| Are chickens allowed in Durham? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | Up to 10 |
| Can you have roosters in Durham? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Pens at least five feet from any lot line or right-of-way. |
| Application process: | A permit may be required |
| More information: | Durham City Code |
Durham makes it simple for anyone who wants to start a small backyard chicken flock. Here’s what you need to know:
- Number of Chickens: The city of Durham, North Carolina, allows residents to keep up to 10 female chickens per lot, regardless of the number of dwelling units on the lot.
- Roosters are not allowed.
- Chicken Coop Requirements: The coop must be enclosed with solid material on all sides and have a solid roof and door(s). An existing shed or garage can be used for a coop.
- Chicken Pen Construction: The chicken pen must be constructed of wood or metal posts and wire fencing material. The pen must be covered with wire, aviary netting, or solid roofing.
- Sanitation Guidelines: The chicken coop, chicken pen, and surrounding area must always be in a sanitary condition. All manure, uneaten feed, and other trash must be removed in a timely manner and disposed of in a sanitary manner.
- Prohibited Sales and Distribution: Eggs, chicks, adult chickens, and processed chickens may not be sold. Chicken manure and compost using chicken manure may not be sold or otherwise distributed.
- Securing Chickens: Chickens must be secured in the chicken coop during non-daylight hours. During daylight hours, chickens can be located in the chicken pen or outside of the pen in a securely fenced yard or chicken tractor/portable pen if supervised by an adult person.
As cities may alter their regulations for backyard chickens, it is essential to get the most recent information by contacting Durham officials.
Start Raising Chickens
See other North Carolina chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/25/24