Category: Managing the Flock

Phoenix AZ City Ordinance for Keeping Chickens

2023 | Phoenix, AZ |Section 8-7. Poultry & Rodents

Updated Version for 2025

No poultry or rodents shall be kept in an enclosure within eighty feet of any residence within the City. Poultry may be kept within eighty feet of a residence if written permission consenting to the keeping of poultry less than eighty feet from a residence is first obtained from each lawful occupant and each lawful owner of such residence. Poultry shall not be kept in the front yard area of any lot or parcel within the City. Poultry and rodents shall be kept in an enclosure so constructed as to prevent such poultry and rodents from wandering upon property belonging to others.
No more than twenty head of poultry nor more than twenty-five head of rodents nor more than twenty-five head comprising a combination of rodents and poultry shall be kept upon the first one-half acre or less. An additional one-half acre shall be required for each additional twenty head of poultry or for each additional twenty-five head of rodents or for each additional twenty-five head comprising a combination of poultry and rodents. For areas larger than two and one-half acres the number of poultry or rodents shall not be limited.
No male poultry shall be kept within the City limits except such male poultry as are incapable of making vocal noises which disturb the peace, comfort or health of any person residing within the City.
All such enclosures shall be kept in such condition that no offensive, disagreeable or noxious smell or odor shall arise therefrom to the injury, annoyance or inconvenience of any inhabitant of the neighborhood thereof. 

Section 8-5. Manner of Keeping Generally

It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any animal or bird in the City in a manner likely to disturb the peace, comfort, or health of any person residing within the City.
A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, however, the City Prosecutor may authorize the filing of certain cases or classes of cases as civil violations unless the person previously has been found responsible or guilty of violating this section.
A person found responsible for a civil violation of this section is subject to a sanction of not less than one hundred fifty dollars and not more than two thousand five hundred dollars.
In addition to any other penalty authorized by law, a person found guilty of a criminal violation of this section shall pay a fine of not less than one hundred fifty dollars.
Can you Have Chickens Where You Live?
Check with your local government or health department websites for information on regulations and restrictions regarding raising chickens in your city.
Key words: Poultry & Rodent Ordinance

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How Do Feathers Help Keep Chickens Warm?

Feathers help chickens stay warm by providing insulation. The structure of feathers traps air, which helps to keep the chicken’s body heat from escaping. Chickens have a layer of down feathers close to their skin that helps to keep them warm, and they also have contour feathers on the outer layers of their body that provide additional insulation.
Chickens also fluff up their feathers when it is cold to create additional air pockets and increase the insulating properties of their feathers. In this way, feathers help chickens to maintain a stable body temperature even in cold weather.

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Fun Facts About Chickens

Did You Know?

Chickens are one of the oldest domesticated animals, with evidence of their domestication dating back to ancient Egypt over 4000 years ago.
Chickens are intelligent birds and can remember and recognize up to 100 other chickens.
Chickens have a complex social hierarchy and communicate with each other using over 30 different vocalizations.
Chickens can dream and have a sleep-wake cycle similar to humans.
Chickens have a good sense of direction and can find their way home over long distances.
Chickens have a pecking order and establish a social hierarchy through pecking and other forms of behavior.
Chickens can exhibit personality traits such as shyness or aggression, and some breeds are known to be more docile or energetic than others.
Chickens are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including seeds, insects, and even small reptiles.
Chickens have a highly developed sense of taste and are able to distinguish between different flavors.
Chickens are known for their ability to produce eggs, but they can also be raised for their meat.
More Interesting Facts…
Chickens, like all animals, have certain vital signs that are important indicators of their health and well-being. Some of the vital signs of chickens include:
Heart rate: A chicken’s normal heart rate is between 250 and 300 beats per minute.|
Respiratory rate: A chicken’s normal respiratory rate is between 15 and 25 breaths per minute.
Body temperature: A chicken’s normal body temperature is between 105-106.7 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 and 41.5 degrees Celsius).
Capillary refill time: This is the time it takes for the blood to return to a chicken’s comb (the fleshy protuberance on top of its head) after being pressed. A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds.
Hydration: Chickens should have moist, elastic comb and wattles (the fleshy protuberances on either side of the head). Dry comb and wattles can be a sign of dehydration.
Behavior: Chickens should be active and alert, with a normal appetite and thirst.
Monitoring these vital signs can help you identify any health issues that your chickens may be experiencing, and allow you to take appropriate action to address them.

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