In agricultural areas of suburban municipalities, livestock production is regulated by provincial agricultural regulations. Farmers are subject to the Agricultural Operations Regulation (REA). In addition, owners or keepers of backyard poultry must comply with the requirements of the Provincial Captive Birds Regulation. Explanations concerning this regulation are available on the MAPAQ website by clicking here.
Municipalities regulate:
1) addition and construction format
2) keeping pets
3) waste management
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Am I allowed to raise poultry in my home?
- Is there a regulatory distance with respect from neighbors? If yes, what is it?
- Is a breeding building needed? If yes, what are the requirements?
- What are the construction standards in my home?
- How can I dispose of manure and dead animals if applicable?
It is your responsibility to contact your municipality or city to find out the terms and conditions in place.
Other regulations to consider:
- Sale of meat and eggs
- Bird safety and welfare
- Import and export of poultry
In Quebec, the Animal Health Protection Act (RSQ, c. P-42 ) describes a set of rules concerning the safety and well-being of animals.
Read the Code of Practice for Chickens, Turkeys and Breeders from Hatchery to Slaughter. In addition, this fact sheet developed in Ontario also provides you with relevant information relating to the transport of poultry.
Also consult the “Transportation of Animals” section of the Health of Animals Regulations and the terms and conditions of the “Humane Transportation” program of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Sale of poultry on the farm
The breeder who wishes to sell on the farm must obtain the appropriate food permit from MAPAQ .
Selling to a retailer requires compliance with certain conditions governed by MAPAQ under the Quebec Food Products Act (RSQ, C. P-29).
Poultry must be slaughtered in a classified “A” slaughterhouse under provincial permit or a federally approved slaughterhouse.
Eggs from chickens and other birds
Eggs from chickens or other poultry can be eaten or sold directly on the farm as long as they are clean and do not leak.
If eggs are refrigerated before sale on the farm, a preparation permit for retail sale purposes from MAPAQ is required.
To sell in a place located outside the farm, the eggs must be classified (see the Food Regulations c. P-29, r.1 of the MAPAQ).
To find out more, contact MAPAQ by clicking here.