Want to keep backyard chickens in Indiana? You usually can—but rules vary depending on county or city. Some places allow a few hens with a permit, others ban flocks entirely. Roosters are often prohibited. Below is a guide to major areas like Bloomington, Terre Haute, Valparaiso, and key counties, in clear, simple English.
Overview of Indiana Rules
There is **no single state law** for backyard chickens. Instead, local governments set rules on the number of hens, whether roosters are allowed, coop size and placement, permit requirements, and cleanliness standards. Always check your city or county code.
Monroe County – Bloomington
The City of Bloomington allows you to keep up to **five hens and no roosters** per household. You must have a permit and renew it each year. Coops and runs are inspected to ensure:
- Setbacks: at least **20 feet from any dwelling** besides yours, and **12 feet from property lines**.
- Run space: at least **12 sq ft per bird**.
- A visual barrier of at least 4 feet must screen the coop from neighbors.
- Coop and run must be clean, dry, odor-free, and pest-free.
Vigo County – Terre Haute
Terre Haute allows up to **eight hens**, bans roosters, and requires a **permit**. You need to follow coop and run placement rules, and meet hygiene standards similar to Bloomington.
Porter County – Valparaiso
Valparaiso allows up to **four hens per parcel under five acres**, with **no roosters** allowed:
- Coop must offer at least **10 sq ft per bird indoors**.
- Max coop size is **75 sq ft**, max height **10 ft**.
- Coops must be at least **10 ft from property lines**, and located in rear yards.
- Chickens must stay secure and enclosed at all times.
- No slaughtering allowed on site; personal use only.
Johnson County – Whiteland
Whiteland permits up to **six hens per household**, **no roosters**, and no permit required:
- Run space: at least **6 sq ft per hen**.
- Setbacks: coop at least **3 ft from any structure** on the same lot, and **25 ft from neighbor dwellings**.
- Max coop: **120 sq ft**, max height **10 ft**.
- Waste: compost or sealed containers up to 20 gallons; no sale of eggs or birds.
- No odor detectable at property lines; must stay clean and dry.
Madison County – Anderson
Anderson **does not allow** backyard chickens—keeping them is prohibited by city code.
Bartholomew County – Columbus
Columbus allows you to keep up to **four hens**, no roosters. No permit is required in most cases. Minimal setback and coop requirements apply, but the city’s grade suggests rules are basic.
Wabash County – North Manchester
North Manchester allows up to **three hens**, no roosters, and does **not require a permit**.
Fulton County – Rochester
Rochester **does not allow** chickens—keeping them is prohibited outright by the local code.
Other Cities & Counties
- Attica (Fountain County): Up to **six hens**, permit required, roosters banned.
- Greens Fork (Wayne County): Up to **six hens**, permit required, roosters banned.
- Warsaw (Kosciusko): Keeping chickens is not permitted.
- Angola (Steuben): Chickens are prohibited.
- Fort Wayne (Allen County): Chickens not allowed within city limits.
Common Local Themes
- Most areas allow between **4–6 hens** if permitted, no roosters.
- Many require **annual permits**, some inspect coops and runs.
- Setbacks typically range **from 10–20 feet from property lines or neighbor dwellings**.
- Coops and runs must be secure, ventilated, predator-proof, and free of odor.
- All require birds for **personal, non‑commercial use only**.
- Untreated waste or on-site slaughter is typically prohibited.
Tips to Stay Legal and Neighborly
- Check whether city or county rules apply to your property using local zoning maps.
- If you live in a city, check the municipal code or contact code enforcement or animal control.
- Avoid keeping roosters unless you’re in an agricultural or rural zoning district.
- Follow coop/run setback and size requirements carefully.
- Keep coops clean, feed stored securely, and waste managed to prevent flies or odor.
- Many municipalities require a permit or license—apply before acquiring hens.
Why These Rules Matter
Ordinances aim to prevent noise, odor, pests, and neighborhood disputes. They ensure chickens remain safe and contained, and that coops are sanitary and humane. Permits and inspections help keep flocks manageable and compatible with residential life.
Final Takeaway
Indiana generally allows backyard hens in many places, but local rules vary significantly. Most allow 4–6 hens, ban roosters, and require setbacks and cleanliness standards. Permits are common but not universal. Cities like Bloomington and Terre Haute enforce local codes strictly, while others like Anderson and Rochester ban chickens outright. If you tell me your specific town or county, I can help you find the most current and precise rules that apply to your property.