Brewton Chicken Laws: A Complete Guide to Raising Chickens
Raising backyard chickens is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh eggs, reduce food waste, and live more sustainably. But before you start building a coop or purchasing hens in Brewton, Alabama, it’s important to understand the city’s ordinances. Brewton chicken laws regulate everything from flock size and coop placement to zoning and sanitation, so staying compliant is essential.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to legally and responsibly raise chickens in Brewton—without fines, complaints, or unexpected setbacks.
Are Chickens Allowed in Brewton, Alabama?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Brewton—but they’re subject to zoning, permit, and nuisance regulations.
While Brewton is relatively accommodating toward small-scale animal husbandry, you must still follow specific rules based on your property’s zoning classification and location. Whether you’re in a rural zone or a residential neighborhood, you’ll need to make sure your coop and flock comply with the local code.
Key Chicken Laws in Brewton: What You Need to Know
Brewton’s chicken laws aim to allow responsible poultry keeping while protecting public health and neighborhood peace.
Here are the most common regulations:
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Zoning Regulations: Chickens are typically allowed in agricultural and residential-agricultural zones. In more densely zoned residential areas, they may be limited or restricted.
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Permit Requirements: A permit may be required depending on the number of chickens, your zoning, and your property size. Always confirm with the city.
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Flock Limit: Most urban and suburban lots are limited to 4 to 6 hens. Larger flocks may be allowed in agricultural zones.
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Roosters: Roosters are prohibited in most residential areas due to noise concerns.
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Coop Placement: Coops must be in the backyard, with a minimum setback of 25 to 50 feet from neighboring homes or property lines.
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Enclosure Requirements: Chickens must be kept in a secure coop or fenced run at all times. Free-ranging off your property is not permitted.
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Sanitation and Odor Control: Coops must be kept clean, dry, and odor-free to avoid attracting pests and violating nuisance laws.
Pro Tip: Use Chicken Coop Calculator to design your flock setup to fit Brewton’s rules while optimizing your space.
Zoning and Permits in Brewton
Zoning is the first and most important thing to check before starting your backyard flock in Brewton.
Steps to Stay Legal:
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Contact Brewton City Hall or the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm your property’s zoning classification.
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Ask if backyard chickens are allowed in your zone and whether you need a permit.
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Inquire about any limitations on coop size, flock count, and required setbacks.
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Check HOA or neighborhood covenants—they may prohibit chickens even if the city does not.
ChickenCoopCalculator.com can help you map out your space and plan a compliant coop based on your zoning and lot dimensions.
Chicken Coop Rules in Brewton
Even if chickens are permitted on your property, your coop must follow specific guidelines.
Coop Requirements:
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Backyard Only: Coops must be placed behind the home and away from public view.
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Setbacks: Coops must be at least 25–50 feet from adjacent homes or property boundaries.
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Space Recommendations:
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4 sq ft per hen inside the coop
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10 sq ft per hen in the outdoor run
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Structure Guidelines:
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Fully enclosed and secure from predators
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Well-ventilated and weather-resistant
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Designed for easy cleaning and waste management
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Use Chicken Coop Calculator to calculate the ideal dimensions for your coop and run to ensure your birds are safe, healthy, and legally housed.
Are Roosters Allowed in Brewton?
No, roosters are not permitted in most residential areas of Brewton.
Roosters are commonly banned due to their loud crowing, which often leads to neighbor complaints and violations of local noise ordinances. In agricultural zones, roosters may be allowed with additional conditions.
Good news: Hens do not need roosters to lay eggs, so there’s no downside to keeping a rooster-free flock.
How Many Chickens Can You Keep in Brewton?
In most residential zones, you’re limited to 4–6 hens.
Properties in agricultural or rural zones may be able to support larger flocks, but you’ll need approval from the city to exceed the standard residential limits.
Flock Size Reference Table:
Zoning Type | Max Chickens | Roosters Allowed? |
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Standard Residential | Up to 6 hens | No |
Residential-Agricultural | 6–12 hens (verify) | Possibly (with permit) |
Agricultural/Rural | No formal limit (confirm with city) | Yes, if permitted |
To determine how many chickens your property can legally support, use Chicken Coop Calculator.
What Happens If You Break Chicken Laws in Brewton?
Violating local ordinances can result in warnings, fines, and even the forced removal of your flock.
Common Violations Include:
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Keeping roosters in prohibited zones
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Exceeding the legal number of hens
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Poor coop placement or inadequate setbacks
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Unsanitary coop conditions
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Allowing chickens to escape or roam beyond your property
If You Receive a Citation:
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Resolve the issue quickly—move your coop, reduce your flock, or improve sanitation.
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Communicate with officials—they often provide a grace period to come into compliance.
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Avoid repeat issues by using Chicken Coop Calculator to maintain a legal, efficient chicken-keeping system.
Responsible Chicken Keeping in Brewton
Legality is the baseline—being a respectful and proactive chicken keeper is what really matters.
Best Practices:
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Clean your coop weekly to control flies, odors, and disease.
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Use proper bedding like pine shavings or sand to absorb waste.
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Secure feed containers to avoid attracting rodents.
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Choose quiet, docile breeds like Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, or Australorps.
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Talk to your neighbors before setting up your flock—it builds goodwill and prevents conflicts.
All of these best practices are built into the tools provided by ChickenCoopCalculator.com.
Why Chickens Are a Great Addition to Brewton Homes
Backyard chickens bring more than just eggs to the table. Here’s what they offer:
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Fresh, organic eggs
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Natural fertilizer for your lawn or garden
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Compostable waste and pest control
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A fun, educational activity for the whole family
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More sustainable, independent living
And with the right setup, raising chickens in Brewton can be low-maintenance and high-reward.
Conclusion
Raising chickens in Brewton is absolutely possible—but only if you understand and follow local laws. From zoning and coop placement to flock size and sanitation, doing things by the book will protect your birds, your neighbors, and your peace of mind.
Want to raise chickens the smart way? Visit Chicken Coop Calculator to build a compliant coop, calculate your ideal flock size, and plan a safe and sustainable chicken-keeping system.
Start right, stay legal, and enjoy every egg-filled day with your backyard flock in Brewton.