Backyard Chickens in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Can you keep chickens in Colorado Springs?

Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Colorado Springs? The Springs allows residents to keep up to ten hens under its animal-keeping code, without a permit—but roosters are off-limits citywide. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the actual city code.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Colorado Springs allows property owners to keep hens as part of its general animal-keeping code. City Code Subsection 6.7.106.E states that the maximum number of rabbits or fowl of the age of four (4) months or older shall not exceed ten (10) of each, and the City's own animal-regulations guidance likewise confirms residents may keep up to ten (10) rabbits or chickens on a property. Roosters, however, are banned outright: City Code Section 6.7.110.A makes it unlawful for any person to own or keep any rooster or cock within the City.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 10
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: Not specified

Peggy knows Colorado Springs

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under City Code Subsection 6.7.106.D, any shelter provided for rabbits or fowl shall contain an area of at least four (4) square feet for each rabbit or fowl, and an adequate outdoor area must also be provided outside the shelter. The premises where fowl are kept must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and are subject to inspection, and fecal waste must be removed at least every seven days and placed in closed, flytight containers (§6.7.106.A–C).

Coops/shelters must also meet the City's accessory-structure zoning rules (City Code §7.3.105). In practice, small coops (under 200 sq. ft.) can generally be located within the required rear-yard setback, while larger accessory structures must meet zone-specific setbacks that commonly range from 0–10 feet from the property line depending on the zone district. The City's animal-regulations page directs coop builders to Subsection 7.3.105.A for these accessory-structure standards.

Slaughtering of animals is prohibited on residential lots. Note: the City's public-facing animal regulations page describes the minimum age for the 10-bird cap as six (6) months, while the codified ordinance (§6.7.106.E) states four (4) months — always confirm current status with Code Enforcement before assuming either age threshold.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Colorado Springs

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 5b/6a (semi-arid high plains/steppe, ~6,035 ft elevation)

Colorado Springs sits at over 6,000 feet elevation with a semi-arid climate marked by intense sun, low humidity, and wide temperature swings—hot, dry summers and cold winters with occasional heavy snow. Coops should be insulated and wind-resistant, with attention to both winter cold and high-altitude UV exposure and dryness.

🦝 Who's after your hens

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Colorado Springs' foothill and open-space adjacency means backyard flocks face real pressure from red-tailed hawks and other raptors, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks. Fully enclosed, covered runs with buried hardware-cloth aprons are strongly recommended, especially given the City's zoning requirement that coops/runs meet wildlife-intrusion-resistant construction standards.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds do best at altitude: Buff Orpington, Australorp, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, and Brahma.

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Colorado Springs

▸How many chickens can I keep in Colorado Springs?

Up to ten (10) rabbits or fowl combined per property, per City Code Subsection 6.7.106.E.

▸Are roosters allowed in Colorado Springs?

No. City Code Section 6.7.110.A makes it unlawful to own or keep any rooster or cock within the City.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Colorado Springs?

No permit is specifically required for keeping backyard chickens under the City's general animal-keeping ordinance, though your coop must still comply with accessory-structure zoning rules (City Code §7.3.105).

▸What are the coop size requirements?

Shelters for chickens must provide at least 4 square feet of space per bird, plus an adequate outdoor area outside the shelter (City Code §6.7.106.D).

▸Can I slaughter chickens at home in Colorado Springs?

No. The City's animal regulations page states that slaughtering of animals is prohibited on residential lots.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Colorado Springs or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 1, 2026.