Farm-Gate chicks, birds and feed supply

Backyard flock keepers, hobby farmers, acreage owners and families starting their first hens, mostly in spring.

Per-bird sales (chicks, pullets, started birds), plus margin on bagged feed, bedding and basic equipment. Repeat feed buyers help fill the quieter months.

• Comfortable handling and caring for poultry
• Knowing breeds, brooding and basic bird health
• Friendly advice for first-time keepers

• Avian influenza rules and movement controls: these can change quickly, so check CFIA and your provincial agriculture ministry before buying, selling or moving live birds
• Registration requirements: some provinces and CFIA programmes may require premises or flock registration, and rules on sourcing birds and hatching eggs can apply, so confirm what applies to you
• Provincial poultry marketing boards may have rules on flock size and on selling birds or eggs, so check with yours
• Zoning, livestock bylaws and any home-based business licence from your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance, and farm or business cover for customers visiting your property
• Seasonality: demand peaks in spring, and winter brooding means heating costs and fire risk

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your brooding setup, how many chicks or hatching eggs you buy, and the feed and supplies you stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on your volumes, pricing and season. Demand peaks in spring, and winter brooding means heating costs to plan for.

Check CFIA and your provincial agriculture ministry for avian influenza rules and movement controls, as these can change quickly. Also check flock registration, provincial poultry marketing board rules, zoning bylaws and business licensing with your municipality.