Are Chickens Allowed in Missouri?

BySusan Medlin

Yes — chickens are allowed in Missouri, but the exact rules depend on whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural/agricultural area. Missouri does not have a statewide ban or approval process for backyard chickens. Instead, it leaves regulation up to local city and county ordinances, as well as HOA or subdivision covenants.

General Rules in Missouri

  • No statewide prohibition: Missouri law does not ban backyard chickens. Poultry keeping is considered a normal agricultural activity.
  • Local ordinances apply: Cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia each have their own chicken ordinances. Rules may include limits on the number of hens, restrictions on roosters, coop setback requirements, and sanitation standards.
  • HOA and subdivision rules: Even if your city allows chickens, a homeowners association or subdivision covenant may prohibit them. These private restrictions are enforceable.
  • Commercial use: Selling eggs or meat may trigger additional rules from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and local zoning.

Examples of Missouri Cities & Their Chicken Laws

Kansas City, MO

  • Up to 15 adult chickens allowed per household.
  • Roosters allowed, but they must be kept at least 300 feet from neighboring residences.
  • Coops must be enclosed, sanitary, and 100 feet from other dwellings.

St. Louis, MO

  • Residents may keep chickens, but permits are required.
  • Roosters are generally prohibited because of noise.
  • Chickens must be confined in a coop or run at all times.

Columbia, MO

  • Backyard chickens are allowed.
  • Roosters are prohibited.
  • Up to 6 hens permitted per household.
  • Permits required and coops must meet setback rules.

Springfield, MO

  • Allowed to keep chickens with a city permit.
  • Number of hens allowed depends on property size.
  • Roosters not permitted in most residential areas.

Rural Missouri & Agricultural Zoning

If you live outside city limits or in an area zoned agricultural, you are generally free to keep as many chickens as you want. Many Missourians in rural areas keep large flocks for eggs, meat, or both, without any restrictions beyond basic state animal health laws.

Statewide Animal Health Regulations

While Missouri doesn’t ban chickens, the Missouri Department of Agriculture does regulate poultry health and disease control:

  • Birds moved across state lines must meet health certification requirements.
  • Exhibition poultry must be tested for diseases such as Pullorum-Typhoid.
  • Good husbandry practices (clean coops, adequate food and water) are expected.

Steps to Take Before Getting Chickens in Missouri

  1. Check your local ordinance: Look up your city or county’s animal or zoning code to see if chickens are allowed and under what conditions.
  2. Check HOA or deed restrictions: Even if the city allows chickens, private neighborhood covenants may not.
  3. Plan your coop: Ensure it meets setback, sanitation, and enclosure rules.
  4. Apply for permits: Some cities (like Columbia or Springfield) require an annual or one-time permit.
  5. Talk to your neighbors: Even legal chickens can cause disputes if coops aren’t clean or roosters are noisy.

Conclusion

In summary: Yes, chickens are allowed in Missouri, but the rules vary by city and county. Rural areas generally allow them freely, while urban areas often have restrictions on number of hens, prohibit roosters, and require permits. If you live in Missouri and want backyard chickens, check your city code and neighborhood rules before you build a coop or buy hens.