Backyard Chickens in Detroit, Michigan

What the Detroit Rules Say

Detroit allows residents to keep chickens and ducks under its animal-husbandry rules. At a home, the limit is 8 birds total, counting chickens and ducks together. A city animal-husbandry license is required before keeping the birds.

Detroit’s official guidance requires fencing and lists enclosure setbacks of 30 feet from neighboring homes, 5 feet from side property lines, and 5 feet from the rear property line when the property does not adjoin an alley. Roosters are not allowed.

What This Means in Plain English

A Detroit resident can keep a small hen or duck flock, but the property must have enough room for the enclosure and setbacks. The 8-bird allowance is a combined limit, not 8 chickens plus 8 ducks.

Apply through Detroit Animal Care and Control before bringing birds home. Be prepared to provide a plot plan showing the proposed fencing, coop, and distances from nearby homes and property lines.

Practical Considerations

Check the Property First

Measure from the proposed enclosure to neighboring residences and each property line. A typical narrow lot may not have enough space to satisfy every setback.

Keep the Flock Female-Only

Detroit’s animal-husbandry materials prohibit roosters. Hens do not need a rooster to produce eggs.

Use Licensed Processing

Detroit’s ordinance directs slaughter to licensed facilities. Do not plan to slaughter birds at the residence.

Getting Started

1. Confirm that the address and zoning qualify for residential animal husbandry.
2. Measure the proposed enclosure against the city’s setback rules.
3. Prepare any requested fencing and plot-plan information.
4. Apply for the animal-husbandry license and confirm the current fee.
5. Keep no more than 8 chickens and ducks combined, with no roosters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Detroit?

Yes. Detroit allows chickens and ducks at residential properties that meet the rules and obtain a license.

How many chickens can I keep in Detroit?

A home may keep up to 8 chickens and ducks combined.

Are roosters allowed in Detroit?

No. Detroit’s animal-husbandry program does not allow roosters.