Backyard Chickens in Durham, North Carolina

What the Durham Rules Say

Durham’s UDO has a city-only domestic chicken section. It allows up to 10 chickens per lot, regardless of how many dwelling units are on the lot, and only female chickens are allowed.

Chickens are for personal use only. Eggs, chicks, adult chickens, processed chickens, manure, compost made with manure, and produce fertilized with that manure may not be sold.

The rules require both a chicken coop and chicken pen. Chickens must be secured in the coop during non-daylight hours. During daylight hours, they may be in the pen, or outside the pen in a securely fenced yard or portable pen if supervised by an adult.

What This Means in Plain English

Durham is one of the clearer backyard-hen cities in this batch: 10 hens, no roosters, personal use only, with enclosure and setback rules.

Getting Started

1. Plan for no more than 10 hens.
2. Skip roosters.
3. Place the coop and pen at least 15 feet from property lines and rights-of-way.
4. Secure hens in the coop at night.
5. Do not sell eggs or manure from the flock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Durham, NC?

Yes. Durham allows up to 10 female chickens per lot under its domestic chicken standards.

Are roosters allowed in Durham?

No. Only female chickens are allowed.