Keeping Chickens in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas

Local laws relating to coop/pen size, proximity to residences and roads, noise, sanitation, and zoning restrictions apply in all cities and counties. You’ll also need to check with the local home owner's association, if one exists in the area you’re living in. Many cities require the chickens to be penned at all times. Where roosters are allowed, and where a permit is required to keep poultry, this is mentioned in the lists below.

Barnevelder hens resting in the garden

Alabama

If you're keeping chickens in the State of Alabama, you'll need to read up on the local laws and ordinances regarding chicken keeping in the various Alabama counties and cities. Here's a heads-up:

Cities in Alabama that Allow the Keeping of Chickens

• Auburn – no limit on numbers.
• Birmingham – maximum 25 birds in total, including 2 roosters.
• Dothan – no limit on numbers, roosters allowed.
• Huntsville – 15 sq ft per bird, no limit on numbers, roosters allowed.
• Jacksonville – no limit on numbers.
• Mobile – maximum 25 hens, permit required.
• Montgomery – no limit on numbers, roosters allowed.
• Saraland – no limit on numbers, but at least 15 sq ft per bird, roosters allowed.
• Trussville – no limit on numbers, roosters allowed.

Alaska

Of all the States, Alaska is the one where it’s vital to keep chickens that can cope with cold weather! See the Seasons section of this guide for more information.

Cities in Alaska that Allow the Keeping of Chickens

• Anchorage – 5 hens allowed on a 6000 sq ft plot, and one additional hen for each extra 1000 sq ft.
• Fairbanks – no limit on numbers, roosters allowed.
• Wasilla – maximum 10 birds.

Arizona

If you're keeping chickens in the State of Arizona, you'll need to check the local ordinances and restrictions regarding Arizona chicken keeping. We've given you a head start here:

Cities in Arizona that Allow the Keeping of Chickens

• Apache Junction – no maximum number, roosters allowed.
• Chandler – no maximum number, roosters allowed.
• Chino Valley – maximum 4 hens.
• Gilbert – no maximum number, roosters allowed.
• Glendale – no limit on numbers.
• Mesa – 10 birds per half acre up to 2.5 acres, no limit on larger plots, roosters allowed.
• Paradise Valley – maximum 20 hens.
• Peoria – no limit on numbers, roosters allowed.
• Phoenix –maximum 20 hens.
• Prescott – no maximum number.
• Scottsdale – no limit on numbers.
• Show Low – one hen per 2000 sq ft.
• Surprise – maximum 25 hens.
• Tempe – 5 hens in residential areas, no limit on numbers (and roosters allowed) in agricultural zones.
• Tucson – maximum 24 birds.

Locations in Arizona Where Keeping Chickens is Prohibited

• Sun City

Arkansas

If you plan keeping chickens in Arkansas, you'll need to read up on the local laws and ordinances applying to all chicken keepers in Arkansas. Here's what we found:

Cities in Arkansas that Allow the Keeping of Chickens

• Benton – no maximum number, roosters allowed.
• Cabot – no maximum number.
• Conway – no maximum number.
• Farmington – no maximum number.
• Fayetteville – maximum 4 hens.
• Haskell – no maximum number, roosters allowed.
• Little Rock – no maximum number.
• Mountain Home – no maximum number.
• North Little Rock – no maximum, permit required.
• Rogers – maximum 4 hens, permit required.
• Searcy – maximum 6 birds, roosters allowed.
• Siloam – no maximum number.
• Springdale – no maximum number, roosters allowed.