Can I keep chickens in Shawnee, OK?
Yes — Shawnee allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Shawnee Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. I, Sec. 5-7 (Ord. No. 2756NS, 2022), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop and run in rear/backyard only; >=5 ft from side/rear property lines and >=25 ft from any dwelling other than owner's; coop >=4 sq ft/bird and run >=8 sq ft/bird; predator-resistant and screened; hens in coop dusk-to-dawn. Outdoor slaughter prohibited. |
| Code section | Shawnee Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. I, Sec. 5-7 (Ord. No. 2756NS, 2022) |
Shawnee permits poultry for personal use in all standard residential zones (RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, TN), not to exceed six chickens. Roosters are not allowed. The coop and run must be in the rear/backyard, at least 5 ft from side/rear lines and 25 ft from any dwelling other than the owner's, with at least 4 sq ft of coop and 8 sq ft of run per bird. A permit is required (fee set by the city fee schedule), and outdoor slaughter is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Shawnee?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Shawnee (Shawnee Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. I, Sec. 5-7 (Ord. No. 2756NS, 2022)).
How many chickens can I keep in Shawnee?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Shawnee?
Yes — Shawnee requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Shawnee?
No — roosters are prohibited in Shawnee.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Shawnee?
25 feet minimum. Coop and run in rear/backyard only; >=5 ft from side/rear property lines and >=25 ft from any dwelling other than owner's; coop >=4 sq ft/bird and run >=8 sq ft/bird; predator-resistant and screened; hens in coop dusk-to-dawn. Outdoor slaughter prohibited.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Shawnee?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Shawnee's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Shawnee?
Shawnee Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. I, Sec. 5-7 (Ord. No. 2756NS, 2022). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Shawnee Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. I, Sec. 5-7 (Ord. No. 2756NS, 2022) — read the official code
“Lawful poultry possession in the residential areas shall not exceed six chickens” source
“Roosters are not allowed;” source
“Outdoor slaughter of chickens is prohibited;” 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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