Can I keep chickens in Caldwell, ID?
Yes — Caldwell allows backyard chickens, up to 10 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (Caldwell City Code 10-02-15 (Land Use Regulations for Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | As pets (any lot size): up to 10 chickens, no roosters, max 3 different pet animal types per household. To exceed 10 (up to 30 per half-acre) the parcel must be at least one-half acre and birds are regulated as livestock. Enclosures must meet the zoning district's setback requirements. |
| Code section | Caldwell City Code 10-02-15 (Land Use Regulations for Animals) |
Caldwell allows chickens (no roosters) as pets on any size lot up to 10 hens, with a household limited to three different pet animal types. To exceed 10 hens (up to 30 per half-acre) a parcel must be at least one-half acre, after which birds are regulated as livestock. No permit is required for the pet allowance; enclosures must meet the applicable zoning district setbacks.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Caldwell?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Caldwell (Caldwell City Code 10-02-15 (Land Use Regulations for Animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Caldwell?
Up to 10 hens. Tiered by lot size: 10 up to 21,779 sq ft.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Caldwell?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Caldwell.
Are roosters allowed in Caldwell?
No — roosters are prohibited in Caldwell.
What law covers backyard chickens in Caldwell?
Caldwell City Code 10-02-15 (Land Use Regulations for Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Caldwell City Code 10-02-15 (Land Use Regulations for Animals) — read the official code
“Property owners are allowed the following maximum number of animals per one-half (1/2) acre: ... Chickens (no roosters) | 30” source
“Regardless of lot or parcel size, the following animals shall be allowed as pets with the maximum number indicated ... Chickens (no roosters) | 10” source
“A minimum lot size of one-half (1/2) acre is required to qualify for the keeping of livestock within the city of Caldwell.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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