Keeping chooks in your backyard is legal in NSW. The legislation that covers the keeping of Poultry is called the Local Government Act and is administered by your local council.
When I started Rentachook I wrote to all 52 councils in the Sydney Metropolitan area asking if there was any prohibition on the keeping of chooks or whether there was likely to be any problem with the portable coop I was intending to sell. Not one replied to say that it was a no go, not even the Sydney City Council!
Most Councils stated that the Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) only investigated the keeping of chooks if Council received a complaint from a neighbour. When they investigate they are looking to see if the birds are kept in a suitable coop, and are kept free of 'odour and vermin'. In 3 years of running Rentachook, I've never had a coop returned because of an order from the local Council.
Here's what an EHO from Warringah Council told me (Quoting from the Local Government Act):
- Roosters are prohibited
- There is no limit on numbers but they must be kept in a clean and healthy environment
- They must be kept in a coop that is of adequate size for the number kept
- This structure must be a minimum of 4.5m from any dwelling (including the owners)
Basically, it's legal, give it a go!
Here's the letter I sent.
