Join the Backyard Hen Network
One of the unexpected things we’ve discovered while planning the Community Chicken Coop is just how many people in our neighbourhood are already raising hens, or thinking about it.
To help connect people, we’re starting a simple Backyard Hen Network for Winston Heights–Mountview and nearby communities.
The goal is to create a small local group of people who share an interest in urban chickens, food resilience, and practical backyard agriculture.
Members of the network may:
- hear about urban hen workshops and education sessions
- get updates on the community chicken coop pilot
- share tips about hen care, winter setups, and coop designs
- connect with other local chicken keepers
- help new backyard hen owners get started
If you’re interested, you can simply let us know when you pick up a feed bucket or click the button below!
Why We’re Doing This
Urban chicken keeping is still relatively new in Calgary, and many people are learning as they go.
By sharing knowledge locally, we can make it easier for people to:
- care for hens responsibly
- follow good biosecurity practices
- avoid common beginner mistakes
- build a stronger, more resilient local food system
The Community Chicken Coop Pilot is designed to be both a food project and an education space, and this network helps extend that knowledge into backyards across the neighbourhood.
Future Workshops
As the coop is built and the program launches, we plan to host free educational sessions, such as:
- Urban Hen Care 101
- Winterizing a Coop for Calgary Weather
- Backyard Biosecurity Basics
- Composting Chicken Manure Safely
- Designing a Predator-Proof Coop
These sessions will be open to residents and backyard chicken keepers from across Calgary.
A Growing Community
Whether you have two hens, four hens, or are just curious about starting, you’re welcome to be part of the network.
Urban chickens are a small step, but together they help build local knowledge, local food production, and stronger communities.