| Are chickens allowed in Indianapolis? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 12 hens and one rooster |
| Can you have roosters in Indianapolis? | Yes (with restrictions) |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coop guidelines unclear; check with city officials. |
| Application process: | Permit may be required |
| More information: | WISH-TV |
Indy is a great place to be if you’re interested in keeping a flock in your backyard. Here’s a summary of the laws related to backyard chicken keeping in Indianapolis, Indiana:
- Indianapolis, Indiana allows residents to keep chickens on their property for non-commercial purposes, but they may need to obtain a permit before doing so.
- Chicken coops placement guidelines are currently unclear; check with the city before building or buying your coop.
- Chicken coops must be designed to prevent the escape of chickens and must be predator-proof.
- Roosters are allowed, but only if the property is at least 100 feet away from any neighboring residence.
- 12 hens and one rooster is the usual limit to the number of hens a resident can keep, but the number must be reasonable and consistent with the size of the property.
- Chicken owners are not allowed to sell eggs or meat produced by their chickens.
- Chickens must be provided with a clean and sanitary environment, including clean water and food, and adequate shelter from the elements.
- Chicken owners are responsible for maintaining their coop and keeping it clean to prevent the accumulation of waste and pests.
- The city may conduct periodic inspections of chicken coops to ensure compliance with regulations.
It is important for chicken owners in Indianapolis to obtain the necessary permits and comply with these regulations to avoid fines or legal action.
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See other Indiana chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/25/24