Can I keep chickens in Moscow, ID?
Yes — Moscow allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (Moscow City Code Title 10, Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Fowl must be kept confined at all times in enclosures strong enough (or staked/picketed) to prevent them going onto another's property; must not create noise, odor, or damage nuisance. A coop/run setback from a non-keeper dwelling applies (exact distance not recoverable from the official PDF). |
| Code section | Moscow City Code Title 10, Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl) |
Moscow allows 6 fowl over 12 weeks of age on a lot of at least 5,000 sq ft, plus 1 additional fowl per additional 1,250 sq ft, up to a maximum of 12 fowl per lot ('fowl' includes chickens, ducks, and geese). Male fowl (roosters) are prohibited beyond 12 weeks from hatch. Fowl must be kept confined and must not create a nuisance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Moscow?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Moscow (Moscow City Code Title 10, Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl)).
How many chickens can I keep in Moscow?
Up to 12 hens. 6 hens on lots of 5,000+ sq ft, +1 per 1 sq ft above 1,250, max 12.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Moscow?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Moscow.
Are roosters allowed in Moscow?
No — roosters are prohibited in Moscow.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Moscow?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Moscow?
Moscow City Code Title 10, Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Moscow City Code Title 10, Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl) — read the official code
“A person may lawfully maintain six (6) fowl which are more than twelve (12) weeks from hatch per lot of not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet and one (1) additional fowl ... for each additional twelve hundred fifty (1,250) square feet per lot up to a total of twelve (12) fowl ... per lot.” source
“per lot of not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet” source
“It shall be unlawful for a person to keep or maintain male fowl within the City limits except for a time period not to exceed twelve (12) weeks from hatch” 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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