2 weeks Ago By By Connor McDowell
SPRUCEWOODS — A family business launches next month to deliver egg-laying chickens and coops to houses for the summer across Westman. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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SPRUCEWOODS — A family business launches next month to deliver egg-laying chickens and coops to houses for the summer across Westman. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SPRUCEWOODS — A family business launches next month to deliver egg-laying chickens and coops to houses for the summer across Westman. Owner David Long and his wife, son and daughter are preparing packages for the season that will start in May and run to October.
The clearly titled Rent-A-Hen business aims to give households a slice of agriculture — as well as fresh, edible eggs — without the long-term commitment of ownership. Hens are a good pet to teach children responsibility, Rent-A-Hen owner David Long said. His daughter, Marlee, is seen feeding the family’s chickens on their farm in Sprucewoods.
“Chickens are the gateway livestock,” said David from his home on Thursday. “We have the chickens, we have the knowledge, and we want to share it with others.” David said his family moved to the Sprucewoods area for that reason — to live self-sustainably.
Around their farm they are raising their own pigs and chickens, as well as growing a garden. And the job involves his two children, who take up chores around the farm. The family aims to pass on some of that lifestyle to customers with a package of two hens and a coop, or three hens without a coop, for six months.
The package will include feed for the chickens, as well as a pamphlet describing the roles and responsibilities of taking care of the animal. The hens produce about four to six eggs per week. But getting a taste of agricultural experience and sustainable living is part of the value too, Long told the Sun.
The chickens make for a good pet to teach children responsibility, he said. “If you’re a hobby farmer, it’s an easy place to start. This is an opportunity to provide the experience.
” Long’s daughter, Marlee, told the Sun her role in the business is keeping the chickens healthy. She visits daily to make sure they’re fed and kept after. “I have to give them food and water, and collect their eggs,” said Marlee, 10.
“If I don’t feed the chickens in time, they’ll come out (over the fence) in the morning.” Nolan, Long’s 14-year-old son, helps build the coops. And Robyn, his wife, manages the social media and marketing.
While the family has about 40 hens at home in a large coop, for customers they are building smaller, transportable coops with wheels on the bottom. The coops are designed to give customers a place to keep two chickens for the rental season, and will be returned to the farm once the rental is over. The plan is to deliver the chickens and the coops to the customer’s doorstep; however, if the distance is further than 50 kilometres outside Sprucewoods, customers will need to pay for that service, Long said.
David Long, his children Marlee and Nolan, and wife Robyn (not pictured) are launching a business to deliver egg-laying hens and a chicken coop to doorsteps in Westman. The family is seen with two chickens, Rosemary and Harriet, along with a coop they built for a customer that will go in a backyard this May. (Photos by Connor McDowell/The Brandon Sun) When asked about business so far, Long said they have made arrangements for four customers, some from Minto and Ninette, ahead of the May 1 start date.
Seniors’ homes and schools have also reached out. While he expects interest to pick up as the weather improves, there are still some hurdles to the Rent-A-Hen business. Municipal bylaws pose an issue in some areas — such as in the City of Brandon, Long said.
After inquiring about it, he discovered that residentially zoned households in Brandon are not able to have chickens in the backyard, as the chickens are considered livestock. Since it’s the hub of the area with plenty of potential customers, Long said he has his fingers crossed that the rules could be relaxed. “We’re really hoping things can be reconsidered there,” he said.
“Lots of cities in Canada allow it already.” City of Brandon corporate communications officer Merrilea Metcalf told the Sun that chickens are permitted on some properties, those zoned for agricultural use. Other than that, backyard chickens are not permitted, she confirmed.
With less than two weeks left before the Rent-A-Hen season starts, Long said he is encouraging people to reach out. The website will eventually have a page with photographs of the chickens, he said, but for now it just includes the basics about pricing, rules and frequently asked questions. The website can be found at rentahen.
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