Can I keep chickens in Oshkosh, WI?
Yes — Oshkosh 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. (Oshkosh Municipal Code Ch. 6 (Animals), permit under Sec. 6-3.2; cross-ref Sec. 6-6, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($15) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop in rear yard; structurally sound, moisture-proof, insulated, vented, predator/rodent-proof, elevated perches; min 7 sq ft total or 3 sq ft/bird (whichever greater), 1 nest box per 2 hens; at least 25 ft from a neighbor's primary residence, 3 ft from side & rear property lines, 5 ft from own residence; hens secured in coop at night. |
| Code section | Oshkosh Municipal Code Ch. 6 (Animals), permit under Sec. 6-3.2; cross-ref Sec. 6-6 |
Oshkosh permits a maximum of 6 chickens and/or ducks per residential lot at single- and two-family homes (any zoning district) under a $15 annual permit; roosters are prohibited and slaughter, abuse, or neglect of any chicken is strictly prohibited. Property must be registered with the Wisconsin Livestock Registry; coop must meet rear-yard placement and setback rules.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Oshkosh?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Oshkosh (Oshkosh Municipal Code Ch. 6 (Animals), permit under Sec. 6-3.2; cross-ref Sec. 6-6).
How many chickens can I keep in Oshkosh?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Oshkosh?
Yes — Oshkosh requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $15).
Are roosters allowed in Oshkosh?
No — roosters are prohibited in Oshkosh.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Oshkosh?
25 feet minimum. Coop in rear yard; structurally sound, moisture-proof, insulated, vented, predator/rodent-proof, elevated perches; min 7 sq ft total or 3 sq ft/bird (whichever greater), 1 nest box per 2 hens; at least 25 ft from a neighbor's primary residence, 3 ft from side & rear property lines, 5 ft from own residence; hens secured in coop at night.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Oshkosh?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Oshkosh's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Oshkosh?
Oshkosh Municipal Code Ch. 6 (Animals), permit under Sec. 6-3.2; cross-ref Sec. 6-6. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Oshkosh Municipal Code Ch. 6 (Animals), permit under Sec. 6-3.2; cross-ref Sec. 6-6 — read the official code
“Permit required for Chickens & Ducks and are permitted to be kept at single and two-family homes only (regardless of the zoning district).” source
“A minimum size of 7 square feet in area or 3 square feet in area per chicken, whichever is greater with 1 nest box for every 2 chickens” source
“a maximum of six chickens and/or ducks are allowed per residential lot” source
“Permitting fee is $15.00 for up to 6 chickens and/or ducks.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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