Owensboro is the only major city in Kentucky that still prohibits residents from keeping backyard chickens. Current city ordinance (Chapter 4, Section 4-2) bans all poultry ownership within city limits—even small flocks of hens. This outdated restriction puts us behind cities like Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, which all allow backyard hens with reasonable rules.
This ban limits families from accessing fresh, healthy eggs, teaching children about sustainability, and taking small steps toward self-sufficiency. It’s a missed opportunity for Owensboro to support food security, environmental responsibility, and personal freedom.
We are asking the Owensboro City Commission to update the ordinance and allow responsible ownership of backyard hens (no roosters) within city limits.
Suggested guidelines include:
• A limit of up to 6 hens per household
• No roosters
• Clean, secure coop required
• Enforcement of cleanliness and noise rules
Cities across Kentucky and the U.S. have made this change successfully. It’s time for Owensboro to join them.
Sign below to support this change for a healthier, more sustainable Owensboro!
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
June 7, 2025
34 Comments
A small flock of chickens is easy to maintain and make minimal noise without a rooster! They are such a great addition to any home and provide an easy food source!
This is long overdue! Families have the right to provide food on their own property.
Please include something about keeping their pins clean as it may help it pass.
Families in Owensboro should be able to own small flocks of hens for accessing fresh eggs. (No Roosters. O'boro City Commision PLEASE update the ordinance and allow responsible ownership of backyard chickens within city limits. People really need a way to provide protein in their meal plans- lets face it...protein foods at the grocery are getting more expensive than many families can provide. This is no longer a "want" ....Oboro City Commissioners...it is (sadly) now a NEED .
Not allowing chickens inside city limits is arguably the worst legislation in this area. Chickens are cheap, easy to care for, and not nearly as obtrusive as other animals. Noise complaints are irrelevant due to the amount of dogs, which make much more noise than chickens, in Owensboro.
like raise chicken for meat and eggs
I think chickens should be allowed on the property of anyone who wants them. I would love the opportunity to have chickens myself!
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Owensboro is the only major city in Kentucky that still prohibits residents from keeping backyard chickens. Current city ordinance (Chapter 4, Section 4-2) bans all poultry ownership within city limits—even small flocks of hens. This outdated restriction puts us behind cities like Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, which all allow backyard hens with reasonable rules.
This ban limits families from accessing fresh, healthy eggs, teaching children about sustainability, and taking small steps toward self-sufficiency. It’s a missed opportunity for Owensboro to support food security, environmental responsibility, and personal freedom.
We are asking the Owensboro City Commission to update the ordinance and allow responsible ownership of backyard hens (no roosters) within city limits.
Suggested guidelines include:
• A limit of up to 6 hens per household
• No roosters
• Clean, secure coop required
• Enforcement of cleanliness and noise rules
Cities across Kentucky and the U.S. have made this change successfully. It’s time for Owensboro to join them.
Sign below to support this change for a healthier, more sustainable Owensboro!
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
June 7, 2025
34 Comments
I would get chickens if I was allowed to to save money and get farm fresh eggs.
A small flock of chickens is easy to maintain and make minimal noise without a rooster! They are such a great addition to any home and provide an easy food source!
This is long overdue! Families have the right to provide food on their own property.
Please include something about keeping their pins clean as it may help it pass.
Families in Owensboro should be able to own small flocks of hens for accessing fresh eggs. (No Roosters. O'boro City Commision PLEASE update the ordinance and allow responsible ownership of backyard chickens within city limits. People really need a way to provide protein in their meal plans- lets face it...protein foods at the grocery are getting more expensive than many families can provide. This is no longer a "want" ....Oboro City Commissioners...it is (sadly) now a NEED .
Not allowing chickens inside city limits is arguably the worst legislation in this area. Chickens are cheap, easy to care for, and not nearly as obtrusive as other animals. Noise complaints are irrelevant due to the amount of dogs, which make much more noise than chickens, in Owensboro.
like raise chicken for meat and eggs
I think chickens should be allowed on the property of anyone who wants them. I would love the opportunity to have chickens myself!
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I would get chickens if I was allowed to to save money and get farm fresh eggs.