Backyard Chickens in Prairie Village, Kansas

Can you keep chickens in Prairie Village?

Prairie Village, Kansas welcomed backyard hens in 2020, giving residents in this leafy Johnson County suburb the chance to raise a small flock of egg-laying hens right in their own back yard. While the city keeps things simple — no permit or registration needed — homes association covenants can still stand in the way, so it pays to know both the city rules and your neighborhood's deed restrictions before you build a coop.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Prairie Village allows backyard hens under an ordinance (Ordinance No. 2421) that took effect August 25, 2020, after the City Council approved zoning changes allowing residents to keep backyard hens. Only female chickens (hens) may be kept — roosters are prohibited, and commercial or for-profit chicken-keeping is banned.

Important: Even though the City allows hens, many Prairie Village homes associations have deed restrictions prohibiting livestock or poultry, and those private covenants override the city ordinance. Residents should check with their homes association before acquiring chickens.

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: 10 ft.

Peggy knows Prairie Village

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Chickens must be kept in a coop or chicken tractor at all times and may never free-range unconfined.
Residents may keep one clutch of up to eight (8) chicks on any one lot, regardless of the number of dwellings on the lot, but no more than six (6) chickens 16 weeks or older may be kept on a lot at any time.
Coops, runs, and chicken tractors must provide at least 12 square feet per chicken and the total structure may not exceed 84 square feet.
Coops, runs, and tractors may only be located in the back yard, and must be set back at least 10 feet from any lot's property line and at least 25 feet from any dwelling, church, school, or business structure on another parcel.
Killing chickens on residential lots is prohibited, consistent with the Kansas animal cruelty statute.
The City does not require chickens to be registered or permitted, but residents should still confirm compliance with any applicable homes association deed restrictions, which can prohibit poultry even where the city allows it.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Prairie Village

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b

Prairie Village sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, with a humid continental climate featuring hot, humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Chicken keepers should plan for both summer heat stress (shade, ventilation, cool water) and winter cold (insulated, draft-free coops) typical of the Kansas City metro area.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossum

Backyard flocks in Prairie Village's leafy, suburban Johnson County setting are most at risk from raccoons and opossums raiding coops at night, red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey during the day, and coyotes and foxes that roam wooded creek corridors common throughout Johnson County suburbs. Secure, predator-proof coops with hardware cloth (not chicken wire) and covered runs are strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Wyandotte, Orpington, Australorp — cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds that also tolerate Kansas summer humidity well

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

Questions people ask about Prairie Village

▸How many chickens can I keep in Prairie Village?

You may keep up to six (6) chickens age 16 weeks or older on a lot, and up to one clutch of eight (8) chicks at a time, regardless of how many dwellings are on the lot.

▸Are roosters allowed in Prairie Village?

No. Only female chickens (hens) are allowed; roosters are prohibited under the city's chicken-keeping rules.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Prairie Village?

No. The City does not require chickens to be registered or permitted, though other coop, setback, and location rules still apply.

▸How far must my coop be from property lines and neighboring homes?

Coops, runs, and chicken tractors must be located in the back yard only, set back at least 10 feet from the property line, and at least 25 feet from any dwelling, church, school, or business on another parcel.

▸Can my homes association still ban my chickens even though the city allows them?

Yes. Many Prairie Village homes associations have deed restrictions prohibiting livestock or poultry, and those private covenants override the city ordinance. Always check with your homes association before getting chickens.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Prairie Village or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 6, 2026.