Q: Do I need to get a rooster for the hens to lay eggs?

A:NO. There is no need to have a rooster. A hen will lay eggs whether or not a rooster is around (they just won't be fertilized). While fertilized eggs are thought by some to have certain taste nuances and health benefits, most eggs you eat are never fertilized.

Q: How many chickens should I get?

A: Vancouver's bylaw allows up to 4 hens. A healthy chicken in her prime (1-4 years old) will lay about 6 eggs per week. Think about how often you buy a dozen, but also think of eggs as trading capital. A couple fresh eggs to a neighbor can open the door to BBQ invites, raspberry bush grazing, pro-bono parklawn mowing, and fresh bread.

Q: I don't own the house. I just rent. Can I keep chickens?

A: Legally, yes....But just as with pets, I would check with the landlord. Your landlord may say "no" or ask for a pet deposit, but it can't hurt to ask. I would suggest you use a portable or semi-portable coop that can fit in a pickup truck. If you move, you can either sell the coop on Craigslist or take it with you.

Q: Do I have to worry about pests?

A: Worry? No. Plan for? Yes. Raccoons , skunks, and coyotes may try to get to your chickens. But don't be discouraged! I advise you to always put your hens in and enclosed space at night to protect them from these nocturnal predators. If you plan to keep your coop in one place for long periods of time and don't want to close the hens in every night, bury some wire around the "run" and have it flare out to discourage animals from digging their way in.

Q:What are the main costs associated with chickens?

A:When it comes to the structure itself, cedar (for weather resistance) and hardware cloth (welded wire mesh) are the two most costly materials. Both are fairly indispensable if you want safe chickens and a house that will last. Once you have a coop, feed will be your biggest expense. Depending on your feeding method (table scraps, organic/conventional grain, grass shoots etc.) you will spend anywhere from $15-20 per bird per year. When the birds get too old to lay, you inevitably have to decide if you love her as a pet or a stew.

Q: Where can I buy chickens?

A: First, check Village Vancouver's "coop co-ops" group for people in town who have chickens. You'll meet many other urban chicken folks this way. Searching for chickens on Craigslist can be a great source for chickens. There are also auctions in the Fraser Valley (Fraser Valley Auctions at 21801-56th Ave.56 Ave. Langley) where you can buy virtually any type of farm animal you want. You can get standard chicken breeds like Rhode Island reds as well as fancy cross-breeds and heirloom birds. You probably don't need to pay any more than $15 per bird.

Q: What do I do if I have to go away for a few days?

A: It is important to make sure your hens have food and clean water, and you'll generally want to collect eggs daily. This makes for a perfect neighborly agreement. They tend the hens and get fresh eggs. If you are away for a long period, you can disassemble the coop (the Vancooper only requires 30 minutes of assembly) and move it to a friend's backyard. I sometimes leave my hens for 3 days with food and water and they're perfectly happy.

Q: How long do hens lay?

A: Hens will lay eggs from about 6 months to 5 years of age. This is approximate and can vary from bird to bird. As they get older, hens will produce fewer – but larger – eggs.