Chickens & Livestock: Des Plaines vs Skokie
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Skokie, IL?
Des Plaines and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines City Code Title 4 (Animal Regulations) prohibits keeping chickens, roosters, ducks, goats, pigs, and other livestock or fowl on residential property within city limits. Only common household pets are permitted in residential zones.
View full Des Plaines rules →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie prohibits the keeping of chickens, roosters, ducks, and other livestock in residential districts. The village is an urbanized suburb with no agricultural zoning provisions for poultry or farm animals on residential lots.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Chickens | Prohibited | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Goats/Pigs | Prohibited | - |
| Allowed | Dogs, cats, household pets | - |
| Contact | Animal Control (847) 391-5400 | Code Enforcement (847) 933-8235 |
| Livestock | - | Goats, pigs, cattle all prohibited |
| Pet Birds | - | Allowed in cages indoors |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Des Plaines?
No. Des Plaines prohibits chickens and other poultry on residential property. Only traditional household pets are allowed in residential zones.
What about ducks or quail in Des Plaines?
Also prohibited. All poultry and waterfowl are restricted from residential properties under the city's animal regulations.
Can I have a goat or pig as a pet in Des Plaines?
No. Goats, pigs, sheep, and other livestock are prohibited in residential districts regardless of size or breed.
Skokie FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Skokie?
No. Skokie does not allow chickens, hens, or roosters in residential areas. The village has no agricultural zoning to permit poultry keeping.
Does Skokie allow hens like Evanston?
No. While neighboring Evanston permits limited backyard hens with a permit, Skokie has not adopted similar provisions. Poultry remains prohibited.
What animals can I keep in Skokie?
Typical household pets: dogs, cats, caged birds, small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs), reptiles, and fish. Livestock and poultry are not permitted.
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