will be subjected to early morning ‘cock-a-doodle-doos’ because hens are female chickens, and they are more polite neighbours than roosters.
Aside from producing eggs, Huston’s hens, Tia and Tamera, have kept him busy with their home renovations: Pollo Palace, his coop, has had many additions since it was initially built. “I know my place in the pecking order,” Huston joked. While his tone is jovial, the point is clear: hen-keeping is an ongoing responsibility that requires your attention and effort to keep them happy and safe.
If you’re interested in hen-keeping, the City of Calgary is re-opening the program this year, and an unlimited number of licences are available from spring to fall. Visit us at calgary.ca/pets/licences/urban-hens to learn more.
