Backyard Chickens in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Chickens are legal in Colorado Springs — here's exactly what the ordinance requires.
Quick legal answer
Are backyard chickens legal in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
Yes — subject to local rules
- Hen limit
- Up to 10 hens
- Roosters
- Not allowed
- Permit
- No permit requirement found in reviewed rules
- Setback
- Chicken or rabbit shelters must provide at least 4 sq ft per animal; structures must also comply with zoning, building, and accessory-structure rules.
- Zoning
- Property owners may keep up to 10 rabbits or chickens aged 6 months or older; roosters are prohibited.
Last verified: May 2026
View Colorado Springs ordinance ↗Ordinances and zoning rules change. Confirm the current requirements with your municipality before buying birds or building a coop.
What the Colorado Springs Rules Say
Colorado Springs’ official city regulations for animals say property owners may keep up to 10 rabbits or chickens aged 6 months or older. The same city guidance states that roosters are prohibited.
The city also requires shelters or coops for rabbits or chickens to contain at least 4 square feet per animal. Structures still need to comply with zoning, building, and accessory-structure rules.
What This Means in Plain English
Backyard hens are allowed in Colorado Springs, but the flock should stay small and rooster-free. If your birds are 6 months or older, count them toward the city’s 10-animal limit for rabbits or chickens.
The reviewed city page did not list a separate chicken permit, but that does not remove the need to follow zoning, building, HOA, lease, and nuisance rules.
Practical Considerations
Space and Shelter
Plan at least 4 square feet of shelter space per chicken. More space is usually better for health, odor control, and winter management.
Roosters and Noise
Roosters are prohibited. Keep a hen-only flock and design the coop to reduce early-morning noise and neighbor conflict.
Residential Slaughter
The reviewed Colorado Springs animal regulations page says slaughtering animals is prohibited on residential lots. Do not plan on processing birds at home inside city limits.
Getting Started
- Confirm the current Colorado Springs animal regulations.
- Keep no more than 10 rabbits or chickens aged 6 months or older.
- Do not keep roosters.
- Build or buy a coop with at least 4 square feet of shelter space per bird.
- Check zoning, building, HOA, and lease restrictions before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have chickens in Colorado Springs?
Yes. Colorado Springs allows property owners to keep chickens, subject to the city’s animal and structure rules.
How many hens can I have in Colorado Springs?
The city page reviewed allows up to 10 rabbits or chickens aged 6 months or older.
Are roosters allowed in Colorado Springs?
No. Colorado Springs states that roosters are prohibited.
Next Steps for Colorado Springs Chicken Keepers
Verification Notice
This page was last verified against Colorado Springs's municipal code in May 2026. Ordinances change — always confirm current rules with your local city clerk before purchasing birds or building a coop.
View Colorado Springs Municipal Code ↗Get Backyard Chicken Updates for Colorado
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