Want to keep chickens in Alabama? The state lets many people do it—but rules change depending on where you live. Some places let you keep a few hens, while others ban them in residential zones or need permits. I’ll walk you through county and city rules so you can see what matters in your area.
Statewide Snapshot
Alabama doesn’t have one big rule for chickens. Instead, each city or county decides zoning limits, permit needs, and how many hens or roosters you can have. Some only allow hens, and many ban roosters altogether or require permits. Always check local laws before getting started.
Major Counties — What the Rules Say
Baldwin County
You can keep up to 8 hens per half‑acre. But roosters are not allowed. So if your lot is larger, you still stay capped at 8 hens per half‑acre. No roosters at all.
Jefferson County (includes Birmingham area)
Chickens are not allowed in residential zoning areas. That means if your property is in a zone marked for homes, you can’t keep chickens. You might get a permit—but only in non‑residential zones, and that is rare.
Madison County (Huntsville area)
Rules depend on whether you are inside city limits or outside. In residential areas, roosters are disallowed. Permits may be required for hens. Make sure to coordinate with zoning officials.
Mobile County
Lot‑size limits may apply, and permits are often required. In residential zones, roosters are prohibited. Hens limits are not always given in detail, so city rules may add more specifics.
Tuscaloosa County
Flock size depends on zoning area. They require licensing for all chickens. Roosters are not allowed. Additional permits may also be required depending on zoning.
Selected Cities in Alabama
Birmingham (in Jefferson County)
Inside city limits, you can keep up to 6 hens on lots smaller than one acre; up to 12 hens if your lot is over one acre. Roosters are banned. Zoning matters a lot—residential zones can’t have any poultry without special permission.
Daphne (in Baldwin County)
This city recently changed from banning all fowl to allowing hens under rules:
- Parcels at least 5,000 sq ft.
- 2 hens on lots between 5,000 sq ft and 7,799 sq ft.
- Up to 4 hens on lots between about 7,800 sq ft and 3 acres.
- Up to 8 hens on lots over 3 acres.
- No roosters, no crowing hens. Only hens for personal use.
- Henhouse and run must be fenced, set back at least 10 ft from property lines and 25 ft from the house.
- No selling eggs, no breeding. Slaughtering not allowed.
- Regular cleaning, no smell or pests; housing must be animal‑proof and vented.
Opelika (Lee County area)
Ordinance requires:
- Lot size minimum: 10,000 sq ft.
- 4 hens on lots 10,000–19,999 sq ft; 6 hens on 20,000–29,999 sq ft; 10 hens if over 30,000 sq ft.
- Enclosure fenced, with 6 sq ft per chicken.
- Chicken housing must be 10 ft from property line, and 50 ft from neighboring dwellings, schools, churches or businesses.
- No roosters allowed.
- Must get a permit, submit site plan and meet cleanliness standards. No breeding or slaughter for personal chicken flocks.
Ozark (Dale County)
You may keep up to six hens. Roosters aren’t allowed. Chickens must stay in backyard or side yard and be fenced or housed. No free‑roaming allowed.
Dothan (Houston County)
Dothan isn’t in a big county list but recently clarified rules:
- Your lot must be at least half an acre.
- Chicken coop must sit at least 35 ft away from neighbor property lines.
- A special exception permit from the Board of Zoning Adjustment is needed, with a small filing fee (~$35) and public hearing.
- Clean coop, healthy hens only; roosters are not mentioned but likely disallowed.
Pelham (Shelby County)
Pelham only allows chickens on property zones marked for Agriculture. If your property is in a residential zone, you cannot keep chickens there. No further exceptions are mentioned.
Other Counties and General Notes
Many smaller or rural counties in Alabama do not have specific chicken ordinances. In unincorporated county areas, if zoning isn’t residential or undeveloped, rules may be more relaxed. But as soon as you are inside a city or in a residential zoning district, city or county permits and rules often apply.
Summary Chart
| Location | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Lot Size / Setbacks | Permit Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin County | Up to 8 per ½ acre | No | ½‑acre minimum | No permit listed |
| Jefferson County (Birmingham) |
City: 6 (small lot) to 12 | No | Depends on lot size | Yes, if in residential zone |
| Jefferson County (county only) | None in residential zones | No | Residential zoning ban | Permit for non‑residential may be required |
| Madison County | Dependent on city vs county | No | City limit rules vary | Often yes |
| Mobile County | Varies with zoning | No | Depends on lot size | Usually required |
| Tuscaloosa County | Varies | No | Zoning dependent | Yes — licensing |
| Daphne | 2 to 8 hens (zoned) | No | 5,000 sq ft min, setbacks 10 ft lines, 25 ft house | No permit; rules enforced |
| Opelika | 4–10 hens | No | Lot size tiers; setbacks 10 & 50 ft | Yes, permit & site plan |
| Ozark | Up to 6 hens | No | Back/side yard only | Yes |
| Dothan | Not specified | Likely No | ½ acre + 35 ft setback | Yes, special exception |
| Pelham | Only on Ag‑zoned land | Not allowed in residential | Zoning only | No |
Things to Keep in Mind
• **Zoning is everything**. If your property is zoned residential, doors may close fast—some places ban chickens entirely in those zones.
• **Roosters are often banned**, even when hens are allowed. That’s common across many cities and counties.
• **Permits or exceptions**: Many places require an approved permit or a zoning board hearing. Expect paperwork and a public hearing.
• **Lot size and setbacks**: Minimum acreage, distance from property lines, or distance from neighbor homes are common requirements.
• **Henhouse rules**: Some cities require enclosed, predator‑proof housing, regular cleaning, no smell, and no breeding or selling eggs.
• **County vs city**: If you live outside city limits, county rules may apply—or there might be none. But if you’re inside a city, city ordinances usually control.
Want to Check Your Area?
1. Find your zoning type (residential, agricultural, etc.)—it’s usually online or ask your city/county zoning office.
2. If in a city, check that city’s code or animal ordinance. Many have clear rules online.
3. If outside city limits, ask the county’s planning or animal control office. Some counties don’t regulate chickens unless they’re kept in residential zones.
4. If hens are allowed, ask about setbacks, permit needs, coop size, cleaning rules, and whether roosters are banned.
Why So Many Rules?
People living closer together may not want chickens wandering, smelling, or making noise. Zoning rules help protect neighbors. Permits let the city review your plans ahead of time. Setbacks and coop standards help reduce pests, disease risk (like salmonella or bird flu), and unattractive sight or smell.
Bottom Line
Alabama doesn’t have a single chicken rule—but many counties and cities do. You can keep hens in many places, but often with limits on number, coop rules, setbacks, and no roosters. In residential zones, chicken keeping is often restricted or requires approval. Always check your local zoning and ordinance rules before bringing chickens home.
If you tell me your specific county or city, I can help you look up the exact rules for your area.