Backyard Chicken Laws in Mississippi: A Practical Guide for New Poultry Owners

Whether you’re dreaming of fresh eggs or a self-sufficient lifestyle, raising backyard chickens in Mississippi is a popular option. The good news? Most areas in the Magnolia State support small-scale poultry keeping. The not-so-good news? Rules vary dramatically depending on where you live.

Before you bring home that flock of hens, make sure you’re up to date on your local laws. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about backyard chicken regulations in Mississippi—from zoning requirements to coop placement and permits.

Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Mississippi?

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in many parts of Mississippi. However, there’s no statewide law regulating poultry in residential areas. Instead, chicken-keeping laws are established at the local level—by counties, municipalities, and zoning boards.

That means what’s allowed in Jackson may not be allowed in Gulfport or Olive Branch. Some rural communities allow poultry without any restrictions, while others—particularly suburban or urban zones—may impose specific limits on flock size, coop location, or the presence of roosters.

Common Chicken-Keeping Restrictions in Mississippi

Though local ordinances vary, here are the most frequent restrictions you may encounter:

• No roosters: Roosters are often banned in residential zones due to crowing noise.
• Flock size limits: Many towns allow up to 6 hens per household.
• Coop setbacks: Coops must usually be 10 to 50 feet from property lines or neighboring homes.
• Permits: Some municipalities require a permit or registration for backyard chickens.
• Cleanliness and odor control: Most areas require coops to be clean and free of offensive smells.

The easiest way to know what’s legal in your area is to contact your local planning, zoning, or code enforcement office directly.

Backyard Chicken Laws by City in Mississippi

Here’s a quick look at how some of Mississippi’s largest cities regulate backyard chickens:

City	Hens Allowed	Roosters	Permit Required
Jackson	Up to 6	Not allowed	Yes
Gulfport	Allowed with restrictions	Not allowed in most zones	Yes
Southaven	Zoning-dependent	No	Yes
Hattiesburg	6 hens max	Not allowed	Yes
Biloxi	Allowed in AG zones	Yes, in rural areas	Varies

Keep in mind: even if chickens are allowed, your specific property’s zoning classification will determine what’s permitted. Always confirm with your city or county office before purchasing your birds or building a coop.

How to Legally Keep Chickens in Mississippi

If you’re ready to raise chickens, follow these steps to stay legal and avoid unnecessary headaches:

1. Check Local Zoning Laws

Start by contacting your city’s zoning department or visiting the official city website. Find out whether your property is zoned for residential or agricultural use and if chickens are allowed under that classification.

2. Secure a Permit if Needed

Many municipalities in Mississippi require a permit to keep chickens within city limits. This usually involves a small application fee, a coop plan, and possibly an inspection. Skipping this step could result in fines or a legal order to remove your flock.

3. Build a Legal, Sanitary Chicken Coop

Your coop must meet local standards for space, location, and cleanliness. Requirements often include setbacks from homes, fencing to prevent escapes, and proper waste management.

Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to design a coop that’s tailored to your backyard and compliant with local codes. It’s especially helpful in determining how much space your flock needs and how to configure the layout for ventilation and drainage.

4. Maintain Your Coop Responsibly

To avoid complaints or inspections, keep your coop clean and odor-free. Collect eggs daily, dispose of waste regularly, and store feed in sealed containers to deter pests.

5. Be a Good Neighbor

Even in areas where chickens are legal, neighbor relations matter. Inform your neighbors, assure them you won’t keep noisy roosters, and consider offering fresh eggs now and then. This simple courtesy can prevent complaints and build support.

Do You Need a Permit to Keep Chickens in Mississippi?

Yes, many Mississippi cities require permits to legally keep chickens—especially in residential zones. The permit process may include:

• A coop design or site plan
• An application fee (typically $25–$75)
• An inspection or neighbor consent form

For example, Jackson and Hattiesburg require permits, while some rural counties may allow backyard flocks without formal approval. Always double-check with your local government office.

What Are the Chicken Coop Requirements in Mississippi?

Coops must be functional, clean, and safely constructed. Though specific requirements differ by city, most include:

• Space: At least 2–3 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8–10 square feet in the run
• Setbacks: Usually 20–50 feet from homes or property lines
• Fencing: Enclosed with wire mesh or a similar material to deter predators
• Ventilation: Adequate airflow to reduce odor and moisture buildup
• Drainage: Positioned on elevated ground to avoid standing water

Need help building a coop that meets both practical and legal needs? Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to get customized dimensions, space plans, and material suggestions based on your flock size and backyard layout.

Can You Sell Eggs from Backyard Chickens in Mississippi?

Yes, Mississippi allows residents to sell eggs from backyard flocks, provided you follow basic state food safety laws. Here are the key guidelines:

• Direct sales: You may sell ungraded eggs directly to consumers from your home or farm stand.
• Labeling: Egg cartons must list the producer’s name, address, and state that eggs are “ungraded.”
• Storage: Eggs must be kept at 45°F or below.

If you scale up to commercial-level egg sales, you may need additional licensing from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

What Happens If You Break Chicken Laws in Mississippi?

Breaking backyard poultry laws can lead to:

• Warnings and citations from code enforcement
• Fines or penalties
• Forced removal of your chickens or coop

In most cases, you’ll receive a notice and have an opportunity to correct the issue. But it’s far easier—and cheaper—to plan correctly from the beginning. Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to avoid costly mistakes in coop design and placement.

Conclusion

Backyard chickens are a legal and rewarding part of life in many Mississippi communities. But just because others are doing it doesn’t mean you can skip the research. Local chicken laws vary greatly, and it’s up to you to understand what’s allowed on your property.

Need help planning your coop? Visit ChickenCoopCalculator.com to get everything you need—coop size, layout, ventilation, and more. It’s the best way to start your flock the right way and stay on the right side of the law.