Can I keep chickens in Winchester, KY?
Yes — Winchester allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (Winchester Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-1 (Ord. No. 3-2024, 3-5-24), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Hens must be kept in a clean and confined space with food and clean water; housing must be kept clean and sanitary. |
| Code section | Winchester Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-1 (Ord. No. 3-2024, 3-5-24) |
Winchester permits keeping hens (and other fowl) with no numeric limit, but prohibits roosters citywide. No permit is required and the code sets no setback; housing must be kept clean and sanitary with food and clean water. Codified March 2024.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Winchester?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Winchester (Winchester Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-1 (Ord. No. 3-2024, 3-5-24)).
How many chickens can I keep in Winchester?
Winchester sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Winchester?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Winchester.
Are roosters allowed in Winchester?
No — roosters are prohibited in Winchester.
What law covers backyard chickens in Winchester?
Winchester Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-1 (Ord. No. 3-2024, 3-5-24). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Winchester Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-1 (Ord. No. 3-2024, 3-5-24) — read the official code
“Hens shall be kept in a clean and confined space with food and clean water. Housing must be kept clean and sanitary.” source
“It is unlawful for any person to harbor, keep, possess, breed, or deal in roosters in the city limits.” 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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