While it is legal to own chickens in Indiana, many municipalities have local ordinances regarding the number of chickens residents can keep. Whether or not you are allowed to have backyard chickens in Indiana depends on your location. Also, the maximum number of chickens you can own in Indiana depends on your local animal ordinance. Most municipalities in Indiana allow up to 6 chickens per residence. It is important to check with your local authorities before buying any chickens to keep.
Indianapolis, IN
If you live in the City of Indianapolis, you may keep a maximum of 12 chickens, including one rooster in your backyard. You may also keep ducks, quails, and pigeons in Indianapolis. However, the total number of birds you can have on your premises in Indiana is limited to 12. Chicken coops in Indianapolis must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
Fort Wayne, IN
The City of Fort Wayne permits no more than 5 chickens per parcel. Fort Wayne bans the keeping of roosters and requires that hens be kept completely and securely enclosed. Chicken coops must be maintained in a sanitary condition and located in the rear yard. In addition, chicken coops must be situated at least 10 from all property lines and 20 feet from neighboring residences. The coop must be less than 10 feet high and provide at least 10 square feet of space per chicken kept therein.
Evansville, IN
In the City of Evansville, a maximum of 6 chickens is allowed per property. The keeping of ducks, pigeons, and turkeys is also allowed in Evansville, Indiana, according to the City's animal ordinance.
South Bend, IN
In South Bend, Indiana, no more than 6 female chickens are permitted per single-family dwelling. The keeping of chickens in multi-family dwellings is not allowed in the City of South Bend. In addition, a permit is required to have backyard chickens in South Bend. You must have a minimum of 5 acres of land to keep roosters in South Bend, according to Sec. 5-19 of the City's Code or Ordinances.
Carmel, IN
If you live in the City of Carmel, you may keep up to 6 chickens, excluding roosters, in your backyard. However, you need to obtain a permit before buying the chickens. Chicken coops must be predator-proof, maintained in a sanitary condition, and provide at least 3 square feet of space per chicken kept therein. Furthermore, the slaughtering of chickens is prohibited on residential properties within the city limits of Carmel.
Bloomington, IN
The City of Bloomington allows no more than 5 chickens, excluding roosters, per household. However, before acquiring your chickens, you must obtain a permit at no charge from Animal Care and Control, located at 3410 Old State Road 37 South. Once your application for the permit is approved, an Animal Care and Control Officer will inspect your chicken coop to ensure that all setbacks are followed. The City Code requires that chicken coops be located at least 12 feet from all property lines and 20 feet from neighboring buildings. In addition, chicken coops must provide at least 12 square feet of space per bird kept therein.
Gary, IN
Technically, it is legal to keep backyard chickens in Gary, Indiana. However, the required distance between where you intend to keep the chickens and neighboring residences is too much. According to Sec. 8-8 of Gary's Code of Ordinances, no person may keep chickens or pigeons within 200 feet of any neighboring dwelling.
Chicken Laws in Other Indiana Cities and Towns
- Terre Haute, IN: Chickens allowed on lots greater than 4800 square feet
- Columbus, IN: Allows up to 4 backyard chickens
- Jeffersonville, IN: Allows up to 8 hens
- Lawrence, IN: A maximum of six hens allowed. Permit required
- Portage, IN: Allows residents to keep up to 5 backyard hens
- Richmond, IN: Allows up to 3 hens per residential lot
- Goshen, IN: Allows no more than 6 chickens, excluding roosters
- Town of Plainfield, IN: Two acres of land required to keep chickens
- Valparaiso, IN: Allows a maximum of 4 chickens per parcel
- Michigan City, IN: Chickens must not be kept within 200 feet of neighboring homes
- Town of Zionsville, IN: Chickens allowed. No maximum number
- Brownsburg, IN: Permits up to 10 hens, depending on property size
- Town of Clarksville, IN: Backyard chickens allowed. No maximum number
- La Porte, IN: Chickens, turkeys, and geese allowed
- Seymour, IN: Chickens allowed
- Shelbyville, IN: Allows 3 chickens per lot
