Montana Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits & Setbacks by City and County

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Montana has no statewide chicken limits or bans, but the Department of Livestock (MDOL) enforces biosecurity, disease control, and import rules (CVI/NPIP). City and county ordinances set flock sizes, rooster rules, permits, and coop setbacks. Urban areas often cap at 6-15 hens with permits; rural zones are more permissive. Cold winters and predators like coyotes and bears add unique challenges. This guide covers the basics for all 129 incorporated cities and towns.

How many chickens can I have within Montana city limits?

It depends on the specific city. Most towns allow 4–6 hens with no strict statewide cap. Examples: Billings (up to 6), Missoula (up to 6), Kalispell (up to 15 based on lot size), Bozeman (up to 15 varying by lot size), and Butte-Silver Bow (up to 25 on ½-acre+ lots). Many smaller towns have no numeric limit but follow nuisance rules. Always check the city listing below or contact local code enforcement.

Are roosters allowed in Montana's city limits?

Almost never. The vast majority of Montana cities and towns prohibit roosters (or any male chickens over 3 months old) due to noise complaints. Roosters are generally allowed in rural/unincorporated county areas, though nuisance ordinances can still apply if they disturb neighbors.

Table of Contents

Montana State Rules & Biosecurity

Montana has no statewide backyard chicken limits. MDOL focuses on poultry health, biosecurity, import requirements (CVI/NPIP), and commercial regulations. All flock size, permit, and setback rules come from city or county ordinances.

Official Resource: Montana Department of Livestock Animal Health Division

Zoning, Building Permits & HOA Notes

Coops count as accessory structures with local rules on size, placement, and setbacks. Building permits may apply in some areas. HOAs can restrict or ban chickens. Nuisance and sanitation laws apply statewide.

Verify: Check city/county website or contact zoning office.

Montana Predator Challenges

Common threats include raccoons, foxes, hawks, coyotes, and bears in mountainous/northern areas. Secure housing is essential.

  • Top risks: Raccoons, foxes, coyotes.
  • Protection tips: Use buried hardware cloth at least 12 inches deep, strong locks, and elevated coops.

Permits & Local Requirements

MDOL requires no statewide permit for backyard flocks but promotes biosecurity. Many cities require local permits; rural areas often need none for small flocks.

Selling Backyard Eggs in Montana

Small-scale direct-to-consumer sales of eggs from your backyard flock are generally allowed in Montana with minimal restrictions. If you sell eggs directly from your home, farm, or at a farmers market to individual consumers (neighbors, friends, or on-farm pickup), no state license, permit, grading, or inspection is required for flocks of 3,000 hens or fewer.

Eggs must be kept clean, free of cracks, and refrigerated at 45°F or below. Label cartons clearly with your name and address (or “ungraded farm fresh eggs”) and include safe handling instructions: “Keep refrigerated. Cook eggs thoroughly.” Many people simply write “Farm Fresh Eggs – Not Graded” on the carton.

Larger or wholesale sales (to grocery stores, restaurants, or selling more than small quantities) usually require an egg dealer or grading license from the Montana Department of Livestock Milk & Egg Bureau. Contact them at (406) 444-5202 or MMEIOffice@mt.gov for details.

Note: The Montana Local Food Choice Act and cottage food rules support direct homemade food sales, but whole shell eggs fall under Department of Livestock oversight rather than standard cottage food registration. Always check with your local city or county for any additional business licensing or zoning rules that may apply to sales.

Montana State Poultry Slaughter Rules

Montana follows federal exemptions under the Poultry Products Inspection Act, with oversight from the Department of Livestock. There is no state license required for small-scale personal slaughter, but commercial sales have stricter requirements. Always follow sanitary practices to avoid nuisance complaints or health violations.

  • Personal Use: You may slaughter and process any number of your own birds on your property for your household, non-paying guests, or employees. No permit or inspection is required as long as the meat is not sold, donated, or distributed outside this group. Label containers “Not for Sale” if applicable.
  • Commercial Sale: Meat for sale must be processed at a state-licensed or USDA-inspected facility. Limited exemptions exist (such as the Producer/Grower 1,000-bird or 20,000-bird exemptions for direct sales), but licensing, labeling, and facility approval from the Montana Department of Livestock are usually required.
  • Humane Standards: Slaughter must be performed humanely using methods that render the bird insensible to pain before exsanguination. Follow good commercial practices and AVMA or Department of Livestock guidelines.
  • Nuisance Laws: Slaughter activities must not create noise, odor, blood, or waste that disturbs neighbors. Many cities and counties have additional local ordinances restricting on-site slaughter in residential areas. Rural areas are generally more permissive.

Montana Backyard Chicken Laws by City & County

Summary of common rules: Many smaller Montana towns have no specific backyard chicken ordinance and default to general zoning, livestock, or nuisance rules (hens usually allowed in limited numbers or without explicit cap, subject to no nuisance complaints; roosters often restricted due to noise). Larger cities have detailed ordinances. Laws can change — always verify with the current municipal code, city hall, or county planning department for the latest requirements. Priority sources: ecode360.com and library.municode.com where available.

Alberton (Mineral County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Anaconda (Deer Lodge County – consolidated)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: Permit may be required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Bainville (Roosevelt County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Baker (Fallon County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Bearcreek (Carbon County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Belgrade (Gallatin County)

  • Hens: Up to 6 hens
  • Roosters: Prohibited (no males over 3 months)
  • Setback: Coops/runs must be sanitary and not at large
  • Permit: Permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Belt (Cascade County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Big Sandy (Chouteau County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Big Timber (Sweet Grass County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Billings (Yellowstone County)

  • Hens: Up to 6 hens
  • Roosters: Prohibited
  • Setback: 20 feet from neighboring residences
  • Permit: Annual permit required (from Animal Control)
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage (zoning restrictions may apply)

Boulder (Jefferson County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Bozeman (Gallatin County)

  • Hens: Up to 15 hens (varies by lot size)
  • Roosters: Prohibited
  • Setback: 10 feet from property lines, 30 feet from neighbor dwellings
  • Permit: Annual permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: Based on lot size

Bridger (Carbon County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Broadus (Powder River County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Broadview (Yellowstone County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Browning (Glacier County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Butte-Silver Bow (Silver Bow County – consolidated)

  • Hens: Up to 25 hens (proposed changes may alter limits and add permit)
  • Roosters: Prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit currently required (proposed ordinance would add one)
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: Minimum 20,000 sq ft (½ acre)

Cascade (Cascade County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Chester (Liberty County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Chinook (Blaine County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Choteau (Teton County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Circle (McCone County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Clyde Park (Park County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Colstrip (Rosebud County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Columbia Falls (Flathead County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Columbus (Stillwater County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Conrad (Pondera County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Culbertson (Roosevelt County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Cut Bank (Glacier County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Darby (Ravalli County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Deer Lodge (Powell County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Denton (Fergus County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Dillon (Beaverhead County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Dodson (Phillips County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Drummond (Granite County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Dutton (Teton County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

East Helena (Lewis and Clark County)

  • Hens: Up to 6 chickens
  • Roosters: Prohibited
  • Setback: 10 feet from any property line; 25 feet from any adjacent residential structure
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Ekalaka (Carter County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Ennis (Madison County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Eureka (Lincoln County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Fairfield (Teton County)

  • Hens: No hen limit (community discussions suggest limits around 4-5 hens may be considered)
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Fairview (Richland County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Flaxville (Daniels County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Forsyth (Rosebud County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Fort Benton (Chouteau County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Fort Peck (Valley County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Froid (Roosevelt County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Fromberg (Carbon County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Geraldine (Chouteau County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Glasgow (Valley County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Glendive (Dawson County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Grass Range (Fergus County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Great Falls (Cascade County)

  • Hens: Generally prohibited (classified as livestock); allowed only in R-1 zoning with sufficient acreage (one hen per 1,000 sq ft up to 10 in some interpretations)
  • Roosters: Prohibited
  • Setback: N/A in most zones
  • Permit: N/A
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: Restricted to R-1 zoning with adequate lot size

Hamilton (Ravalli County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Hardin (Big Horn County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Harlem (Blaine County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Harlowton (Wheatland County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Havre (Hill County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Helena (Lewis and Clark County)

  • Hens: No set limit (nuisance rules apply)
  • Roosters: Prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Hingham (Hill County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Hobson (Judith Basin County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Hot Springs (Sanders County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Hysham (Treasure County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Ismay (Custer County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Joliet (Carbon County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Jordan (Garfield County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Judith Gap (Wheatland County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Kalispell (Flathead County)

  • Hens: Up to 4 hens for first 3,000 sq ft + 1 per additional 1,000 sq ft (max 15)
  • Roosters: Prohibited
  • Setback: 20 feet from non-owner structures; 5 feet from property lines
  • Permit: Required (one per household; inspection for 7+ hens)
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage (formula based on parcel sq ft)

Kevin (Toole County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Laurel (Yellowstone County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Lavina (Golden Valley County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Lewistown (Fergus County)

  • Hens: Allowed with permit (limit not strictly defined)
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: Required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Libby (Lincoln County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Lima (Beaverhead County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Livingston (Park County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Lodge Grass (Big Horn County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Malta (Phillips County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Manhattan (Gallatin County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Medicine Lake (Sheridan County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Melstone (Musselshell County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Miles City (Custer County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Missoula (Missoula County)

  • Hens: Up to 6 female chickens and/or ducks (or 10 female quail)
  • Roosters: Prohibited (females only)
  • Setback: 20 feet from non-owner residential structures; 50 feet from property lines (for structures)
  • Permit: Required ($30, renewable every 3 years)
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Moore (Fergus County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Nashua (Valley County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Neihart (Cascade County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Opheim (Valley County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Outlook (Sheridan County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Philipsburg (Granite County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Pinesdale (Ravalli County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Plains (Sanders County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Plentywood (Sheridan County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Plevna (Fallon County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Polson (Lake County)

  • Hens: Allowed (nuisance rules apply; no strict numeric limit)
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required (compliance with nuisance rules mandatory)
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Poplar (Roosevelt County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Red Lodge (Carbon County)

  • Hens: Allowed as exception to general livestock ban
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required (must comply with fencing/sanitation)
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Rexford (Lincoln County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Richey (Dawson County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Ronan (Lake County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Roundup (Musselshell County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Ryegate (Golden Valley County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Saco (Phillips County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Scobey (Daniels County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Shelby (Toole County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Sheridan (Madison County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Sidney (Richland County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

St. Ignatius (Lake County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Stanford (Judith Basin County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Stevensville (Ravalli County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Sunburst (Toole County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Superior (Mineral County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Terry (Prairie County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Thompson Falls (Sanders County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Three Forks (Gallatin County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Townsend (Broadwater County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Troy (Lincoln County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Twin Bridges (Madison County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Valier (Pondera County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Virginia City (Madison County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Walkerville (Silver Bow County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

West Yellowstone (Gallatin County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Westby (Sheridan County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

White Sulphur Springs (Meagher County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Whitefish (Flathead County)

  • Hens: Up to 5 hens (as pets in residential zones)
  • Roosters: Prohibited
  • Setback: Kept in rear/side yards only
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Whitehall (Jefferson County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Wibaux (Wibaux County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Winifred (Fergus County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Winnett (Petroleum County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Wolf Point (Roosevelt County)

  • Hens: No hen limit
  • Roosters: Generally prohibited
  • Setback: Standard setbacks
  • Permit: No permit required
  • Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage

Montana Rural & Unincorporated Areas

In unincorporated areas and most rural parts of Montana's 56 counties (outside city/town limits), backyard chickens are generally very permissive. There are typically no strict hen limits, roosters are often allowed (especially on larger parcels), permits are rarely required, and rules fall under general county zoning, nuisance, or livestock ordinances. Setbacks usually follow standard accessory-building requirements. Always check with the specific county planning or zoning office, as some counties have minimal restrictions while a few may limit livestock on smaller lots or enforce nuisance complaints. Most populated unincorporated/CDP areas include: Evergreen (Flathead County), Helena Valley Southeast (Lewis and Clark County), Lockwood (Yellowstone County), Helena Valley West Central (Lewis and Clark County), Bigfork (Flathead County), and Big Sky (Gallatin/Madison Counties).

Next Step: Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

To keep Montana bears and cougars at bay, your structure must be a fortress; our predator-proof walk-in plans utilize heavy-duty latches and reinforced siding. For ongoing care, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Montana?

Most smaller Montana towns and all rural/unincorporated areas do not require a permit for small backyard flocks. Larger cities such as Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, and Kalispell usually require an annual or one-time permit, often with an inspection. Check the specific city listing above or contact your local code enforcement office.

What are the typical coop and setback requirements for chickens in Montana?

Coops must be predator-proof, well-ventilated, and easy to clean. Setbacks vary by city but commonly range from 5 to 30 feet from neighboring homes or property lines. Many ordinances require the coop to be in the rear or side yard and the birds to be confined at night. Standard accessory-building rules apply in towns without specific chicken ordinances.

How do I protect my chickens from Montana winters and predators?

Montana winters require well-insulated, draft-free coops with deep bedding and supplemental heat or windbreaks to prevent frostbite. Predators such as coyotes, bears, foxes, and hawks are common statewide, so use fully enclosed, buried-wire runs and lock coops at night. Proper ventilation is essential to control moisture and ammonia.

Does Montana require any health or biosecurity rules for backyard chickens?

The Montana Department of Livestock does not require a permit for small backyard flocks but strongly recommends following biosecurity practices and the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) guidelines to prevent diseases such as Salmonella and avian influenza. Wash hands after handling birds, keep equipment outside the house, and cook eggs thoroughly. Contact MDOL for testing or import requirements.

Are there any HOA or neighborhood rules that affect backyard chickens in Montana?

Yes. Even if your city allows chickens, your homeowners association or subdivision covenants may prohibit them or add stricter limits on numbers, noise, or setbacks. Review your HOA documents before starting a flock. Local nuisance ordinances can also apply if neighbors complain about odor or noise.

Disclaimer: This is not official legal advice. Information is for general reference only, compiled from from MDOL and municipal sources at time of publication. Local laws, zoning, and HOA rules change frequently. Always verify directly with your city, county, planning department, animal control, or HOA for your address. See our full Disclaimer & Legal Notice.