Education & Resources
Backyard hen keeping
Before the city can issue each participant a licence, the applicant must complete an accredited hen keeping course.
Available regional accredited courses:
- Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), Backyard Chicken and Small Flock Care Workshop or email AFAC for further information
- River City Chickens (or University of Alberta Botanic Garden), Chickens 101
Online resources:
- River City Chickens - Resources
- Backyard Chickens Learning Center
- Poultry World
- Keeping Chickens Newsletter
- About Small Flock Poultry (Government of Alberta)
- Raising Chickens in Alberta (Government of Alberta)
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, How to Prevent and Detect Disease in Backyard Flocks and Pet Birds
All pilot program participants must also demonstrate that they have established a relationship with a mentor by providing the mentor’s name and contact number to the Environmental Inspector as part of their application. Participants can find a suitable mentor by contacting any of the following hen keeping communities.
Communities:
- Egg Farmers of Alberta
- Permaculture Edmonton Guild
- Sustainable Food Edmonton
- Consumer Supported Agriculture Alberta (CSAA) Directory of Community Supported Agriculture
- The Local Good
- Alberta Farm Animal Care ALERT Line (anonymous help line): 1-800-506-2273
Applicants will learn how to safely source hens during the hen keeping course, and will gain insight on recommended materials for constructing hen enclosures. It is recommended that participants consider our winter climate in the selection of hen species, and in the building of their hen enclosure. Note many of the pre-made hen enclosures that are available for purchase may require alterations to suit our winter climate.
Backyard Beekeeping
Before the city can issue each participant a licence, the applicant must complete an accredited beekeeping course.
Available regional accredited courses:
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in partnership with ABC Bees Calgary – Beekeeping Courses: Level 1 Beekeeping
- Hive World – Two-day City of Edmonton Approved Beekeeping Course: Parts 1 & 2
- Edmonton and District Beekeepers Association (EDBA) – Learn to Keep Bees
- Dustin Bajer – Online Beekeeping Certificate (BeeComm)
All pilot program participants must also demonstrate that they have established a relationship with a mentor by providing the mentor’s name and contact number to the Environmental Inspector as part of their application. Participants can find a suitable mentor by contacting any of the following beekeeping communities.
Beekeeper communities:
- Edmonton District Beekeepers Association
- Red Deer Beekeepers
- Calgary & Area Beekeepers
- Dustin Bajer – BeeComm
Applicants will learn how to safely source bees during the beekeeping course, and will gain insight on recommended materials for constructing their hive and nuc. It is recommended that participants consider our winter climate in the selection of their bees and in the building of their hive and nuc.
For more information
Have questions or concerns about your hen keeping or beekeeping project?
Call the City of Leduc Eco-Smart Hotline at 780-980-7107 or email ecosmart@leduc.ca