Chicken Laws by County in Mississippi

Thinking about raising chickens in Mississippi? Whether you’re in a quiet Delta town or on the edge of Jackson, there’s something you need to know before bringing home that first coop: chicken laws in Mississippi are handled at the local level, not the state level.

That means what’s allowed in one county—or even one neighborhood—might be totally banned just down the road. So if you’re dreaming of fresh eggs and clucking hens, you need to understand the rules where you live.

This county-by-county guide will help you stay legal, avoid fines, and raise happy, healthy birds.

Do You Need Permission to Keep Chickens in Mississippi?

Direct answer: In Mississippi, most rural areas permit backyard chickens with few restrictions, but cities and towns often have detailed ordinances regulating flock size, coop placement, and whether roosters are allowed.

Here’s what to expect:

Rural counties tend to allow chickens without a permit.
City zoning laws in incorporated areas often have stricter rules.

HOAs can override county laws with their own bans.
Roosters are commonly banned in residential zones due to noise.
Coop setback distances from property lines or homes are typically enforced.

Not sure how big your coop needs to be to comply with local ordinances? Use this chicken coop calculator to size your coop the smart way.

While each city or town sets the rules, here’s how chicken ownership is generally handled in some of Mississippi’s most populated counties.

Hinds County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in many parts of Hinds County, but urban areas like Jackson enforce stricter zoning rules.

Details:

Jackson allows chickens in residential zones with certain conditions—coop must be clean and placed at least 25 feet from neighboring homes.

Roosters are not allowed in most neighborhoods due to noise ordinances.
Flocks are generally limited to 6 hens in urban areas, with no permit required unless complaints are made.

Rankin County

Direct answer: Chickens are permitted in most residential and rural areas, but some cities like Pearl and Brandon have specific rules.

Details:

Brandon permits backyard hens but has setback requirements for coops (typically 20–30 feet).
Pearl allows hens with limits on flock size—usually capped at 6.
Roosters are not permitted in residential zones.

Madison County

Direct answer: Rural areas are more lenient, but cities like Madison and Ridgeland have clear ordinances about coop placement and rooster bans.

Details:

Madison City permits hens in residential areas with no roosters allowed and enforces a minimum 20-foot coop setback.
Ridgeland allows up to 5 hens, provided the coop meets health and sanitation standards.

No permits are typically needed unless complaints arise from neighbors.

Need help with your coop layout? Try the chicken coop calculator to make sure your design meets local guidelines.

Desoto County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in unincorporated areas, but cities like Southaven and Olive Branch have their own rules.

Details:

Southaven allows up to 6 hens with coop distance regulations—usually 25 feet from any property line.
Olive Branch has similar limits, and roosters are banned.

Horn Lake is more permissive, especially in agricultural zoning districts.

Harrison County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in rural zones, while coastal cities have more defined backyard poultry rules.

Details:

Gulfport allows backyard hens but requires the coop to be kept clean and a minimum distance from other residences.

Biloxi enforces a 6-hen limit in residential zones and bans roosters.
Unincorporated parts of the county are generally chicken-friendly without specific regulations.

Jackson County

Direct answer: Chickens are generally allowed, but cities like Pascagoula and Ocean Springs apply residential restrictions.

Details:

Pascagoula permits hens with a flock size limit and requires a coop setback.
Ocean Springs allows chickens with a cap on numbers—roosters not permitted.
Larger properties in rural townships often face fewer restrictions.

Lee County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely accepted in rural areas, while Tupelo has urban-specific rules.

Details:

Tupelo permits up to 4–6 hens in residential areas with no roosters and requires coops to be placed away from homes.
Saltillo and surrounding areas tend to allow chickens with minimal oversight.

Lafayette County

Direct answer: Chickens are commonly allowed, and Oxford has a user-friendly permitting process for backyard hens.

Details:

Oxford permits up to 6 hens with a permit and prohibits roosters.
The city enforces coop cleanliness and distance from dwellings.

In rural areas, chickens are allowed without any permit or oversight.

Thinking about how much space your hens need? Don’t guess—use the chicken coop calculator to build smarter.

Forrest County

Direct answer: Most towns and rural properties allow chickens, but Hattiesburg has specific residential poultry laws.

Details:

Hattiesburg allows backyard chickens with a permit and requires setback distances and secure, odor-free coops.
Roosters are banned.

Flocks are generally limited to 4–6 birds in residential neighborhoods.

Lowndes County

Direct answer: Chickens are usually allowed without permits, especially in rural zones.

Details:

Columbus allows chickens in residential areas, limits numbers, and prohibits roosters.

Coop placement rules apply, such as keeping it a minimum of 20 feet from any property line.

What to Expect Across Mississippi Cities and Counties

Though every city and town has its own rules, these trends hold true across most of Mississippi:

Rule	Common Practice in Mississippi
Roosters	Banned in most residential areas
Flock size	Usually 4–6 hens per household
Permits	Not always required, but useful for urban areas
Coop setbacks	Typically 20–30 feet from property lines
HOA restrictions	Can override local ordinances (check carefully)
Cleanliness & sanitation	Required in nearly every city

Tips for Staying Compliant with Mississippi Chicken Laws

If you want to keep your chickens without running into trouble:

Start by contacting your city or county planning office to confirm current rules.

Avoid roosters unless you’re in an agricultural or unincorporated area.
Build your coop to meet setback and sanitation standards.
Keep your hens healthy and the coop clean to avoid neighbor complaints.

Use the right coop size for your flock. Use this handy chicken coop calculator to plan accordingly.

Conclusion: Raise Chickens Legally and Confidently in Mississippi

Mississippi offers a great environment for backyard chicken owners—but it’s not the Wild West. Cities and towns across the state are becoming more accepting of backyard poultry, but they still have expectations around coop size, flock limits, and noise.

If you want to avoid fines or forced removal, know your local rules before you build your coop or buy birds.

Ready to take the next step? Calculate how much coop space your chicken needs and start your backyard chicken journey the right way—from legal to laid-back.

Keep it legal, keep it clean, and enjoy fresh eggs every day.

Chicken Laws by County in Mississippi

Do You Need Permission to Keep Chickens in Mississippi?