Backyard Chickens in Pueblo, Colorado

Can you keep chickens in Pueblo?

Thinking about starting a backyard flock in the Steel City? Pueblo, Colorado allows residents to keep up to ten chickens under its municipal nuisance code, provided coops and runs are set back the right distance from property lines and neighboring homes. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the actual ordinance.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are legal within Pueblo city limits. Under the City's animal nuisance code, it is unlawful to keep more than ten (10) "standard" chickens or ten (10) "bantam" chickens over the age of four (4) months (§ 11-4-32(d)). A bantam is defined as a chicken weighing less than thirty ounces at maturity, with all other chickens classified as "standard."

The ordinance also makes it a nuisance to let chickens, geese, ducks, or turkeys "run at large or ... go upon the premises of any other person in the City" (§ 11-4-32(a)). The code does not separately define or restrict roosters by sex — the 10-bird cap applies to chickens generally.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 10
Roosters: Not Specified
Permit required: No
Setback from property line: 15 ft.

Peggy knows Pueblo

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Pueblo's animal code sets tiered distance requirements for fowl enclosures rather than a single blanket setback: it is a nuisance "to keep or maintain any chicks, chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, pigeons, doves or squabs in an enclosed structure or building within eight (8) feet of the property line of any adjacent improved lot ... or in an unenclosed structure or open pen or run within fifteen (15) feet of such property line or, whether enclosed or unenclosed, within fifty (50) feet of any dwelling other than that occupied by such person" (§ 11-4-32(b)).

In plain terms: fully enclosed coops must sit at least 8 ft from a neighboring property line; open/unenclosed runs need at least 15 ft from the property line; and either type must be at least 50 ft from any occupied dwelling that isn't your own.

The code separately bans keeping certain other fowl and livestock in the city — including peafowl and guinea hens — "except in a public zoo" or on land zoned for agricultural use (§ 11-4-33(a)).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Pueblo

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 5b–6a (semi-arid steppe/high plains climate)

Pueblo sits at roughly 4,700 ft elevation on Colorado's high plains, giving it a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers (often 90°F+), cold winters with occasional sub-zero snaps, over 300 days of sunshine a year, and large day-to-night temperature swings. Coops should provide solid winter wind-blocking and insulation as well as good summer ventilation and shade to handle both temperature extremes.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSnakeSkunk

Pueblo's mix of urban edges, riparian corridors along the Arkansas River, and open prairie means backyard flocks face coyotes, foxes, and free-roaming dogs at ground level, along with hawks and owls from above. Raccoons, skunks, and snakes are common nighttime and nest-raiding threats, so secure, buried-wire runs and predator-proof latches are 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 Pueblo

▸How many chickens can I keep in Pueblo?

Up to ten (10) standard chickens or ten (10) bantam chickens over four months of age per the City's nuisance ordinance (§ 11-4-32(d)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Pueblo city limits?

Pueblo's fowl ordinance does not single out roosters — the 10-bird cap applies to chickens generally regardless of sex. However, general noise-nuisance provisions could still apply if crowing disturbs neighbors, so check with the City before assuming roosters are unrestricted.

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

Enclosed coops must be at least 8 feet from an adjoining property line; unenclosed/open runs must be at least 15 feet from the property line; and either type must be at least 50 feet from any dwelling other than your own (§ 11-4-32(b)).

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

The City's animal nuisance chapter governing fowl (§ 11-4-32) does not set out a permit application or fee — the main requirements are the 10-bird limit and setback distances.

▸Can I keep other poultry like guinea hens or peafowl?

No — Pueblo's code separately prohibits guinea hens and peafowl within the city (except in a public zoo), unless the property is zoned for agricultural use (§ 11-4-33(a)).

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Pueblo or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 7, 2026.