Keeping Chickens in Gresham

If you're thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Gresham, know these rules before getting started.

Gresham Revised Code Article 7.17 outlines the rules and regulations:

You must obtain a permit from the City before keeping chickens.
No roosters are allowed.
Up to three adult hens may be kept on residential property with a single-family dwelling.
Chickens must be kept in a coop from 10:00 pm-7:00 am.
The coop must be kept at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and 10 feet from the property line.
The coop must have at least two feet of floor space per adult chicken.
The coop and run may only be located in the rear yard.
The run must be kept at least 10 feet from the property line.
The chickens, coop and run must be maintained to not violate the City’s nuisance code relating to noise, odor, damage or threats to public safety.
Some homeowners associations don’t allow chickens. Consult yours.

Additional information on keeping chickens

Chicken Coops and Runs

A chicken coop can be simple or extravagant, but the basics each coop and run should provide:

A fresh supply of water.
A dry source of food.
The coop must be kept at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and 10 feet from the property line.
The coop must have at least 2 feet of floor space per adult chicken.
The coop and run may only be located in the rear yard.
The run must be kept at least 10 feet from the property line.

Protect Chickens from Predators

Predators include hawks, owls, raccoons, opossums, and dogs and cats.

Any type of netting across the top of your coop and run area can solve this problem.
A strong fence or galvanized roofing material buried about a foot deep is recommended to deter digging predators.
Hardware cloth attached around and below the coop works well for some.

Prevent Rodents

A rat or other rodent problem is likely because the chicken feed is easy to get at.

Try not to feed the chickens in the yard by throwing food on the ground for them to scratch at; this attracts rodents too.

The most effective container is a galvanized metal trash bin.
Using a bungee cord or a heavy rock or brick will keep raccoons and opossums out.
Be careful not to spill food when filling the chicken feeders – it attracts rodents.

Resources

If you have questions about keeping chickens in Gresham, call 503-618-2845.