Help for people who would like to keep chickens in Toronto

Who wants chicks?

Mon, 10 May 2010 21:03:18 -0400

Since I’ve become a chicken-keeper 4 years ago, I’ve acquired only ‘point-of-lay’ hens. These hens are about 6 months old and are just about ready to lay eggs. Some have been more people-friendly than others, but they do tend to be rather skittish. I now have the opportunity to get ‘day-old’ chicks. Since we will be like their mamma, we should have more success with them being socialized to us.

One of our favourite breeds is the Barred Plymouth Rock. I am a big fan of getting chickens from a small farmer who has bred them onsite, and feel very fortunate to have connected with Brian who has Barred Rock fertilized eggs in his incubator as we speak. They should be hatching in about 2 1/2 weeks, after which time I could pick them up and raise them in a home-made corrugate box brooder. We will keep them toasty warm for about 6 weeks under a red light, and at 10 weeks we hope they will be ready to integrate with our flock of 3. Since the weather will be getting warmer, we’ll be able to take them outside on the grass during the day to get them used to their future home environment.

Brian has both Barred Rocks and Americaunas (blue egg-layers) available.

To contact him, email: brian.garcia@sympatico.ca

Changing the Law

Mon, 3 May 2010 13:11:53 -0400

The City of Toronto Municipal Code has a schedule of prohibited animals. In the mammal section, we see the following: Galliformes (such as pheasants, grouse, guineafowls, turkeys). While chickens are not specifically mentioned, they fall under the “Galliforme” category. Pigeons, however, not being Galliformes, are allowed.

Where are we in the process right now? The Parks & Environment Committee will be looking into this issue. They will be meeting on May 21st at which time we hope they will recommend a pilot project to be endorsed by City Council at the next meeting (June 7th or 8th). City staff will have to come up with guidelines for the pilot project.

It looks like its going to be long process, but we are optimistic that the pilot project will be a success, and ultimately the law will be changed. There are 44 city councillor and therefore 23 will have to vote in favour of the change. If you are able, please come out to the meeting on May 21st to show your support for backyard chickens in Toronto.

Working the Land

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:15:54 -0400

There is much to be learned from the way farmers manage their livestock pasture. This is my mini-version of the same concept in my backyard pasture. First I allowed the chickens to consume 100% of the grass, weeds and bugs in the top right corner. What is great about this approach is that the entire area was rendered weed-free and the ground aerated and fertilized. All courtesy of 3 hard-working hens. I simply added a thin layer of soil and sprinkled grass seeds on top. The grass will grow extremely well as there is no competition from weeds. The turf will be tender and delicious (from a barnyard fowl’s point of view).

The next step is to keep the hens confined to the small fenced-in grassy area at the right of the photo. Once this area has been worked down to bare earth, the portable fence will be moved over to the next small section. By the time the 3 hens have eaten their way across the yard, the first area will be ready to harvest and the cycle will begin again. It never ceases to amaze me how the chickens are perpetually working and how well they fit into a backyard setting.

Chicken-Care Workshop this Thursday

Sun, 4 Apr 2010 22:35:23 -0400

Raising Backyard Chickens
A pet that gives eggs! Learn the basics of raising a chicken in your yard.
Thursday, April 8th, 6:30-8:30pm
The Green Barn: 601 Christie St. Barn #4

This is our second workshop this year - back by popular demand!

Food Connections, Toronto’s Food System of the Future

Sun, 7 Mar 2010 17:06:43 -0500

On Friday, I attended a workshop hosted by Toronto Public Health on food strategy issues for the city of Toronto. There was a plethora of wonderful ideas brought forth, which would make Toronto a better city for all. Better quality food, better use of urban space, better accessibility of quality food. I was there to talk about how backyard hens could fit into this strategy of a health-focused food system. It was interesting to note that backyard hens meet the requirements of a healthier food system on many levels. Some of the factors mentioned were as follows:

1. Being able to afford enough safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
2. Having the information to make healthy food choices.
3. Having easy access to quality food stores in the neighbourhood.
4. Living in a city where food brings neighbours together and builds links between city and countryside.
5. Being assured that all stages of the food system support the environment.

As you could see, backyard hens really are a perfect fit.

Here is a copy of the consultation paper; Food Report Feb12.pdf. It is interesting and sad to note the disconnect between food and health in this day and age. There is quote from Wendell Berry, an American philosopher of food and farming, on page 11 of the attached report: “we have a health system that doesn’t care about food and a food system that doesn’t care about health”. Have you ever seen the food served in hospitals? It seems they have completely lost touch with the fact that healthy food is healing. "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food," said Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine two-and-a-half thousand years ago.

It is our hope that the final report will include a recommendation that backyard hens be legalized in the city of Toronto. Remember, eggs from backyard hens have: 1/3 less cholesterol, 2/3 more vitamin A, 3 times more vitamin E, 7 times more beta carotene and 2 times more Omega 3 fatty acids. A chicken coop at every hospital perhaps?

If you would like to support this effort, please check back for dates of public meetings that we could all attend.

Seedy Saturday on Sunday

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:37:45 -0500

This past Sunday we had the opportunity to talk to both supporters and future chicken-keepers in Toronto. It was delightful to talk to so many people in favour of legalizing backyard hens. It was also interesting to learn that there are many illegals out there living in harmony with their chickens and neighbours. Thank you to Carolyn for arranging our table and to everyone who dropped by to say hello. For those of you who don’t know, Seedy Saturday is a wonderful event at the Wychwood Barns where people could trade or buy seeds, just in time for Spring planting. There were a large array of both merchants (food, sustainable living and building, gardening) and non-profit organizations that all share a common goal with respect to the environment and sustainability. The event was so successful, in fact, that I wouldn’t be surprised if they need a larger space for next year.

Check back soon for information on the next Chicken-Care Workshop!

A Pet that Gives Eggs

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 21:35:41 -0500

Raising Backyard Chickens
A pet that gives eggs! Learn the basics of raising a chicken in your
yard.
Thursday, Feb. 4th, 6:30-8:30pm
The Green Barn: 601 Christie St. Barn #4

The Eglu becomes an Igloo (Winter-Care)

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:04:45 -0500

First, pick up some supplies:

Reptile heater from pet supply store

Mad City Chickens - They’re Back

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:22:12 -0400

Bigger and better than before!
Join us for an entertaining evening filled with fun, information and refreshments on
August 11th at 7:30 p.m.
We have a beautiful venue for the next screening -- U of T Hart House.

Freshly Laid in 5 Minutes

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:36:32 -0400

In my never-ending attempt to simplify things, I struggled for a simpler, faster way to get just-laid eggs onto the plate. My regular approach was to sauté in olive oil some chopped onion and red pepper. I followed this with some peeled, chopped tomatoes, a pinch of cayenne and some chopped parsley. Into the sauce went the eggs for poaching. The recipe below provides a great flavour punch with hardly any effort. Another great benefit - no fat required!
I hope you enjoy it.

Chipotle Poached Eggs
Serves 1 or 2
Ingredients:
1 hen
1 bottle Chipotle Pepper Salsa (or salsa of your choice).
Method:
1. Go outside and collect eggs.
2. Place about 6 tablespoons of salsa into a frying pan.
3. Heat with lid on (may splatter).
4. Make an impression with the back of a spoon in the salsa and gently crack the egg(s) into the sauce. Put lid on and cook at a low temperature for 5 minutes or to taste. Note: eggs will cook much faster if they are still warm from the nest!