In Wyoming, chicken keeping isn’t governed by a state law. Instead, individual cities and towns set their own rules. Most county areas rely on zoning or town codes. Some cities permit hens under certain conditions; others ban them. Below is a simple guide with key examples so you know what to expect.
Common Rules in Wyoming Cities
- Only female chickens (hens) are allowed in most cities; roosters are banned.
- Maximum number of hens usually ranges from four to six per lot.
- Coops must be enclosed, ventilated, and predator-proof.
- Structures must stay within size limits—generally no more than 60 sq ft and 7 ft tall.
- Chickens must be kept in backyards, with setbacks (e.g., 3 to 20 ft from property lines or alleys).
- During the day, hens may roam if contained by a tall solid fence; wings may need clipping.
- Chickens must be confined at night in a coop or pen.
- Feed must be sealed; manure managed to avoid pests or odor.
- Owners and adjacent neighbors may need to sign consent in writing.
- Violations can result in impoundment, fines, or permit revocation.
Cheyenne (Laramie County)
Cheyenne allows up to five hens per eligible single-family lot. Roosters are prohibited. Chickens must be kept in a covered, predator‑resistant coop located in the backyard. The coop must offer at least 3 sq ft per hen, not exceed 60 sq ft in floor space, and not stand taller than 7 ft. During the day you may allow hens to roam within a fenced yard (minimum 6 ft tall solid fence) if their wings are clipped to prevent escape. At night they must stay inside the coop or pen. Consent in writing from all adults on your property and all adjacent residents is required. Failure to remove vermin, odors, or free‑roaming chickens can lead to impoundment after just two days. Impounded birds may be euthanized if not reclaimed. Owners must keep feed in secure containers and clean the coop regularly. The law is enforced city-wide regardless of zoning zone.
Casper (Natrona County)
In Casper, you may keep up to six hens at a single‑family home. Roosters or hybrid chickens are only allowed in agricultural zoning or with a conditional use permit. Coops must be fully enclosed and ventilated, with access to a pen. During daylight hours hens may roam inside your privacy‑fenced yard (usually six feet high), but at dusk they must return to the coop. Coops and pens cannot exceed 60 sq ft and must remain in rear yards. Chickens may not range off your lot—wandering birds may be impounded. Coop and pen areas must remain clean and not attract pests. If you no longer want your chickens, surrendering them to Metro Animal Services is an option.
Green River (Sweetwater County)
Under recent amendment, Green River residents may keep hens only if chickens remain inside covered enclosures or fenced pens at all times. Birds are not allowed to range off your property. Keeping chickens outside a coop or pen is prohibited. A permit is required but no fee is charged. The site plan and enclosure must be approved by city council amendment terms.
Lyman, WY (Uinta County)
In Lyman town limits, up to six hens may be kept without a conditional use permit. Roosters or other poultry require a conditional use permit. Chickens must be enclosed within a fenced pen entirely on your property; free‑ranging chickens are considered a nuisance. Coops and pens must remain orderly, clean, and free of odor or disease risk. Selling eggs or other chicken products for profit is prohibited unless you obtain additional business permits. Farming exceptions apply only in agricultural‑zoned areas.
Other Wyoming Towns & Unincorporated Areas
Most small Wyoming towns either allow hens under similar rules or prohibit them entirely in town limits. In rural, unincorporated zones, many properties let chickens without restriction—especially if zoned agricultural. Some places require basic setbacks and waste management. Roosters are rarely allowed unless on large lots or farms. Always check with your local town or county planning office before starting.
Checklist For Starting Chickens in Wyoming
- Find out whether your property lies within city limits or unincorporated county territory.
- Contact local planning or animal control office to confirm chicken rules.
- Ask how many hens are allowed, and whether roosters are banned.
- Know if a permit, site plan, or neighbor consent is required.
- Check coop size limits (commonly 60 sq ft max) and height restrictions (often 7 ft max).
- Review setback rules—coops and pens usually must be in rear yards and away from property edges.
- Plan enclosure: coop + pen must be predator-proof, ventilated, and cleaned.
- Ensure secure feed storage and responsible manure disposal.
- Understand night containment: hens must stay in coop/pen from dusk to dawn.
- Know enforcement procedures—violations may result in fines or impoundment.
Why These Rules Matter
Local chicken laws help balance personal use and neighborhood harmony. Confined, well-maintained coops prevent pest problems and unpleasant odors. Banning roosters in dense areas reduces noise. Enforcing consent and setbacks keeps neighbors comfortable. Permit or conditional-use systems allow local reviewers to ensure sanitary and safe conditions. Following rules means you can enjoy fresh eggs with fewer conflicts—keeping public health and community standards respected.
Conclusion
Wyoming does not have a statewide chicken law—each city sets its own rules. In places like Cheyenne, Casper, Green River, and Lyman, chicken keeping is allowed under clear conditions: hens only, small flocks, enclosed and secure coops, setbacks, and written consents. In rural areas, rules are often relaxed, but basic confinement and cleanliness still apply. Before starting your flock, check with your local city or county office. Plan your coop to meet local size, location, and sanitation rules. Respect your neighbors and keep to the rules—then you can enjoy backyard chickens the legal way.
Happy chicken keeping in Wyoming!