Raising backyard chickens has become an increasingly popular hobby, offering fresh eggs, pest control, and a connection to nature right in your own backyard. However, not every city is equally accommodating when it comes to keeping chickens. Some cities have embraced the trend, creating chicken-friendly ordinances that allow urban and suburban residents to enjoy the benefits of raising their own flock.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the friendliest cities in the United States for backyard chickens. These cities not only permit chicken keeping but also have supportive communities and resources to help chicken enthusiasts thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just getting started, these cities offer the perfect environment for your feathered friends.
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is known for its progressive stance on urban agriculture, and backyard chickens are no exception. The city allows residents to keep up to six hens (no roosters) without requiring a special permit. Portland’s supportive community of urban farmers and a wealth of resources, such as feed stores and co-ops, make it easy for newcomers to start their own backyard flock.
The city’s climate is also conducive to chicken keeping, with mild winters and moderate summers. Portland’s numerous community gardens and urban farms often host workshops on raising chickens, providing valuable education and networking opportunities for chicken owners. With its strong support system and chicken-friendly policies, Portland is a top choice for anyone looking to raise chickens in an urban setting.
Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, is another city that has embraced the backyard chicken movement. Austin allows residents to keep up to 10 chickens, including roosters, on residential properties. The city’s warm climate and large lots in many neighborhoods provide an ideal environment for raising chickens. Austin’s vibrant community of urban farmers and backyard chicken enthusiasts is also a big plus.
Austin’s “Fowl Ordinance” outlines the requirements for chicken keeping, including coop specifications and setback distances from neighbors. The city even has an annual Funky Chicken Coop Tour, where residents can visit different coops around town and get inspiration for their own setups. With its chicken-friendly regulations and supportive community, Austin is a great place for chicken keepers.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, is a pioneer in the urban farming movement, and chickens are a popular part of the city’s agricultural scene. Seattle allows residents to keep up to eight chickens (including roosters) without requiring a permit. The city’s mild, wet climate is well-suited for chicken keeping, and there are plenty of local resources to help chicken owners get started.
Seattle’s community is very supportive of urban agriculture, with numerous workshops, online forums, and local stores catering to chicken keepers. The city also has an annual Seattle Tilth Chicken Coop & Urban Farm Tour, where residents can learn about different coop designs and chicken breeds. Seattle’s combination of favorable regulations and a strong urban farming community makes it one of the best cities for backyard chickens.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado, is another city that has embraced the backyard chicken trend. Residents can keep up to eight hens and two dwarf goats on their property with a permit. Denver’s dry climate and ample sunshine make it an ideal location for raising chickens, although cold winters may require some extra care to keep your flock warm.
Denver has a growing community of urban farmers, and the city hosts various events and workshops focused on raising chickens and other livestock. The Denver Urban Homesteading organization provides classes, resources, and support for chicken keepers, making it easier for beginners to get started. With its supportive regulations and active community, Denver is a great place to raise backyard chickens.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina, is known for its Southern charm and chicken-friendly ordinances. The city allows residents to keep up to 10 chickens (hens only) without a permit, as long as the coop is set back a certain distance from neighboring properties. Raleigh’s warm climate and relatively mild winters make it an ideal location for chicken keeping.
Raleigh’s urban farming community is growing, with plenty of resources available for those interested in raising chickens. Local feed stores, co-ops, and farmers’ markets provide everything you need to care for your flock. The city’s supportive environment and favorable regulations make Raleigh a top choice for backyard chicken enthusiasts.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, is a city that has wholeheartedly embraced the backyard chicken movement. The city allows residents to keep up to four hens (no roosters) without requiring a permit. Madison’s commitment to sustainability and local food production is reflected in its supportive chicken-keeping policies.
The city has a strong community of urban farmers and chicken keepers, with many resources available, including classes, coop tours, and local stores specializing in chicken supplies. Madison’s cold winters can be challenging, but with proper preparation, chickens can thrive in this climate. Madison’s friendly regulations and active community make it a welcoming place for backyard chickens.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California, may be known for its bustling city life, but it’s also a surprisingly chicken-friendly place. The city allows residents to keep up to four chickens (hens only) without requiring a permit. San Francisco’s mild Mediterranean climate is perfect for raising chickens, with relatively cool summers and mild winters.
The city’s urban farming community is strong, with numerous organizations offering support and resources for chicken keepers. The San Francisco Urban Agriculture Alliance is one such organization, providing education and advocacy for urban farmers. With its favorable climate and supportive community, San Francisco is a great city for backyard chickens.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia, is another Southern city that welcomes backyard chickens. The city allows residents to keep chickens (hens only) as long as the coop is located a certain distance from neighboring homes. Atlanta’s warm climate and long growing season are ideal for raising chickens, although the hot, humid summers may require extra care to keep your flock comfortable.
Atlanta has a growing urban farming movement, with many resources available for chicken keepers, including local feed stores, workshops, and online communities. The city’s favorable regulations and supportive community make it a great place to start your own backyard flock.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, might have cold winters, but it’s also one of the friendliest cities for backyard chickens. The city allows residents to keep up to six chickens (no roosters) with a permit. Minneapolis’s supportive urban farming community and abundance of resources make it easy for residents to raise chickens, even in a colder climate.
The city’s annual Tour de Coop event showcases local chicken coops, providing inspiration and education for chicken enthusiasts. While the cold winters may require some additional preparation, Minneapolis’s friendly regulations and active community make it a welcoming place for backyard chickens.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, is a great city for raising backyard chickens, thanks to its favorable regulations and supportive community. The city allows residents to keep up to 10 chickens (hens only) without requiring a permit. Salt Lake City’s dry climate and ample sunshine are ideal for chicken keeping, although the cold winters may necessitate extra care.
Salt Lake City has a growing urban farming community, with resources such as local feed stores, workshops, and online forums available to help chicken keepers. The city’s supportive environment and chicken-friendly policies make it a great place to start your own flock.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee, is known for its music scene, but it’s also a chicken-friendly city. The city allows residents to keep up to six hens (no roosters) without requiring a permit. Nashville’s warm climate and relatively mild winters make it an ideal location for raising chickens, and the city’s urban farming community is growing rapidly.
Nashville has a wealth of resources for chicken keepers, including local feed stores, co-ops, and workshops. The city’s favorable regulations and supportive community make it a welcoming place for backyard chickens. Whether you’re new to chicken keeping or an experienced pro, Nashville is a great city to raise a flock.
