Chicken Laws by County in Idaho

If you’re planning to raise backyard chickens in Idaho, you’re part of a growing wave of homesteaders, hobbyists, and families turning to poultry for fresh eggs, sustainable living, and natural pest control. But before you start gathering supplies or building a coop, here’s the essential truth: chicken laws in Idaho vary significantly by county and city.

This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Idaho, helping you navigate zoning regulations, flock size limits, and other important details so you can raise chickens legally and confidently—whether you’re in Boise or a rural part of Boundary County.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Idaho?

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Idaho, but there’s no statewide law governing how, where, or how many chickens you can keep. Instead, local counties and municipalities set their own rules, including:

• Number of chickens allowed

• Whether roosters are permitted

• Coop placement and distance from property lines

• Sanitation and nuisance ordinances

• Zoning classifications (residential vs. agricultural)

If you’re planning your setup, make sure to calculate how much coop space your chickens need to stay compliant and keep your flock healthy.

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Chicken Laws by County in Idaho

Let’s explore the most chicken-friendly (and sometimes chicken-restrictive) counties in Idaho, focusing on cities and unincorporated areas with active backyard poultry communities.

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Ada County (Including Boise, Meridian, Eagle)

Can you keep chickens in Boise?
Yes—with clear rules.

• Chickens are allowed in residential zones

• Up to 6 hens allowed per household

• Roosters are prohibited

• Coop must be:

  • Located in rear yard

  • At least 10 feet from property lines

• Chickens must be confined in a clean, odor-free structure

• No permit required unless selling eggs or meat

Meridian and Eagle have similar rules, though some HOA neighborhoods may prohibit poultry altogether.

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Canyon County (Including Nampa, Caldwell)

• City of Nampa allows:

  • Up to 10 hens

  • Roosters are not allowed

  • Coop must be:

    • 25 feet from any residence

    • Kept clean to avoid nuisance complaints

• Caldwell permits chickens in residential zones with similar conditions

• In unincorporated Canyon County, chickens are allowed in most zones without major restrictions—especially in AG-zoned areas

Canyon County offers more flexibility than Ada, especially outside city limits.

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Kootenai County (Including Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls)

• Chickens are allowed in most rural and AG zones

• No specific limit on hens in unincorporated areas

• Roosters are allowed outside city limits

• City of Coeur d’Alene allows:

  • Up to 5 hens

  • No roosters

  • Coop must be:

    • In the backyard

    • 10+ feet from property lines

• Post Falls enforces similar zoning-based poultry rules

Kootenai is largely chicken-friendly, especially for rural homesteaders.

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Bonneville County (Including Idaho Falls)

• Idaho Falls allows chickens in most residential zones

  • Up to 6 hens

  • Roosters are not permitted

  • Coops must be:

    • 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling

    • Well-maintained and odor-free

• Unincorporated Bonneville County allows more freedom:

  • Larger flocks are common in AG zones

  • Roosters typically allowed

If you’re within city limits, always double-check your zoning before buying birds.

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Bannock County (Including Pocatello)

Pocatello chicken laws:

• Residents may keep up to 8 hens

• Roosters are banned

• Chickens must be housed in:

  • A fully enclosed coop

  • Located at least 20 feet from neighboring structures

• Flocks must not create excessive noise, odor, or pests

Outside city limits, Bannock County is more relaxed, especially on larger lots zoned rural or agricultural.

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Twin Falls County

• Chickens are allowed in both urban and rural zones

• City of Twin Falls permits:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • No roosters

  • Coop must be at least 25 feet from any inhabited structure

• Rural areas generally allow unlimited chickens and roosters with minimal restrictions

Twin Falls is a great place to raise chickens—just be aware of neighborhood-level rules.

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Blaine County (Including Sun Valley, Hailey)

• Hailey and Ketchum permit chickens with conditions:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • Roosters are not allowed

  • Coops must be:

    • 20 feet or more from property lines

    • Enclosed, clean, and safe from predators

• AG zones in Blaine County allow larger flocks and roosters

While the mountain towns support urban farming, they maintain stricter setbacks and nuisance controls.

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Bonner County (Including Sandpoint)

• Chickens are widely allowed in rural and unincorporated zones

• Roosters are permitted unless restricted by HOA or local development covenants

• Sandpoint allows:

  • Up to 10 hens

  • No roosters

  • Coop must be at least 25 feet from neighboring dwellings

Bonner is one of Idaho’s most supportive counties for backyard and small-farm poultry operations.

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Teton County (Including Driggs, Victor)

• Urban areas like Driggs allow:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • Roosters are not permitted

  • Coop must be secure and in rear yard

• In rural zones, chickens and roosters are allowed freely

• AG zoning offers more flexibility, including larger flocks and freerange options

Cold winters in Teton mean coop insulation is also a must.

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Common Chicken Laws Across Idaho Counties

Here’s what most cities and counties require:

Want to be sure your coop follows all local rules? Use the chicken coop calculator to design your setup with proper spacing and legality in mind.

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Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Idaho

Urban/Suburban Areas:

• Hen limits typically apply (4–6 hens common)

• Roosters banned

• Strict coop placement and sanitation rules

• More neighbor complaints = more enforcement

Rural/Unincorporated Zones:

• Roosters allowed

• No limit on flock size

• Freerange and off-grid setups permitted

• Very little local enforcement unless animals become a nuisance

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How to Find Chicken Laws for Your Property

Don’t assume—verify. Here’s how:

1. Check your zoning using your county’s GIS map or call the planning department

2. Look up your local municipal code online

3. Call your city or county planning and zoning office

4. Check your HOA or CC&Rs if you live in a subdivision

A neighbor with chickens doesn’t always mean it’s legal for you, especially if you’re zoned differently.

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Planning a Legal, Safe Chicken Coop

To stay compliant and protect your flock, your coop should include:

• 4 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop

• 8–10 sq. ft. per chicken in the outdoor run

• Proper fencing and roofing

• Ventilation and protection from predators

• Complies with local setbacks and zoning rules

Need help? The chicken coop calculator makes it easy to design a compliant and chicken-friendly space.

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Conclusion

Raising chickens in Idaho is totally doable—and incredibly rewarding—but only if you follow your local laws. From the urban neighborhoods of Boise to the wide-open spaces of Bonner County, each region has its own approach to backyard poultry.

So before you start your flock, check your zoning, verify local ordinances, and build a legal setup that keeps your chickens safe and your neighbors happy.

Ready to plan your coop? Use this chicken coop calculator to ensure you’ve got the space, legality, and design to raise your hens the right way.

When you respect the rules and plan ahead, backyard chickens become more than a hobby—they become a healthy, sustainable part of your life in Idaho.