Backyard Chickens in Macon, Georgia

Can you keep chickens in Macon?

Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Macon, Georgia? Under the Macon-Bibb County zoning ordinance, hens are welcome in residential yards—up to six per lot—provided you follow the coop placement, setback, and care rules below. Roosters, however, are not allowed within city limits.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Macon-Bibb County's unified zoning ordinance (which governs the City of Macon following the 2014 city-county consolidation) allows residents to keep domestic hens as a limited accessory use in residential zoning districts (§ 23.01.07[1]).

Up to six (6) hens are permitted per residential lot. Roosters are prohibited, and no other poultry or fowl (ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, etc.) may be kept under this section.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 15 ft.

Peggy knows Macon

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Hens must be kept in a coop and pen, or in portable chicken tractors; coops/enclosures may not be part of a residential structure or garage.
The coop and enclosure must be fenced and ventilated, and hens must be secured inside during non-daylight hours (they may free-range in the pen/run during daylight).
Coops, pens, enclosures and tractors are only allowed in the rear yard, behind the line formed by the back wall of the residence, and must be closer to the primary residence than to any neighboring residence.
Minimum setback: at least 15 feet from any side or rear property line.
Structures must be designed/constructed to secure hens from rodents, wild birds, and predators, and stored feed must be kept in a rodent- and predator-proof container.
Maximum structure height: 6 feet, measured from natural grade.
Coops/pens must be kept clean and sanitary at all times; hens may not create a nuisance from odor, noise, or pests.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Macon

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, Humid Subtropical

Macon has hot, humid summers and mild winters typical of central Georgia. Coops should prioritize ventilation and shade to help hens cope with summer heat and humidity, while minimal additional winterizing is needed given the mild cold season.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxSnakeOpossum

Middle Georgia's mix of wooded lots and urban edges means backyard flocks commonly face raccoons, opossums, and rat snakes at night, along with hawks during the day. Predator-proof coop construction—including secure latches, buried hardware cloth, and rodent/predator-proof feed storage—is especially important given the state's warm, humid climate that supports year-round predator activity.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Easter Egger, Australorp, Rhode Island Red, Buff Orpington, Plymouth Rock

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

Questions people ask about Macon

▸How many chickens can I keep in Macon, GA?

Up to six (6) domestic hens are allowed per residential lot under the Macon-Bibb County zoning ordinance (§ 23.01.07[1]).

▸Are roosters allowed in Macon?

No. Roosters are explicitly prohibited under the residential accessory-use hen provisions of the Macon-Bibb zoning ordinance.

▸How far must my coop be from my property line?

Coops, pens, enclosures, and chicken tractors must be located no closer than 15 feet to any side or rear property line, and must be placed in the rear yard behind the back wall of the residence.

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

Based on available sources, Macon does not currently require a specific permit fee for keeping backyard hens, though flocks must still comply with all zoning standards for hen-keeping.

▸Can I keep ducks or other poultry in my Macon backyard?

No. The ordinance specifically states that ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, or any other poultry or fowl are not allowed under the residential hen-keeping provisions—only domestic hens are permitted.

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