Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Kentucky, but local ordinances and state health codes impose specific restrictions. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) does not ban small-scale poultry keeping, yet counties and cities may regulate flock size, coop placement, and sanitation. Recent 2026 amendments to the Kentucky Poultry Improvement Plan (KPIP) emphasize biosecurity compliance, requiring owners to register flocks exceeding 50 birds with the KDA to mitigate avian influenza risks.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Kentucky
- Flock Size Limits: Most counties cap backyard flocks at 20–50 hens (no roosters in residential zones), with exceptions for agricultural zones under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 257.010. Urban areas like Louisville Metro prohibit roosters entirely under LMCO § 91.39.
- Coop and Run Standards: Structures must be set back at least 25 feet from neighboring residences and comply with Kentucky Building Code (KBC) sanitation requirements (KRS 257.160). Improper waste management may trigger violations under the Kentucky Pollution Control Act.
- Disease Surveillance: Flocks over 50 birds require KDA registration (KPIP 2026), while smaller flocks must adhere to mandatory reporting of sick or dead poultry to local extension offices within 24 hours. Failure to comply risks quarantine orders under KRS 257.170.