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Floyd County, IN Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Livestock defined
Sheep, cattle, swine, goats, llamas, deer, and more
Poultry defined
Chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, turkeys, geese, peafowl
Core rule
Confining enclosure required; poultry may never be tethered
Consequence if loose
Impoundment at owner's expense
Numeric head limit
None set by this chapter

Summary

Unincorporated Floyd County lets owners keep livestock and poultry, including backyard chickens, but requires them to be confined by an enclosure that keeps the animals off neighboring property; poultry cannot be tethered, and unrestrained animals found loose can be impounded at the owner's expense.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Floyd County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

LIVESTOCK. ... Any animal raised for, or used in, agriculture, including, but not limited to: sheep; rams; ewes; lambs; bulls; cows; steers; heifers; calves; swine; boars; sows; piglets; goats; bucks; does; kids; llamas; alpaca; buffalo; bison; deer; elk; ostrich; emu; or any other animals that are privately owned and raised in a confined area for breeding stock, food, fiber, and other products. ... POULTRY. ... All domesticated fowl and all game birds which are legally kept in captivity, including, but not limited to: chickens; ducks; guinea fowl; turkeys; geese; and peafowl. ... All equine and livestock shall be confined by an enclosure in good repair or construction sufficient to prevent the animal from leaving the owner’s property. ... All poultry should be kept in an enclosure of sufficient height and construction to prevent the animal from leaving the enclosure; and provide a safe environment from predators. ... Poultry may not be tethered.

View official code

Full Breakdown

" Poultry, including backyard chickens, get a parallel rule: they must be kept in "an enclosure of sufficient height and construction to prevent the animal from leaving the enclosure; and provide a safe environment from predators," and unlike dogs, poultry may never be tethered as a substitute for an enclosure. Poultry found loose without an enclosure can likewise be impounded at the owner's expense unless the owner is directly supervising the birds outside their pen. Every poultry enclosure must also give the birds access to shelter and a shaded area.

The chapter sets no numeric limit on how many head of livestock or poultry a parcel may keep; it regulates containment and welfare rather than density.

Violations & Fines

Section 93.003 is not among the sections carrying a specific fine range under § 93.999(B)(1), so a violation, such as livestock or poultry found loose without an adequate enclosure, falls back to the county's general penalty under § 10.99. Animal control may also impound the loose animal at the owner's expense, with impound and per-day boarding fees for horses and livestock set separately at § 93.005(A).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep backyard chickens in unincorporated Floyd County?
Yes. The county code defines poultry to include chickens and does not ban keeping them, but § 93.003(M)(2) requires an enclosure sufficient to keep the birds from leaving and to protect them from predators, plus access to shelter and shade.
Do I need a fence for livestock in unincorporated Floyd County?
Yes. Section 93.003(M)(1) requires equine and livestock to be confined by "an enclosure in good repair or construction sufficient to prevent the animal from leaving the owner's property." Livestock found loose without a proper enclosure or tether can be impounded at the owner's expense.
Can I tether my chickens instead of building a coop enclosure?
No. Section 93.003(M)(2)(a) expressly states poultry may not be tethered; they must be kept in an enclosure. Poultry found loose without an enclosure can be impounded unless the owner is directly supervising the birds outdoors.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Floyd County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterLight RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant RestrictionsSpecial Events & Permits: Parade PermitsSignificant RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Erosion ControlSome RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions

All Floyd County rules

How Floyd County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Floyd County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview

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