The young hens belonging to West Side residents James Griffiths and Eloginy Tharmendran haven’t laid any eggs, but the couple is optimistic.

“They’re too young, only two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half months,” said Griffiths, who noted hens begin laying at between four and six months.

The hens—named Lucy, Ethel, Betty and Isabella—have become much-loved members of the family and are popular with their neighbours, including the dog that lives next door. “He comes over every morning to say hello,” said Griffiths, the brother of Vision Vancouver park board commissioner Sarah Blyth, who says she has no plans to raise hens.

Griffiths and Tharmendran are one of 17 households who have registered their hens since the city approved guidelines for backyard chickens in June.

They attended a workshop on backyard chickens offered by the non-profit sustainability and community group Village Vancouver and continue to seek advice from a related online forum.

With the information they received, they chose two Buff Orpingtons, one chantecler and a silver dorking. Four hens is the maximum allowed by the city. Griffiths said they specifically wanted hens that will lay eggs through the winter, and with exception of the silver dorking, their hens should produce as long as the birds receive enough light. One of the hens was also chosen because it’s disabled with a crossed beak, which means it has difficulty eating.

“So she needs some extra love,” said Griffiths.

He describes the hens’ coop as “chicken tractor” style, which means they move it every morning to give the birds fresh grass to mow. That also allows the hens’ droppings to fertilize the entire yard. The “run” part of the coop is four feet by 10 feet as per the city’s bylaw, but Griffiths said he and Tharmendran often sit outside and allow the hens out to wander and scratch at will. The couple initially fed the hens store-bought chicken feed, but are gradually adding table scraps to reduce waste. They are also collecting food waste from friends and coworkers.According to the city, 17 Vancouver households have registered their hens, a requirement for keeping chickens legally in Vancouver. Media spokesperson Joseph Li said an online registration system is under construction, but for now residents must visit the city’s Animal Control office to pick up a registration kit and return it to the same location at 1280 Raymur Ave.

The city’s Animal Control website offers the reading required before a registration application is accepted.

Fourteen-year-old Raven Murray told the Courier she and her family jumped the gun when it came to raising hens.

“We started about 18 months ago,” she said. “But now we just have to make some adjustments to comply with the city [guidelines].”

Murray said the family often gives their neighbours eggs, so the hens have turned out to be popular.

“And my best friend really likes them so we hang out with them all the time,” said Murray. “They’re not that much work. We just need to feed them once or twice a day and clean out their coop.”

sthomas@vancourier.com