Andalusia Chicken Laws: Your Complete Guide

Raising backyard chickens in Andalusia, Alabama, is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. Fresh eggs, less food waste, and a step toward self-sufficiency are just a few of the benefits. But before you start building your coop, there’s one thing you must do: know the law.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Andalusia chicken laws, including how many chickens you can keep, where to place your coop, and whether roosters are allowed—so you can stay compliant while enjoying a thriving backyard flock.

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Are Chickens Allowed in Andalusia, Alabama?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Andalusia—but they come with strict regulations based on zoning, property size, and nuisance laws.

While Andalusia embraces small-scale, sustainable living, the city maintains local ordinances to ensure chickens don’t negatively affect neighbors or public health. Whether you’re in a residential neighborhood or on a larger rural lot, it’s important to understand how these rules apply to you.

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Andalusia Chicken Laws: What You Need to Know

The main chicken laws in Andalusia regulate flock size, noise, coop placement, and sanitation to prevent public nuisances.

Here’s a breakdown of typical rules for backyard chickens:

• Zoning Rules: Chickens are typically allowed in areas zoned residential-agricultural or on larger lots in standard residential zones.

• Flock Limit: Most homes can keep up to 6 hens for personal use without requiring a special permit.

• Roosters: Roosters are prohibited within most residential zones due to their loud crowing.

• Coop Location: Chicken coops must be set back from property lines and neighboring residences, generally by at least 25 to 50 feet.

• Containment: All chickens must be fully enclosed in a coop or run—they can’t roam freely in open yards or onto streets.

• Sanitation: Coops and runs must be maintained clean and odor-free to avoid violations of nuisance laws.

Want to make sure your setup is compliant? Use Chicken Coop Calculator to plan everything—from coop dimensions to space requirements and feeding schedules—based on local rules and your lot size.

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Zoning and Permits in Andalusia

Your ability to raise chickens in Andalusia largely depends on your zoning classification.

Steps to Stay Legal:

1. Call the City of Andalusia Planning and Zoning Office to determine your zoning.

2. Ask if backyard chickens are permitted in your specific zoning category.

3. Find out if you need a permit or have to apply for conditional use approval.

4. Check HOA or subdivision rules, if applicable—they may restrict chickens even if the city allows them.

Instead of guessing, use this backyard flock planning tool to match your zoning, property size, and chicken-keeping goals.

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Coop Regulations in Andalusia

Your chicken coop must be placed and built according to city standards to remain legal and neighbor-friendly.

Coop Guidelines to Follow:

• Backyard Placement: The coop must be in the backyard—not the side yard or visible from the street.

• Setback Requirements: Coops should be 25–50 feet away from neighboring homes or property boundaries.

• Size: The minimum recommended space is:

  • 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop

  • 10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run

• Structure Requirements:

  • Fully enclosed to prevent escape and protect from predators

  • Properly ventilated and weatherproof

  • Cleanable to avoid odor and bacteria buildup

Using ChickenCoopCalculator.com helps you size your coop, plan your layout, and stay in compliance with Andalusia’s building expectations.

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Are Roosters Allowed in Andalusia?

No, roosters are generally prohibited in residential areas of Andalusia.

Roosters are known for loud, early morning crowing, which leads to complaints and enforcement action. Even one rooster in a quiet neighborhood can create serious disruption. The city prioritizes peaceful neighborhoods and typically restricts roosters to agricultural zones with large lot sizes.

Hens only for egg-laying? You’re good to go. They’re quieter and completely capable of producing eggs without a rooster.

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How Many Chickens Can You Keep in Andalusia?

Most residents are limited to 4–6 hens depending on lot size and zoning.

The goal is to keep flocks manageable in residential neighborhoods while minimizing the risks of odor, pests, and noise. Larger flocks may be allowed in agricultural zones but may require additional permits or inspections.

Flock Size Reference Table:

Use Chicken Coop Calculator to calculate how many hens your property can support, and plan your coop dimensions to fit comfortably.

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What If You Violate Andalusia’s Chicken Ordinances?

Violating chicken laws can result in fines, warnings, or being ordered to remove your flock.

Here are the most common violations:

• Keeping roosters in residential zones

• Letting chickens free-range into neighboring yards

• Overcrowded or unsanitary coops

• Placing the coop too close to another home

What to Do If You’re Cited:

• Fix the issue quickly: Reduce flock size, clean the coop, or reposition the structure.

• Cooperate with the city: Most enforcement starts with a warning, not a fine.

• Use planning tools like ChickenCoopCalculator.com to adjust your setup and stay compliant moving forward.

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Best Practices for Legal, Healthy Chicken Keeping in Andalusia

Following the rules is just the beginning—being a good chicken keeper makes life easier for you, your birds, and your neighbors.

Do This:

• Keep a tidy, odor-free coop with dry bedding and weekly cleanings.

• Install proper fencing or netting to prevent escapes and predators.

• Choose quiet, friendly breeds like Buff Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, or Australorps.

• Talk to your neighbors before getting started—open communication helps avoid complaints.

• Monitor hens for noise (yes, even hens can get loud when laying or startled).

Andalusia residents can make things even easier by designing their entire flock setup in advance with Chicken Coop Calculator, from feed schedules to coop placement.

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Why Backyard Chickens Are Worth It in Andalusia

Still wondering if chickens are the right move? Here’s what you gain:

• Fresh eggs every morning

• Natural fertilizer for your garden

• Pest control—chickens love bugs and weeds

• Educational fun for kids and families

• Reduced food waste by feeding chickens scraps

• A stronger connection to your food and lifestyle

And with the right planning tools, your backyard chickens can be a legal, healthy, and enjoyable part of your Andalusia home.

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Conclusion

Andalusia supports backyard chickens—but only if you follow local laws. Zoning, rooster restrictions, coop placement, and cleanliness all matter if you want to avoid fines and keep your flock long-term.

Start your backyard chicken journey the right way. Head over to Chicken Coop Calculator to plan a coop that fits your yard, meets city regulations, and keeps your hens healthy and happy.

Don’t just raise chickens—do it legally, smartly, and sustainably.