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Milwaukee, WI Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max feeders per lot
4
Minimum pole height
3.5 feet
Clearance from climbable object
6 feet
Ground feeding
Prohibited where rodents can reach
Enforcing chapter
Ch. 78 Animals

Summary

Milwaukee requires backyard bird feeders to sit on a rodent-proof pole at least 3.5 feet high and 6 feet from climbable objects, caps them at four per property, and bans feeding on the ground.

Feed for birds shall be placed in a covered hopper, gravity type feeder. The feeder shall be placed on top of a rodent-proof pole which extends at least 3.5 feet above the ground and shall be placed at least 6 feet from the nearest climbable object... Feed for birds shall not be placed on the ground where it is accessible to rodents. No more than 4 bird feeders shall be located on any premises.

Source: Wisconsin DNR CWD RulesView official code

Full Breakdown

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 78-35 regulates how residents feed birds on their own property. Feed must go in a covered hopper-style, gravity feeder set on a rodent-proof pole rising at least 3.5 feet above ground and positioned at least 6 feet from the nearest climbable object, or hung from a tree with rodent guards. Feed cannot be scattered on the ground where rodents can reach it, and no more than four feeders are allowed per premises. Owners must keep the feeder and the ground beneath it sanitary and free of accumulated feed. The health department enforces the rule as part of the animals chapter alongside Milwaukee's nuisance-bird and pigeon-harborage provisions.

Violations & Fines

Feeders that skip the rodent-proof pole, sit closer than 6 feet to climbable objects, exceed four per lot, or let feed pile up on the ground violate § 78-35 and can draw a citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bird feeders can I have in Milwaukee?
No more than 4 bird feeders are allowed on any single premises under § 78-35, and each must sit on a rodent-proof pole or be suspended from a tree with rodent guards.
Can I scatter bird seed on the ground?
No. Milwaukee § 78-35 bars placing feed where it's accessible to rodents; it must go in a covered hopper feeder on an elevated rodent-proof pole instead.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

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All Milwaukee rules

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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Milwaukee County handle wildlife feeding.

West Allis, WI
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Wauwatosa, WI
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