FAQs • Belle Plaine, MN • CivicEngage

Are There Standards For Caring Of Chickens?

Yes, the Council included standards of care for chickens in the approving ordinance.

Keepers of chickens must adhere to good management and husbandry practices and maintain hens in such a condition so as to prevent distress, disease, and welfare issues.
Keepers of chickens have to provide appropriate food, liquid (unfrozen) water, shelter, light, warmth, ventilation, veterinarian care, and opportunities for essential behaviors such as scratching, pecking, dust-bathing, and roosting.
Chickens must be kept in a humane manner that complies with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 343 (animal cruelty).
Animal health authorities have to be notified immediately of any disease issues that arise and may affect the public.

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Backyard Chickens

1. How Many Chickens Can I Have?: Up to six hens per parcel are allowed provided a keeping of chickens permit is issued.

2. Do I Need A Permit?: Yes, a one time permit and an inspection of your coop/run is required. Apply here.

3. Is Free Ranging Of Chickens Allowed?: No, chickens must be keep in an approved coop and run at all times. Property owners are encouraged to plan/build environments that allow chickens to do chicken things like scratching, pecking, dust bathing and roosting.

Yes, specific standards for coops and runs apply.

One coop and one run or exercise yard is allowed per parcel on which a dwelling exists.
The coop and run shall be located in the rear yard of the parcel and setback a minimum of: ten (10) feet from any property line and twenty-five (25) feet from any home next door.
The coop has to provide at least 1 square foot of area for each hen but can't be more than twenty-four (24) square feet in total area. Coops must be fully enclosed and 12-24" above the ground for proper ventilation.
Runs must be attached to the coop and completely enclosed. They can't exceed ten sq ft per chicken and the fencing cannot exceed six (6) feet in height. Runs may allow chickens to contact the ground and must be fully enclosed to help keep chickens separated from other animals.

Yes, the Council included standards of care for chickens in the approving ordinance.

Keepers of chickens must adhere to good management and husbandry practices and maintain hens in such a condition so as to prevent distress, disease, and welfare issues.
Keepers of chickens have to provide appropriate food, liquid (unfrozen) water, shelter, light, warmth, ventilation, veterinarian care, and opportunities for essential behaviors such as scratching, pecking, dust-bathing, and roosting.
Chickens must be kept in a humane manner that complies with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 343 (animal cruelty).
Animal health authorities have to be notified immediately of any disease issues that arise and may affect the public.

6. Can I Sell Eggs?: Selling of eggs from your property is not allowed. Keeping of backyard chickens for your use on site is contemplated. Raising chickens for slaughter or slaughtering chickens is not authorized under the keeping of backyard chickens ordinance.