Can I keep chickens in Bowling Green, KY?
Yes — Bowling Green allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (Bowling Green, KY Code of Ordinances Ch. V (Animals), Sec. 5-1.07 (Ord. BG2024-18, 12/3/2024), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Poultry must be confined on the owner's premises by a fence in good repair or a structure of sufficient height to prevent the birds from leaving the property, with gates/doors fitting properly and secured. |
| Code section | Bowling Green, KY Code of Ordinances Ch. V (Animals), Sec. 5-1.07 (Ord. BG2024-18, 12/3/2024) |
Bowling Green allows a maximum of five non-crowing poultry (hens) per property. Roosters, crowing poultry, and peafowl are prohibited within city limits, and poultry must be confined to the owner's premises. No permit is required under the current ordinance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bowling Green?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Bowling Green (Bowling Green, KY Code of Ordinances Ch. V (Animals), Sec. 5-1.07 (Ord. BG2024-18, 12/3/2024)).
How many chickens can I keep in Bowling Green?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bowling Green?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Bowling Green.
Are roosters allowed in Bowling Green?
No — roosters are prohibited in Bowling Green.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green, KY Code of Ordinances Ch. V (Animals), Sec. 5-1.07 (Ord. BG2024-18, 12/3/2024). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Bowling Green, KY Code of Ordinances Ch. V (Animals), Sec. 5-1.07 (Ord. BG2024-18, 12/3/2024) — read the official code
“a. A maximum of five (5) non-crowing poultry is allowed per property.” source
“b. No roosters or crowing poultry or peal fowl are allowed in the City limits.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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