Want to keep backyard chickens in Idaho? You can—but the rules differ by county and city. Some places allow a few hens without permits, others require a permit or limit flock size. Roosters are usually banned in urban zones. This guide explains rules across key counties and cities using clear, simple English.
Statewide Snapshot
Idaho does not have a statewide law that sets chicken limits. Instead, each county or city sets its own rules: how many chickens you can keep, whether roosters are allowed, coop setbacks, permit needs, and hygiene expectations. Always check your local zoning code before starting.
Ada County (Boise, Meridian, Eagle)
In Boise and nearby cities, you may keep up to six hens without a permit. Roosters are not allowed. Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 10 feet from property lines. Chickens must stay contained in a clean, odor-free coop. Selling eggs or meat usually requires a permit.
Canyon County (Nampa, Caldwell)
In Caldwell, residents may keep up to 30 hens per half‑acre, with a permit required. Coops must be at least 3 feet from lot lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings. Roosters are prohibited. Nampa has similar rules, limits up to ten hens, no roosters, and setback and cleanliness standards.
Kootenai County (Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls)
In Coeur d’Alene, you may have up to two hens per property in standard residential zones, no roosters, coop fenced and confined at least 10 feet from property lines. Larger lots (up to 24 chickens per acre) follow a zoning tier. Post Falls has similar city zoning-based limits. In unincorporated areas, rules are more relaxed—roosters often allowed.
Bonneville County (Idaho Falls)
Idaho Falls permits up to six hens in most residential zones. Roosters are banned. Coops must be at least 25 feet from neighboring homes, clean and well maintained. Rural areas of the county generally allow larger flocks and permit roosters.
Bannock County (Pocatello)
Pocatello allows up to eight hens, prohibits roosters, and requires fully enclosed coops at least 20 feet from neighbors. Flocks must not create excessive noise, odor, or attract pests. Outside city limits the county is more flexible.
Twin Falls County (Twin Falls City)
Twin Falls permits up to four hens without a permit. If you want more, you can apply and meet additional space requirements. Roosters are not allowed. Coops must be at least three feet from lot lines and 25 feet from neighbor dwellings. Rural areas are more open to larger flocks.
Blaine County (Hailey, Sun Valley)
In Hailey and Sun Valley, up to six hens are allowed, no roosters. Coops must meet setback standards, be clean, and predator‑proof. Only single-family residential lots allowed. The county’s agricultural zones may allow larger flocks and roosters.
Bonner County (Sandpoint)
Sandpoint allows up to ten hens, no roosters, with setbacks of at least 25 feet from neighbor dwellings. In unincorporated Bonner County, rural zoning is more permissive and often lets poultry and roosters freely, unless restricted by a homeowners’ association.
Teton County (Driggs, Victor)
Urban areas like Driggs allow up to six hens and prohibit roosters. Coops must be secure and located in a rear yard. In rural or agricultural zones, owners may keep larger flocks and rooster are allowed.
McCall (Valley County)
In McCall, small farm animals like chickens are permitted in most zones. You may keep up to six hens; roosters are prohibited. The coop must be enclosed and located on the side or rear yard. Feed must be stored securely and conditions kept clean.
Rupert (Minidoka County)
Rupert requires a permit to keep any poultry. No more than five hens are allowed per city lot. Roosters are prohibited. Permits must be obtained from the city clerk before keeping chickens.
Wallace (Shoshone County)
Wallace permits up to six fowl per lot, no roosters, and chickens must live in a coop—slaughter only if fully enclosed and out of public view. The rules include ducks and geese, but the emphasis is on maintaining hygiene and limiting noise.
Key Rules Shared Across Many Cities
- Most standard city zones allow roughly 4–8 hens without a permit; more may require one.
- Roosters are usually prohibited in city or suburban zones.
- Coops must stay in rear yards and follow setback rules (often 3 to 25 ft from lines or dwellings).
- Chickens must be contained on your property; free-ranging across yards or streets may not be allowed.
- Coops must be clean, ventilated, predator‑proof, and managed to avoid pests and odors.
- HOAs or deed covenants can ban chickens even where local code allows them.
Resident Experiences
“Chickens are allowed in most city limits in Idaho… There are usually restrictions on roosters and number of chickens… Them not being in their coop is fine as long as they stay on their property.”
“Boise allows up to 6 hens; no roosters; permit required. Caldwell allows up to 10 hens; permit required.”
Summary Table
| Location | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit? | Typical Setback/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise (Ada) | Up to 6 hens | No | No | Rear yard; ≥10 ft lines |
| Caldwell (Canyon) | Up to 30 per ½ ac | No | Yes | 3 ft from lines; 25 ft from dwellings |
| Coeur d’Alene (Kootenai) | Up to 2 hens standard; more by acre | No | No | Backyard; ≥10 ft lines |
| Idaho Falls (Bonneville) | Up to 6 hens | No | Usually no | 25 ft from neighbor house |
| Pocatello (Bannock) | Up to 8 hens | No | Usually no | 20 ft from neighbors; enclosed coop |
| Twin Falls City | Up to 4 hens (more w/ permit) | No | Permit if >4 | 3 ft lines; 25 ft dwellings |
| Hailey (Blaine) | Up to 6 hens | No | No | Side/rear yard; fenced |
| Sandpoint (Bonner) | Up to 10 hens | No | No | 25 ft from dwellings |
| Driggs/Victor (Teton) | Up to 6 hens | No | Depends | Rear lot; secure run |
| McCall (Valley) | Up to 6 hens | No | No | Rear/side yard; coop enclosed |
| Rupert (Minidoka) | Up to 5 hens | No | Yes | Permit required, rear yard |
| Wallace (Shoshone) | Up to 6 fowl | No | No | Coop required; no public slaughter |
Tips to Stay Legal and Neighborly
- Check your city or county zoning map to see which rules apply to your property.
- Contact local planning, zoning or animal control offices for current chicken rules.
- Avoid roosters unless you’re in rural or agricultural zoning.
- Respect coop placement and setback requirements carefully.
- Maintain clean, ventilated, predator‑proof housing.
- HOA or covenant rules may ban chickens even if legal under local law.
Why These Rules Matter
Regulations keep neighborhood peace by reducing noise (especially roosters), odor, pests, and sanitation issues. Setbacks protect neighbors’ yards and homes. Permit systems help ensure safe coop design. Clear limits on hens and rooster bans keep backyard flocks manageable in denser areas.
Bottom Line
Idaho generally supports backyard hens, but details vary widely by place. In cities like Boise, Pocatello, Hailey, and Twin Falls you can keep a small flock (around 4–6 hens) and no roosters. Larger limits and rooster permissions often require permits and only apply outside city zoning. HOA restrictions may still block chicken ownership even where local code permits it. If you tell me your specific city or county, I can help you find the exact up-to-date rules for your property.