Yes, backyard chickens are generally permitted in Chile, but compliance with municipal and sanitary regulations is mandatory. Local ordinances and the Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos (RSA) govern flock size, coop hygiene, and disease prevention, with enforcement by Seremi de Salud and municipal authorities. Recent 2026 updates to the RSA emphasize biosecurity protocols to mitigate avian influenza risks, requiring registrations for flocks exceeding 50 birds.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Chile
- Municipal Ordinances: Most comunas cap flock sizes at 10–20 birds; larger numbers require special permits from the Dirección de Obras Municipales (DOM). Urban zones often prohibit roosters due to noise restrictions.
- Sanitary Compliance: The RSA mandates regular veterinary inspections, mandatory registration of flocks over 50 birds via the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG), and immediate reporting of mortality rates exceeding 5% in 72 hours.
- Biosecurity Protocols: Coops must be elevated, rodent-proof, and sanitized quarterly. The 2026 RSA revisions prohibit shared feeders/waterers with wild birds and require disinfection zones at coop entrances.
Non-compliance risks fines up to 1,000 UTM ($85,000 CLP) or forced culling under Decreto Supremo 35 (2023). Urban residents should verify Plan Regulador Comunal zoning laws, as some municipalities (e.g., Providencia) ban poultry entirely. Always consult the local Seremi de Salud office for jurisdiction-specific amendments.