Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Idaho, but local ordinances and zoning codes dictate permissible flock sizes, coop placement, and sanitation standards. State law defers to municipalities, with Boise and Meridian imposing stricter limits than rural areas. Recent 2026 amendments to the Idaho Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Health and Welfare Rules now require mandatory coop inspections for flocks exceeding 50 birds to mitigate avian influenza risks.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Idaho
- Flock Size Limits: Urban areas like Boise cap backyard flocks at 6 hens (no roosters), while unincorporated counties permit up to 20 birds without permits. Ada County’s 2025 zoning update restricts coops to rear-yard locations only.
- Coop Specifications: Structures must be predator-proof, elevated 18 inches off the ground, and maintain 3+ feet from property lines. Ada County Environmental Health enforces these via the 2026 Backyard Poultry Sanitation Guidelines.
- Permit Requirements: Kootenai County mandates a $25 annual permit for flocks over 10 birds, with mandatory participation in the Idaho Poultry Registry. Failure to register risks fines under Idaho Code §25-310.
Violations trigger enforcement by local animal control or the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses. Consult the Idaho Municipal Code Database for jurisdiction-specific updates.