Backyard chickens in Fullerton, California

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in the City of Fullerton. Under the city's animal-keeping rules, residents may keep small livestock such as poultry (except crowing roosters) and rabbits provided no coops or pens are located within 30 feet of a house on an adjacent property. The keeping of livestock, including poultry, is codified in Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 11.36 (Keeping of Livestock), which contains Sections: 11.36.010 Keeping of livestock near dwelling, 11.36.020 Livestock fences, and 11.36.030 Maintenance and operation standards for animal keeping. The city does not impose a numeric cap on hens, and independent chicken-law directories confirm that Fullerton has no number restrictions, no permit required for keeping hens. Roosters, however, are expressly banned: Roosters are not allowed in the City of Fullerton.

Fullerton enjoys a classic Southern California Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm-to-hot, dry summers. Chickens generally thrive here, but coop ventilation and shade are important during summer heat waves and Santa Ana wind events, while minimal winter cold means little need for supplemental heating.

Orange County's suburban-wildland interface means backyard flocks in Fullerton can face raccoons and opossums raiding at night, red-tailed hawks and other raptors striking from above during the day, and coyotes or skunks investigating unsecured coops, especially near hillside or greenbelt areas. Predator-proof wire, secure latches, and covered runs are strongly recommended.