Marathon County, WI Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Max fowl, lots under 1 acre
- 6 birds
- Max fowl, lots 1+ acre
- 12 birds
- Roosters
- not allowed
- Enclosure setback
- 25 feet from lot line
- Districts covered
- R-R, L-D-R, U-R
Summary
In the county's Rural Residential zoning district, Marathon County caps backyard fowl at six birds on lots under one acre and 12 on larger lots, allows only hens (no roosters), and requires a 25-foot enclosure setback.
E.In the R-R District only. The following animals may be kept for show, breeding, and consumed by the residents/owner of the parcel and are subject to the following restrictions:1.Livestock:a.Horses.1)Minimum of three acres for one horse, and an additional one and one-half acres for each additional horse.b.Fowl.1)Allowed fowl includes chickens (hens only; no roosters), ducks, quail, pheasants, and partridge/grouse.2)Maximum total of six fowl for lots 0.5 acres to 0.99 acres. Maximum total of 12 fowl for lots one acre or greater.3)Fowl must be kept in an enclosure at all times. The enclosure includes the covered structure(s) and fenced area. The enclosure shall be a minimum of 25 feet from any side or rear lot line and completely in the rear yard of the home.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's R-R District fowl standard, allowed birds are chickens (hens only), ducks, quail, pheasants, and partridge/grouse: roosters are not on the list. Lots from 0.5 to 0.99 acres may keep up to six fowl; lots one acre or larger may keep up to 12. Birds must stay in an enclosure set back at least 25 feet from any side or rear lot line, kept sanitary enough not to create a nuisance. The identical fowl allowance also applies in the L-D-R and U-R districts. This is county zoning, so it applies only in unincorporated towns that adopted the Marathon County Zoning Code, never inside Wausau, Mosinee, Rothschild, or the county's other cities and villages.
Violations & Fines
Keeping roosters, exceeding the fowl count for a lot's size, or failing to maintain the 25-foot enclosure setback is a zoning violation the Zoning Administrator can enforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a rooster in unincorporated Marathon County?
Does this chicken rule apply everywhere in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marathon County
How Marathon County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Marathon County to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
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