Chicken Laws by County in Alabama
Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Alabama? You’re not alone. But before you build that coop or bring home your first hen, you need to understand one crucial thing—chicken laws vary by county.
This guide will break down the key rules and regulations by county across Alabama so you can raise chickens legally and confidently.
Can You Raise Chickens in Alabama?
Yes, you can raise chickens in Alabama, but the specific rules—like how many chickens you’re allowed to have, whether roosters are permitted, and how far your coop must be from property lines—depend on where you live. Some counties or cities are chicken-friendly; others have tight restrictions or ban them entirely in residential areas.
Why Chicken Laws Vary Across Counties
Each county and city has the authority to set its own zoning regulations. These local ordinances define:
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Whether chickens are allowed in residential or suburban zones
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The maximum number of chickens permitted
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Whether roosters are allowed (usually they’re banned due to noise)
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Required distances (setbacks) from homes, property lines, or neighbors
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Permitting and coop construction standards
So before buying a flock, it’s essential to check local ordinances for your specific location.
Chicken Laws by Major Counties and Cities in Alabama
Here’s a breakdown of common chicken laws across key counties and municipalities in Alabama.
Jefferson County (Including Birmingham)
Can you keep chickens in Birmingham?
Yes, but with restrictions.
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Chickens are allowed in residential zones (R-1 through R-6).
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Roosters are not allowed.
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Up to 25 hens allowed, depending on lot size.
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Coop must be at least 10 feet from property lines.
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Must provide a clean, secure coop.
Incorporated cities like Homewood or Vestavia Hills may have their own rules, so double-check local zoning codes.
Madison County (Including Huntsville)
Is it legal to raise chickens in Huntsville?
Yes, but it depends on zoning.
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Chickens are allowed in some suburban zones, but not in all residential ones.
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No roosters in most zones.
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Maximum of 6 hens on lots under half an acre.
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Coops must be well-maintained and not a public nuisance.
Huntsville also enforces strict animal welfare standards, so housing, cleanliness, and feed are regulated.
Mobile County (Including Mobile City)
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Chickens allowed in unincorporated areas and some residential zones.
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Mobile City prohibits roosters and limits the number of hens in R-1 zones.
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Coop setback must be 25 feet from any dwelling.
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Permit may be required depending on your neighborhood’s zoning.
For the fastest way to plan a legal setup, check out this chicken coop calculator to figure out how much space your flock will need based on Mobile’s regulations.
Montgomery County (Including Montgomery City)
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Chickens are allowed in city limits, but strictly regulated.
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No roosters in residential areas.
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Up to 6 hens allowed for personal egg production.
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Coop must be clean and not pose an odor or noise nuisance.
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Coop should be at least 30 feet from the nearest residence.
Backyard chickens have become increasingly popular in Montgomery, but neighbors must not be disturbed.
Shelby County
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Chickens are allowed in unincorporated areas without many restrictions.
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In cities like Hoover or Alabaster, chickens may be restricted or banned in dense neighborhoods.
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Roosters generally not permitted.
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Setback of 20-25 feet for coops is common.
If you’re planning a coop here, use the chicken coop calculator to make sure your setup fits Shelby’s typical spatial rules.
Tuscaloosa County (Including Tuscaloosa City)
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Chickens are allowed in rural and certain suburban zones.
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City zoning limits or bans chickens in some residential areas.
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Roosters typically prohibited.
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Setbacks can vary: 20–30 feet from property lines or dwellings.
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Must not create a public nuisance.
If you’re near UA campus or in a suburban development, expect tighter rules.
Baldwin County
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Chickens are widely permitted in unincorporated and agricultural zones.
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Urban areas like Fairhope may restrict or require special permits.
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No roosters in most residential zones.
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Coop should be 30 feet away from neighboring homes.
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Limit of 6–10 hens in residential zoning.
Baldwin County’s coastal communities often have HOA rules as well, so always check with your subdivision.
General Rules That Apply Across Most Alabama Counties
Even though every county is different, some regulations are pretty standard:
| Regulation | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Usually not allowed in city/residential zones |
| Maximum hens | 6–25 depending on zoning and lot size |
| Setback | 10–30 feet from property lines or residences |
| Permits | Sometimes required for backyard coops |
| Cleanliness | Coop must be sanitary and odor-free |
| Noise/Nuisance | Chickens must not disturb neighbors |
Rural vs. Urban: A Key Distinction
If you live in a rural or agricultural zone, you’re more likely to have freedom in keeping chickens. In these areas, you can often have:
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Larger flocks
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Roosters
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More relaxed coop placement
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Fewer permit requirements
In contrast, urban and suburban zones tend to have tighter rules to prevent conflicts with neighbors.
How to Check Chicken Laws for Your Property
Here’s how to find out what your specific area allows:
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Identify your zoning: Use your county’s GIS map or contact your local planning department.
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Search your city ordinances: Look up the city’s municipal code online.
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Ask your HOA: Even if the city allows chickens, your neighborhood might not.
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Call city hall: When in doubt, ask them directly about chicken laws for your address.
Pro Tip: Once you’re clear on the rules, use the chicken coop calculator to design a coop layout that complies with space and zoning laws.
Planning a Legal, Comfortable Chicken Coop
Now that you know the laws, the next step is creating a chicken-friendly setup that follows them.
Here’s what a legal and functional coop in Alabama usually requires:
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Proper ventilation to keep chickens healthy
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Secure fencing to prevent predators
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Nest boxes and roosting bars for egg production
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Adequate space: 3–4 square feet per chicken inside, 8–10 square feet in the run
Make it easy on yourself and calculate how much coop space your chicken needs based on your flock size and local zoning.
Conclusion
Alabama is one of the more chicken-friendly states, especially if you’re in a rural or unincorporated area. But because laws vary from one county or city to another, it’s critical to check local regulations before getting chickens.
Whether you live in Birmingham, Huntsville, or a quiet stretch of farmland, understanding your area’s chicken laws helps you raise a happy, healthy, and legal backyard flock.
Ready to plan your perfect coop? Don’t guess—use this chicken coop calculator to stay compliant and give your birds the space they deserve.
Your dream of fresh eggs and clucking hens is closer than you think—just make sure you start on the right side of the law.
