Have you ever thought it would be a great idea to own a chicken but don’t have the space/time/knowledge to do it? Well, there’s a business for that.
Rent the Chicken has launched in Kamloops thanks to a couple named Ron and Marie McGivern. The couple will serve Kamloops and area, taking the hassle out of owning backyard chickens long-term. Starting next spring, the couple will rent residents everything they need to start their own backyard coop.
The idea comes from an American organization that offers the service in many States and in provinces around Canada. The service takes the guess work out of backyard coops as it provides everything. From a portable chicken coop, hens, feed, and food and water dishes, Rent the Chicken does it all.
Once the business is launched, the couple will schedule a date to bring the supplies to your home, yours to rent for a predetermined period. The McGivern’s raise lambs and broiler chickens for sale in the region, are active 4-H members, and saw the business as a natural extension of their farm.
Standard spring rental packages will begin at $425 plus tax and include two egg laying hens. The deluxe package will run you $600 plus tax and includes four egg laying hens. The rental packages include free delivery within 80 kilometres of Kamloops.
Currently, the City of Kamloops does not allow backyard chickens, but the groundwork has been laid to look into allowing the hens. Recently, the food and urban agriculture plan was developed, but it does not fully address the idea of backyard coops. City staff are busy developing a case study as to how the city could incorporate urban chickens and what challenges other cities face. But there is no definite time frame for the incorporation of backyard hens, if it happens.
For more information about the program or to sign up for the upcoming season, visit Rent the Chicken.
