Can I keep chickens in Madison, SD?
Yes — Madison allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited. (Chapter 6 Animals, Article VI Chickens (Ordinance 1635), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop rules | Separate coop required with exercise yard or fenced run; chickens must be confined at all times; not to be housed inside residence or garage; visibility substantially obstructed at 5 ft height from street and neighbors; premises kept clean; no ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasants, quail, partridges, guinea fowl, or other domestic fowl; dead birds disposed of within 48 hours. |
| Code section | Chapter 6 Animals, Article VI Chickens (Ordinance 1635) |
Madison allows up to 6 hens on residential lots with a revocable permit under Ordinance 1635. Roosters and chicken breeding are prohibited. A coop and enclosed run are required; chickens must be screened from street view at 5 ft height. No other domestic fowl are allowed.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Madison?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Madison (Chapter 6 Animals, Article VI Chickens (Ordinance 1635)).
How many chickens can I keep in Madison?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Madison?
Yes — Madison requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Madison?
No — roosters are prohibited in Madison.
What law covers backyard chickens in Madison?
Chapter 6 Animals, Article VI Chickens (Ordinance 1635). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 6 Animals, Article VI Chickens (Ordinance 1635) — read the official code
“No more than six (6) hens shall be housed or kept on any one (1) residential lot. Roosters and chicken breeding are prohibited. A separate coop is required to house the chickens together with a reasonably satisfactory exercise yard, run, or yard fencing so as to keep chickens confined at all times. No person shall keep any ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasants, quail, partridges, guineas, or other like domestic fowl within the city limits.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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