Chicken Laws by County in Wyoming

Wyoming is a state rich in agricultural tradition and open spaces—so naturally, backyard chickens fit right in. Whether you live in Cheyenne, Casper, or a rural town in the plains, raising chickens for eggs and self-sufficiency is becoming more popular than ever.

But before you start buying chicks and building your coop, there’s something you should know: chicken laws vary from county to county—and often from city to city—throughout Wyoming.

This guide breaks down the chicken laws by county in Wyoming so you can raise a happy, legal flock wherever you call home.

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Are Chickens Legal in Wyoming?

Yes, chickens are legal in most of Wyoming—but the exact rules depend on:

• Zoning ordinances

• Municipal regulations

• Whether your land is in city limits or unincorporated county areas

• Flock size limits

• Whether roosters are allowed

• Minimum lot sizes and coop placement requirements

Let’s break down chicken laws by major counties in Wyoming.

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Laramie County (Cheyenne)

Can you keep chickens in Cheyenne or Laramie County?
Yes—with city-specific limits.

City of Cheyenne:

• Backyard chickens are allowed in most residential areas.

• Limit: 6 hens per household

• Roosters are not permitted

• Chickens must be housed in a predator-proof, enclosed coop

• Coop must be placed in the rear yard and meet distance/setback regulations

Unincorporated Laramie County:

• Chicken-keeping is generally allowed with fewer restrictions

• Roosters and larger flocks permitted if property is agriculturally zoned

• Always check with the county planning department for your zoning classification

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Natrona County (Casper)

What are the chicken laws in Casper and Natrona County?

City of Casper:

• Chickens are legal in residential zones.

• Limit: Up to 10 hens allowed

• Roosters are prohibited

• Coops must be located at least 25 feet from adjacent homes

• Chickens must be kept in a fenced area and not allowed to roam free

Unincorporated Natrona County:

• Generally allows chickens, including roosters

• Fewer limits in rural and ag-zoned properties

• Coop must meet basic health and sanitation requirements

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Albany County (Laramie)

Can you raise chickens in Laramie, WY?
Yes—with some city regulations.

City of Laramie:

• Residents can keep up to 6 hens

• No roosters allowed

• Chickens must be housed in a backyard coop

• Coop must be well-maintained, ventilated, and predator-proof

• Permit may be required depending on zoning

Outside Laramie city limits:

• Chickens are commonly permitted

• Roosters and larger flocks allowed depending on lot size and zoning

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Campbell County (Gillette)

Are chickens allowed in Gillette and Campbell County?
Yes—with some variation.

City of Gillette:

• Allows up to 6 hens per residence

• Roosters are prohibited in city limits

• Must have a fully enclosed coop/run

• Coop should be placed in the rear yard and not create odors or noise issues

Unincorporated Campbell County:

• Chickens generally allowed

• Roosters permitted on large or rural lots

• No flock limit in ag-zoned properties

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Sweetwater County (Rock Springs, Green River)

What’s the chicken policy in Sweetwater County?

Rock Springs:

• Permits up to 6 hens, no roosters

• Coop must be placed in the backyard and kept clean

• Chickens must be confined and not create disturbances

Green River:

• Similar rules: 6 hens, no roosters

• Coops must be located at least 10–15 feet from neighboring homes

Outside city limits:

• Chicken-keeping is widely allowed, especially in rural and unincorporated areas

• Roosters permitted if not causing noise complaints

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Teton County (Jackson)

Are backyard chickens legal in Jackson and Teton County?
Yes—but stricter in urban areas.

Town of Jackson:

• Chickens are allowed with strict permit requirements

• Limit: 4 hens, no roosters

• Coop must be mobile or fixed, cleaned regularly, and not visible from the street

• Backyard only, with setbacks from property lines

Teton County (rural):

• Chickens, roosters, and larger flocks are allowed in rural or ag zones

• Less regulation in unincorporated areas, but sanitation still enforced

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Fremont County (Lander, Riverton)

Can you raise chickens in Fremont County?
Yes—and it’s fairly chicken-friendly.

Lander and Riverton:

• Allow chickens in residential zones

• Up to 6 hens, no roosters

• Chickens must be kept in an enclosed, well-maintained coop

• Coop must be located in the rear yard only

Unincorporated Fremont County:

• Allows chickens and roosters

• Large flocks usually permitted on properties zoned for agriculture

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Sheridan County (Sheridan)

Chicken rules in Sheridan County?

City of Sheridan:

• Chickens are permitted with a maximum of 6 hens

• Roosters prohibited

• Coop must meet sanitation and setback guidelines

• Chickens must be confined to the owner’s yard

Sheridan County (rural):

• Allows roosters and larger flocks

• Few restrictions if you live on land zoned agricultural or rural residential

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Common Chicken Laws in Wyoming: Quick Comparison Table

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Chicken Coop Requirements Across Wyoming

Across most counties and towns in Wyoming, you’ll find similar coop guidelines:

• 3–4 square feet per chicken inside the coop

• 8–10 square feet per chicken in an outdoor run

• Must be secure, ventilated, and predator-proof

• Coop must be set back 10–25 feet from neighboring homes or property lines

• Regular cleaning required to prevent odor and rodent issues

Need help designing your coop?
Use our chicken coop calculator to plan a safe, legal, and appropriately sized setup based on your flock.

The chicken coop calculator makes sure you don’t guess when it comes to square footage, setbacks, or expansion plans.

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Tips for Raising Legal Chickens in Wyoming

• Check your zoning: Knowing whether your land is residential or agricultural is key.

• Avoid roosters in city limits—they’re the most commonly banned bird.

• Get neighbor buy-in: It’s smart and avoids future complaints.

• Keep things clean: A smelly or noisy coop could bring the city to your door.

• Use secure fencing: Wyoming’s predators (foxes, coyotes, hawks) are no joke.

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Conclusion: Know the Laws Before You Raise Chickens in Wyoming

Backyard chicken keeping in Wyoming is absolutely possible—but only when you follow your local laws. Whether you’re in a busy city like Cheyenne or on a few acres near Sheridan, your county and city ordinances will dictate what’s allowed.

Ready to build your coop or expand your flock? Use the chicken coop calculator to calculate how much coop space your chicken needs and build a setup that’s safe, legal, and sustainable.

With the right tools and local knowledge, raising chickens in Wyoming can be rewarding, practical, and completely within your rights.