Backyard Chickens in Twin Falls, Idaho

Can you keep chickens in Twin Falls?

Thinking about keeping hens in Twin Falls? The Gem State's Magic Valley hub allows a small backyard flock of up to four hens without any permit at all — no fee, no application, just chickens. Want more birds? A simple permit process scales your flock size with your lot size. The one hard line the city draws: no roosters, anywhere, ever.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, Twin Falls allows backyard hens. Under City Code §6-3-4, residents may keep up to 4 hen chickens without a permit. Keeping more than 4 hens (or more than 3 rabbits) requires an animal permit from the Code Enforcement Coordinator, with allowances scaling up based on lot size (5,000 sq. ft. of property per each additional 25 fowl). Roosters are completely banned citywide under §6-3-1, regardless of permit status.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 4
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: $25
Setback from property line: 40 ft.

Peggy knows Twin Falls

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Per City Code §6-3-4(A), any fowl/poultry enclosure or run must be located at least 40 feet from any dwelling other than the applicant's own. To keep poultry under a permit (needed once you exceed 4 hens), the property must have at least 5,000 square feet of real property for each 25 fowl kept (a variance from this square footage requirement may be requested from the City Council). All permitted premises are subject to inspection and approval by Code Enforcement for each new applicant (§6-3-4(D)). Pigs, hogs, and rooster chickens are outright prohibited within city limits (§6-3-1). A secondary source indicates permits carry an application fee of roughly $25, though residents should confirm current fees with Code Enforcement (208-735-7278).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Twin Falls

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b/7a (semi-arid, high desert)

Twin Falls sits on the Snake River Plain and has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers (highs often in the mid-90s°F) and cold winters that can dip into the single digits. Coops should provide shade and ventilation for summer heat plus solid insulation and wind-blocking for winter, since temperature swings between seasons are significant.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteWeasel

Twin Falls' mix of urban lots and nearby agricultural/canyon land means backyard flocks can attract raccoons, foxes, coyotes, hawks, and weasels. Secure, fully enclosed runs with buried hardware cloth and a latched coop door are strongly recommended, especially since coops must already sit 40 feet from neighboring homes and may be closer to open or undeveloped land.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Orpington, Australorp, Rhode Island Red, Easter Egger — all cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds that tolerate Twin Falls' temperature extremes well.

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

Questions people ask about Twin Falls

▸How many chickens can I have in Twin Falls without a permit?

You can keep up to 4 hen chickens without any permit, per City Code §6-3-4.

▸Are roosters allowed in Twin Falls?

No. City Code §6-3-1 makes it unlawful to keep or maintain any rooster chickens anywhere within Twin Falls city limits, with no exceptions for permits or lot size.

▸Do I need a permit for more than 4 hens?

Yes. Once you exceed 4 hens, you need an animal permit from the Code Enforcement Coordinator, and your property must have at least 5,000 square feet for every additional 25 fowl kept.

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

City Code §6-3-4(A) requires that the fowl/poultry enclosure or run be no closer than 40 feet from any dwelling other than the applicant's own home.

▸Can my subdivision or HOA still ban chickens even though the city allows them?

Yes — the City Council has noted it has no enforcement authority over private subdivision covenants, so even if city code allows hens, an HOA or subdivision restriction can still prohibit them; check your deed/CC&Rs before getting chickens.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Twin Falls or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 25, 2026.