INNISFAIL – The town’s once controversial pet chicken issue has a new one to deal with.
Hens need more space from their current controlled coop space to track down bugs for food, says one hen owner.
It will also, says the local citizen, relieve the boredom hens often face.
“I am noticing that my hens want to be out and eat the bugs that are very plentiful,” said Innisfail resident and pet chicken owner Gen Wilson in a letter to the town that was part of town council’s agenda package on June 17.
“I have many ant hills that are destroying my lawn and I would either need to spray them, which is bad for the environment and I don’t do, or I put my hens on and let them eat them,” said Wilson.
“Hens love to scavenge for their food. It helps them not to be bored.”
She proposed an amendment to the town’s Urban Hen Keeping Bylaw, which was passed in 2023 after years of debate, controversy, and a pilot project.
Wilson said it would be beneficial for pet chickens if a bylaw change could be made that would allow hens out of their coops under supervision, or in another pen that can be moved around the yard, such as a chicken tractor.
She noted that the City of Edmonton’s urban hen bylaw already has this provision.
“I see this as very beneficial for the wellbeing of the hens as mine are bored of being in their run and want to go eat the bugs that are just out of reach,” said Wilson.
Her letter was introduced to council by Mayor Jean Barclay. She noted Wilson was seeking to allow urban chickens to “roam a little bit.”
Coun. Jason Heistad first wanted to make a motion to amend the current urban hen bylaw but agreed to hand over the issue to administration for review.
“Chickens need to exercise like cats and dogs. Any animal needs to roam in their own environment and to be able to walk and exercise. These chickens eat ants and have a healthy life,” Heistad told the Albertan. “The resident is saying this has been a good opportunity for their kids.
“The amendment would be a good thing for these animals that are already living in the community.”
