Communities in the Foothills have passed by-laws allowing residents to keep backyard chickens in town.

Most communities allow up to four chickens per household.

Owner of It's a Jungle Out There Pet Services, Cassandra Kirkpatrick says before anyone takes on the care of these animals they should take a course on what is entailed in the care.

"Learning about bio-security, proper housing for them and thinking about how they are storing their feed," Kirkpatrick says.

Along with taking the course she says people also need to make sure they are keeping their hens safe.

Even being kept in town there are predators that will prey on any chickens they can get a hold of.

"Make sure that they are in enclosed housing and are protected, along with keeping your feed stored where rodents are unable to get to it," Kirkpatrick says.

She adds the life expectancy is something else that should be considered.

"A layer will start laying at six months of age and lay for an average of three or four years."

Finding a vet that will take care of chickens and help with the end of life plan for your animals is essential.

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