By Celeste Percy-Beauregard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator
April 14, 2025
Egg-cellent news for Brant County hen-thusiasts: rural residents may now keep their own backyard flocks. Just be sure to follow the rules, or you could face a fine — and it’s not cheap.
Until now, only people on agricultural zoned lots have been able to keep chickens. But the municipality has been asked to reconsider its stance several times over the last decade, most recently in November 2023.
At the time, Mayor David Bailey said it’s “ridiculous” that folks in nearby Brantford can have chickens on a downtown street, while someone living on a three-acre property in the county can’t.
Despite the restrictions, councillors acknowledged some illegal flocks have just been flying under the radar, as Coun. Steve Howes previously put it.
A key concern was that avian flu could spread from a backyard flock to nearby commercial poultry operations, and wreck havoc like the egg shortages people are seeing in the United States.
One swaying argument was that legalizing it would help ensure flocks are kept responsibly and minimize risks.
Residents in favour told councillors they were drawn to the inflation-proof source of protein from eggs and health and environmental benefits of keeping hens.
They can lay up to two eggs each day and have a lifespan of around eight years.
Before deciding, council heard from community members, the agricultural advisory committee and organizations like the health unit.
According to the new bylaw, people can keep up to four hens in areas zoned “non-urban residential.” Roosters are not permitted.
Owners are responsible for getting a $150 licence from the county and registering with the Chicken Farmers of Ontario.
Hens must have a coop with certain parameters, and people can’t sell the eggs.
Bylaw officers could come for an inspection at “any reasonable time” to ensure the rules are followed. If someone is convicted of acting against the bylaws, they could be fined up to $50,000 for a first offence, and up to $100,000 for subsequent convictions.
There were no appeals or submissions against the new bylaw, so it has passed and is in effect, the county told The Spectator.
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Celeste Percy-Beauregard’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories about Brant County. Reach her at cpercybeauregard@torstar.ca.