Can I keep chickens in Memphis?
Yes — Memphis allows backyard chickens with no permit required. (Title 8, Ch. 8-4 Livestock and Fowl (Ord. No. 5843, 7-11-2023); § 8-1-2 Definitions, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Permit required | No |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | No coop standards in the animal code; keeping must not create nuisance from odor or contagious disease; adequate water, shelter, ventilation, and food required. |
| Code section | Title 8, Ch. 8-4 Livestock and Fowl (Ord. No. 5843, 7-11-2023); § 8-1-2 Definitions |
Memphis city code places no numeric limits on backyard chickens: the 1,000-ft health-officer permit rule (§8-4-3) applies to livestock only, and 'fowl' (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys) is a separately defined category. Chickens are governed by neglect/nuisance standards (§8-4-1), a running-at-large ban (§8-4-2), and a ban on selling chicks as pets/novelties (§8-4-5).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Memphis?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Memphis (Title 8, Ch. 8-4 Livestock and Fowl (Ord. No. 5843, 7-11-2023); § 8-1-2 Definitions).
How many chickens can I keep in Memphis?
Memphis sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Memphis?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Memphis.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Memphis?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Memphis's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Memphis?
Title 8, Ch. 8-4 Livestock and Fowl (Ord. No. 5843, 7-11-2023); § 8-1-2 Definitions. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Title 8, Ch. 8-4 Livestock and Fowl (Ord. No. 5843, 7-11-2023); § 8-1-2 Definitions — read the official code
“No person shall keep livestock within 1,000 feet of any residence or place of business in the city without a permit to do so from the health officer.” source
“Fowl means any domesticated or undomesticated chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, or other such birds as may be so designated by the director of the city's animal services division. ... Livestock means animals such as cattle, cows, swine, sheep, horses, mules, goats, or any animal designated as such by the director of the city's animal services division.” source
“Data-type correction: hen_formula.type was "none" (not a valid calculator type). allowed=yes with no numeric cap → "uncapped". No substantive change to the verified ordinance summary.” source
Last verified July 5, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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