Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Montana, but local ordinances and state health codes impose specific restrictions. The Montana Department of Livestock regulates poultry health, while cities and counties set zoning and flock size limits. Recent 2026 amendments to the Montana Poultry Health Code require mandatory registration for flocks exceeding 50 birds to prevent disease outbreaks.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Montana
- Flock Size Limits: Municipalities like Bozeman cap backyard flocks at 6 hens, while Missoula allows up to 20 without a permit. Exceeding these thresholds may require a conditional use permit under local zoning ordinances.
- Sanitation and Biosecurity: The 2026 Montana Poultry Health Code mandates coop cleaning protocols, carcass disposal via licensed waste services, and a 30-day quarantine for new birds. Violations risk fines up to $500 under MCA § 81-2-102.
- Land Use Compliance: Counties such as Gallatin prohibit roosters in residential zones due to noise ordinances. Structures must comply with setback requirements (typically 50 feet from neighboring properties) per MCA § 76-3-204.
Additional restrictions apply in agricultural zones. Always verify with the Montana Department of Livestock and your county environmental health department before establishing a flock.