Backyard Chickens

🐓 How to Get a Permit for Backyard Chickens in Denver

Denver allows up to eight hens (no roosters) on residential property under a Food‑Producing Animal (FPA) Permit, which costs $25 as a one‑time fee per property and remains valid for life at that address BackYard Chickens+10Axios+10Denver Government+10.You apply via Denver Animal Shelter; they will conduct a ^basic inspection. City zoning approval may also be required depending on your property’s classification and coop structure Trelora Real Estate+5Denver Government+5Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+5.

🛡️ Coop and Safety Setup

Nest & Roost Requirements

• Give each hen at least 4 square feet of indoor space for roosting and nesting boxes.

• Avoid using chicken wire—it’s easy for rodents to breach. Use hardware cloth buried at least 12 inches around the perimeter Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+11Denver Urban Gardens+11Trelora Real Estate+11.

Predator & Pest Proofing

• Install secure locks on coop doors.

• Cover run tops with netting to keep out hawks and predatory birds.

• Store feed in sealed metal containers to deter rodents.

• Regularly remove droppings and old bedding to prevent odors and pests Denver Urban Gardens.

Hygienic Practices

• Provide a hand‑sanitizer station near coop.

• Encourage using dedicated shoes or boot covers before entering food gardens.

• Make sure visitors (especially young children) wash hands thoroughly after contact—Salmonella is a known risk BackYard Chickens+10Denver Urban Gardens+10Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+10.

Neighbor & Community Coordination

• Obtain written consent from neighbors (Denver may require notification).

• In community gardens (e.g. via Denver Urban Gardens), you must form a chicken team, sign liability agreements, and share responsibilities and costs for upkeep and eggs with DUG and property owners Corcoran Perry & Co.+7Denver Urban Gardens+7Trelora Real Estate+7.

🏪 Supplies & Resources in Denver Metro

• Feed & Classes: Wardle Feed & Pet Supply in Wheat Ridge provides chicken starter-to-layer feed and hosts introductory chicken care classes Colorado Public Radio+1Denver Urban Gardens+1.

• Brooding Help & Urban Farming Resources: The Urban Farm at Stapleton offers brooding support. DUG also provides guidance for chicken team formation and permits Denver Urban Gardens.

🌼 Basic Care for All Four Seasons

Season	Key Care Tips
Spring	Introduce chicks or pullets. Provide growing feed (high in protein). Ensure coop ventilation without drafts. Gradually let hens forage.
Summer	Keep coop shaded, fresh water available (hens drink ~0.5 L/day). Avoid letting them free-range to reduce exposure to predators and avian flu Denver Urban GardensColorado Public Radio.
Autumn	Begin deep-cleaning the coop, collect eggs daily. Consider scratching feed (grain mix) to boost energy.
Winter	Monitor water supply—deliver warm water twice daily. Use bedding or deep-litter methods for insulation. Supplemental heat only if absolutely necessary (and if allowed by property owner). Avoid freezing north drafts. Denver Urban Gardens