Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Indiana, but compliance with local ordinances and state health codes is mandatory. Indiana does not impose statewide restrictions on small-scale poultry ownership, yet counties and municipalities retain authority to regulate flock size, coop placement, and sanitation standards. Recent 2026 updates to the Indiana State Department of Health’s Poultry and Egg Program emphasize biosecurity protocols to mitigate avian influenza risks, requiring owners to register flocks exceeding 25 birds with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Indiana
- Flock Size and Density: Municipalities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne cap backyard flocks at 25 hens (no roosters in most urban zones) to limit nuisance complaints and disease vectors. Exceeding limits triggers zoning violations under the Indiana Zoning Act, enforced by county plan commissions.
- Coop and Run Specifications: Structures must maintain a minimum 25-foot setback from neighboring residences and be constructed with predator-proof materials. The Indiana Commercial Feed Law mandates feed storage in sealed containers to prevent contamination of wild bird populations.
- Sanitation and Biosecurity: Owners must adhere to the Indiana Poultry Health Code, which requires weekly coop cleaning, carcass disposal via licensed waste services, and immediate reporting of sick or deceased birds to the Board of Animal Health. Violations may result in fines up to $1,000 under IC 15-22-13-8.