Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Alabama, but local ordinances and state health codes impose strict limits. Municipalities like Birmingham and Huntsville regulate flock size, coop placement, and sanitation, while the Alabama Department of Agriculture enforces biosecurity standards to mitigate avian influenza risks. Recent 2026 updates to the Alabama Poultry Industry Act require mandatory registration for flocks exceeding 50 birds, aligning with USDA traceability protocols.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Alabama
- Flock Size Limits: Most cities cap backyard flocks at 6–12 hens (no roosters in residential zones). Birmingham’s 2025 ordinance restricts flocks to 8 hens per 1,000 sq. ft. of lot area, with a maximum of 24 hens per property.
- Coop and Run Specifications: Structures must be set back at least 25 feet from neighboring residences and 50 feet from water sources, per Alabama’s Sanitation and Nuisance Abatement Code. Materials must prevent predator access and ensure proper ventilation to curb disease transmission.
- Biosecurity and Health Compliance: The Alabama Department of Agriculture mandates annual veterinary inspections for flocks over 50 birds, with mandatory reporting of sick or deceased poultry within 24 hours. The 2026 Poultry Industry Act also prohibits the sale of live poultry at unregulated markets, requiring transactions through licensed dealers.