Backyard Chickens in Evansville, Indiana

Can you keep chickens in Evansville?

Thinking about keeping a backyard flock in Evansville? The city's Animal Control Chapter (EMC Chapter 6.05) allows up to six hens (or other domestic fowl) per property with an inexpensive annual license, as long as the coop is kept at least 50 feet from your neighbor's house. Here's everything Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the actual Evansville ordinance to help you get started on the right foot.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Evansville, Indiana. The Evansville Municipal Code (EMC) classifies "Chicken, turkey, goose, duck" as domestic animals (EMC § 6.05.020), and EMC § 6.05.040(A)(18) expressly regulates chicken coops: "No more than six chickens, ducks, turkeys or other domestic fowl, or combination thereof, shall be maintained at any one parcel of property." Only birds over eight weeks of age count toward that six-bird cap. Owners of poultry must obtain an annual license/permit for their birds under EMC § 6.05.030(A)(3) and (A)(9)(a)(vi), which sets the poultry license fee at $5.00 per premises annually. The Code does not specifically single out roosters, so no explicit rooster ban exists in the animal-control chapter itself, though general 'animal nuisance' noise provisions (EMC § 6.05.020, definition of 'animal nuisance') could be used against a chronically noisy bird if a neighbor complains.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: Not Specified
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $5
Setback from property line: 50 ft.

Peggy knows Evansville

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Maximum of six chickens, ducks, turkeys, or other domestic fowl (in any combination) per parcel of property; only animals over 8 weeks of age count toward the limit (EMC § 6.05.040(A)(18)).
No coop housing chickens, ducks, pigeons, turkeys, or other domestic fowl/poultry may be located less than 50 feet from any neighbor's dwelling (EMC § 6.05.040(A)(18)).
An annual poultry license/permit is required, at a cost of $5.00 per premises per year (EMC § 6.05.030(A)(9)(a)(vi)). Licenses are issued by Animal Care and Control and applications must be made within 30 days of becoming a resident or acquiring the animals (EMC § 6.05.030(A)(6)).
General sanitary and animal-welfare requirements apply to all domestic animals, including adequate food, water, shelter from weather, and keeping the area free of odors and unsanitary conditions (EMC § 6.05.060 and § 6.05.040(A)(16)).
It is unlawful to sell live chicks or ducklings younger than eight weeks old in quantities of less than six to a single purchaser (EMC § 6.05.040(A)(9)), a provision aimed at discouraging impulse 'Easter chick' purchases.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Evansville

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b/7a

Evansville sits in the Ohio River Valley of southwestern Indiana, giving it a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Flock owners should plan for occasional summer heat waves in the 90s°F and winter cold snaps into the teens or single digits, so coops need both good ventilation for summer and draft-free, insulated shelter for winter.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxOpossumCoyote

Evansville's mix of urban neighborhoods, wooded riverfront areas, and nearby farmland supports populations of raccoons, opossums, red-tailed hawks, and foxes, all of which will readily target unsecured coops or free-ranging birds. Coyotes have also become more common in Vanderburgh County's suburban fringes in recent years. A fully enclosed, predator-proof run with buried hardware cloth and a secure locking coop door is strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Australorp, Orpington

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

Questions people ask about Evansville

▸How many chickens can I keep in Evansville?

Up to six chickens, ducks, turkeys, or other domestic fowl in any combination may be kept on a single parcel of property. Only birds over eight weeks old count toward that limit (EMC § 6.05.040(A)(18)).

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

Yes. Poultry owners must obtain an annual license, which costs $5.00 per premises per year, from Evansville Animal Care and Control (EMC § 6.05.030(A)(3), (A)(9)(a)(vi)).

▸How far must my chicken coop be from my neighbor's house?

The coop must be located at least 50 feet away from any neighbor's dwelling (EMC § 6.05.040(A)(18)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Evansville?

The Evansville Municipal Code does not specifically address roosters in its chicken-keeping provisions. However, the code's general 'animal nuisance' definition covers animals that create frequent, loud noise disturbing neighbors, which could be applied to a crowing rooster if a complaint is filed. Check with Animal Care and Control before keeping a rooster.

▸Can I sell baby chicks in Evansville?

It is unlawful to sell live chickens or ducklings younger than eight weeks of age in quantities of less than six to a single purchaser, unless the seller is a qualifying 501(c)(3), educational, agricultural, scouting, or governmental organization (EMC § 6.05.040(A)(9)).

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Evansville or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 15, 2026.