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Raising chickens

Keeping chickens is a rewarding experience for the whole family and also teaches children about the responsibilities of keeping pets.

On average, each chicken can produce 200 eggs per year. Chickens can eat food scraps from your kitchen and turn those scraps into fresh eggs and savings on chicken feed.

Ready-made chicken pens can be bought or you can build a pen using recycled and reclaimed materials. A pen should consist of a roosting and nesting quarters and an outdoor run where chickens can get plenty of exercise and sun while they scratch and bathe in the soil.

Remember:

  • Make sure the chicken pen is well protected from the elements and well ventilated.
  • Ensure the chooks are protected from feral and domestic predators, such as dogs, cats and foxes.
  • Clean the pen once a week. Old bedding materials and waste from the pen can be added to the compost.

If you are unsure whether chickens are the right pet for you, try before you buy with a trial from a chicken rental company. They can supply everything needed to start out.

Do you require a permit?

Up to 10 poultry animals can be kept without a Local Law Permit provided the animals are not part of a commercial operation or for breeding purposes, and are provided with suitable accommodation and management to prevent nuisance.

To apply for a Local Law Permit for keeping more than 10 poultry animals for non-commercial/breeding purposes then contact our Local Laws team on (03) 9599 4626.

A Planning Permit would be required for animal husbandry, which is defined as land used to keep, breed, board or train animals, including birds.

To apply for a Planning Permit for animal husbandry then contact our Planning Department on (03) 9599 4666.

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