Backyard Chickens in Denver, Colorado

Can you keep chickens in Denver?

Denver is one of Colorado's most flock-friendly cities, offering an accessible, low-cost path to legally keeping backyard hens. With a simple restricted license, Mile High City residents can keep up to eight hens (or hens and ducks combined) for fresh eggs and homegrown fun — just leave the roosters off the shopping list.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Under the Denver Revised Municipal Code, Chapter 8 (Animals), Sec. 8-91 (Livestock or fowl permit required), it is unlawful to keep chickens or other fowl without a permit, but the City created a simple "restricted livestock or fowl license" specifically for backyard flocks. This restricted license allows a resident to keep up to eight (8) chickens and/or ducks combined on a single property. The license is personal to the licensee, non-transferable, and valid indefinitely once issued, though a fee is charged for each new license (§ 8-91(b)).

Roosters (and drakes) are explicitly prohibited under the restricted license: "No intact male goats older than 6 weeks, roosters or drakes may be kept" (§ 8-91(b)(1)). Anyone wanting more than 8 birds, or wanting to keep a rooster, must instead apply for the standard (non-restricted) livestock/fowl permit issued by the Denver Animal Protection manager, which is renewed annually.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 8
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $25
Setback from property line: 15 ft.

Peggy knows Denver

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under D.R.M.C. § 8-91(b), backyard flocks kept under the restricted license must meet these physical requirements:

At least 16 square feet of permeable land area must be available for each chicken or duck, in addition to adequate enclosed shelter space for all the birds.
Adequate shelter must be provided to protect the birds from the elements and to prevent wildlife or other predators from gaining entry.
Adequate fencing must be provided so the birds cannot escape when not in their shelters.
The 8-bird cap covers chickens and ducks combined — e.g., 5 chickens + 3 ducks would count as a full flock.

Secondary city guidance (Denver Animal Protection / news reporting) adds commonly cited practical rules that supplement the code: a one-time permit fee of about $25 paid to the Denver Animal Shelter, and coops recommended to be set back roughly 15 feet from a neighboring residence. Building a fixed coop structure (larger than a typical portable dog-house-sized shelter) also requires a separate zoning permit from Denver Community Planning & Development. Keeping chickens for the purpose of sale is not allowed under a food-producing-animal permit, and coops/yards must be kept sanitary to avoid being declared a nuisance under § 8-82.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Denver

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 5b/6a (Cold Semi-Arid, Köppen BSk)

Denver sits at roughly 5,280 feet elevation and has a cold semi-arid climate with intense sunlight, low humidity, and dramatic day-to-night and seasonal temperature swings. Winters bring lows well below freezing (occasionally down to -10°F to -20°F) while summers can be hot and dry. Chicken keepers in Denver should plan for insulated, wind-blocked coops in winter, shade and ventilation in summer, and extra water-freeze prevention during cold months.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSkunk

Denver's urban and suburban neighborhoods have active populations of raccoons, red foxes, coyotes, skunks, and birds of prey such as red-tailed hawks, all of which can threaten backyard flocks. Predator-proof, fully enclosed coops and runs with secure latches and buried or apron fencing are strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds do best in Denver's climate, such as Buff Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Australorp, and Rhode Island Red.

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

Questions people ask about Denver

▸How many chickens can I legally keep in Denver?

Under a restricted livestock or fowl license, you may keep up to 8 chickens and/or ducks combined per property (D.R.M.C. § 8-91(b)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Denver?

No. The Denver code specifically states that no roosters (or drakes) may be kept under the restricted fowl license.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Denver?

Yes. A restricted livestock or fowl license (commonly called the Food Producing Animal permit) is required and is obtained through Denver Animal Protection for a modest one-time fee.

▸How much space does my coop need?

The code requires at least 16 square feet of permeable land area per bird, plus adequate enclosed shelter space, secure fencing, and predator-proofing.

▸Can I sell eggs or meat from my Denver backyard flock?

No. Permit holders are not allowed to keep chickens or other covered animals for the purpose of sale under the food-producing animal permit.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Denver or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 27, 2026.