SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-check-legal-first

What should you check first before getting backyard chickens?

Whether your city or county allows them. Many places ban or limit chickens.

Start playing free

  1. Which breed you want
  2. Whether your city or county allows them ✔
  3. Where the nest boxes will go

Why: Cornell Cooperative Extension says to first see if chickens are legal where you live. In many cities and suburbs they are not allowed, or the rules limit them. Check before you buy any birds.

Huh, didn't know that: NC State suggests calling your local animal control or zoning office before ordering birds.

The dad joke
Why did the chicken go to the library? To check out some bawk bawk books.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Whether your city or county allows them. Cornell Cooperative Extension says to first see if chickens are legal where you live. In many cities and suburbs they are not allowed, or the rules limit them. Check before you buy any birds.

  1. Cornell Cooperative Extension Warren County: Backyard Chickens warren.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/backyard-chickens
    In many urban and suburban areas, raising chickens is not legal or if it is legal there may be restrictions
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. NC State Extension: Keeping Garden Chickens in North Carolina content.ces.ncsu.edu/keeping-garden-chickens-in-north-carolina
    A call to your local animal control or zoning office prior to ordering your birds
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Backyard ChickensBesides allowing chickens, what might your city require before you keep them?Backyard ChickensIn cities that allow chickens, what do the rules often limit?Backyard ChickensIn North Carolina, can local rules restrict sales of backyard eggs?

That's stuff everyone should know.