Can I keep chickens in Winston-Salem, NC?
Yes — Winston-Salem allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (6-6, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Enclosed run minimum 4 feet high, 10 sq ft per bird. Coop solid material, minimum 3 sq ft floor per bird, 2 feet high. |
| Code section | 6-6 |
Winston-Salem allows maximum 5 hens (females only) per property with setback of 20 feet. Roosters strictly prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Winston-Salem?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Winston-Salem (6-6).
How many chickens can I keep in Winston-Salem?
Up to 5 hens.
Are roosters allowed in Winston-Salem?
No — roosters are prohibited in Winston-Salem.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Winston-Salem?
20 feet minimum. Enclosed run minimum 4 feet high, 10 sq ft per bird. Coop solid material, minimum 3 sq ft floor per bird, 2 feet high.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Winston-Salem?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Winston-Salem's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Winston-Salem?
6-6. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
6-6 — read the official code
“The maximum number of chickens or other fowl that can be kept on any property within the corporate limits of the city shall be five.” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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