Keeping chickens as pets can be a rewarding experience, especially for children.
But chickens and other poultry can carry germs such as salmonella, even when they appear healthy and clean. These germs are found in the chickens’ faeces (poo) which can contaminate the chickens' feathers, the environment they live in, and the surface of their eggs.
For more information on how you can keep your chickens, yourself and your family safe and healthy, see the Better Health website.
How many chickens can I keep on my property?
You can keep up to 5 chickens/poultry on your property without a permit for additional animals.
A rooster cannot be kept on a property without having obtained approval through a Local Law Permit
Application for General Permit(PDF, 502KB)
It should be noted that permits for roosters are not automatic and are subject to an approval process which takes a number of considerations into account, particularly the potential for a rooster to cause a nuisance.
For more information and to apply for a permit, please see: Restrictions on animals