A Canberra woman who says she kept chickens and rabbits to feed her family as part of a self-sufficient lifestyle has been banned from owning animals for three years.

Cynthia Lawrence, 37, has also been fined $1,650 after she pleaded guilty to nine charges following the discovery of numerous chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs in poor conditions at her home.

The charges included not providing adequate shelter, food or water for the animals.

Evidence before the court included images of rabbits in cages that were stacked one on top of another, and covered in faeces.

The court also saw evidence that in one of the two cages housing chickens, there were two dead chickens being trampled by the other birds, and another near death.

Court documents revealed RSPCA inspectors also found a large number of other animals at the home, including ferrets, quails, ducks and more than 40 rats.

In total, 39 rabbits were taken from the premises along with seven guinea pigs and several chickens.

Lawrence's lawyer Toni Tu'ulakitau told the court Lawrence had grown up in the country and believed in self-sufficiency.

He said the animals were not pets and the chickens and rabbits were kept for food.

The court also heard that Lawrence, who has nine children ranging in age from 18 to 10 months, was pregnant and had not attended to the animals for a week because of morning sickness at the time of the inspection.

Evidence included images of rabbits in cages that were stacked one on top of another. ( Supplied: RSPCA )

But Magistrate Glenn Theakston told the court that did not seem to be the case.

He said the animals were in dirty conditions, there was no water or food for many of them, and the chickens had no shelter.

"Most of the animals were of poor health and low weight," he said.

"There is no doubt from the statement of facts and the images that the animals were neglected ... and they were neglected for some considerable time."

RSPCA ACT Senior Inspector Catherine Croatto described the conditions for the animals as "extremely sad".

"It's so wrong that people continue to treat animals like they don't matter," she said.

"Every animal, regardless of the species has the right to live a life free of pain, hunger, thirst, injury and distress."

Lawrence will serve a 12-month good behaviour order.

The court heard all of the animals owned by Lawrence had been seized and removed, except for the family dog.