Backyard Chickens in Madison, Wisconsin

Can you keep chickens in Madison?

Madison, Wisconsin welcomes backyard chicken keepers! The city allows up to eight hens per residential lot with a simple, inexpensive $10 annual license, though roosters are not permitted within city limits.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Madison, Wisconsin. The City permits keeping of up to eight (8) chickens as an accessory use on residential lots with up to four dwelling units, as well as at museums, schools, or day care centers (MGO Sec. 28.151). Keeping of roosters is prohibited, and slaughter of chickens on-site is prohibited. An owner, operator, or tenant must obtain a chicken license from the City Treasurer, and enclosures must be located at least 25 feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 8
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $10
Setback from property line: 25 ft.

Peggy knows Madison

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Chickens must be provided with a covered enclosure and kept in the covered enclosure or a fenced enclosure at all times (MGO Sec. 28.151(e)). The enclosure must be located at least twenty-five (25) feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot (MGO Sec. 28.151(f)). Roosters are prohibited, and on-site slaughter of chickens is prohibited. Owners must obtain a chicken license under MGO Sec. 9.52, and applicants who are not the property owner/operator must notify the owner/operator and all residents of the property (notification is not required for license renewals). All flock owners must also register their location with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Livestock Premises Registration program. The Zoning Administrator may revoke a chicken license if the holder accumulates three or more ordinance violations within a six-month span. Licenses must be obtained within 30 days of acquiring chickens and renewed annually before January 1.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Madison

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 5a/5b

Madison has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters (often well below freezing) and warm, humid summers. Coops need good insulation and draft-free but ventilated design to prevent frostbite in winter, along with shade and ventilation to handle summer heat and humidity.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossumWeasel

Madison-area chicken keepers should secure coops against raccoons, foxes, coyotes, hawks, opossums, and weasels, all of which are found in and around the city's parks, greenways, and residential areas. Predator-proof latches, buried hardware cloth, and fully covered runs are recommended, especially since ordinance requires chickens be kept in a covered or fenced enclosure at all times.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Cold-hardy breeds such as Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Chantecler, Orpington, Australorp, and Rhode Island Red do well in Madison's climate due to their cold tolerance and calm temperaments.

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

Questions people ask about Madison

▸How many chickens can I keep in Madison, WI?

Up to eight (8) chickens are allowed as an accessory use on residential lots with up to four dwelling units, per Madison General Ordinance Sec. 28.151.

▸Are roosters allowed in Madison?

No. The keeping of roosters is expressly prohibited under Madison's chicken-keeping ordinance.

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

Yes. Owners, operators, or tenants must obtain a Chicken License from the City of Madison Treasury, which costs $10 and must be renewed annually before January 1. Applicants must also register with the Wisconsin DATCP Livestock Premises Registration program (free).

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

The enclosure must be located at least 25 feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot.

▸Can I slaughter chickens at home in Madison?

No, the slaughter of chickens on-site is prohibited under the city's chicken-keeping ordinance.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Madison or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 9, 2026.