Council Conditions for Chickens in Brisbane

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 22 July 2020

Frizzle chicken in gorgeous suburban backyard

We've had a few inquiries about council conditions specific to Brisbane residents. Are you allowed to keep chickens? How many? Are there special coop requirements?

Here are the answers for Brisbane poultry-lovers!

Brisbane chicken keepers should note that Brisbane City Council introduced new legislation concerning backyard chicken keeping on the 1st July 2018. 

"From 1 July 2018, the keeping of poultry in a residential area requires a livestock permit. There is no fee associated with the keeping of poultry, including chickens, for domestic purposes in Brisbane." - Learn more and apply for a permit here: Brisbane City Council

Council Conditions: Chickens

In Brisbane, residents are allowed to keep chickens providing they meet the following regulations:

  • For properties less than 800m2, a maximum of 6 chickens are allowed provided you have a permit.

  • For properties more than 800m2, a maximum of 20 chickens are allowed provided you have a permit.

  • Roosters are NOT permitted in residential areas - they are only permitted on acreage.

Council Conditions: Maintenance

The council regulations state that chickens must be well cared for - something we’re sure all our poultry keepers have covered! Here are some conditions they’ve set out- which has some great tips for beginners.

  • The coop must not create any nuisance to your neighbours- no extensions over the fence!

  • The coop and environment that the chickens live in must be kept clean and hygienic, to prevent the build up of odour, and to stop it from attracting flies.

  • Store the chickens feed in pest-proof containers, so they don’t attract creepy crawlies like mice or rats.

  • Clean up the chickens manure at least once every seven days (why don’t you make a great compost!)

  • Replace water daily.

Council Conditions: Chicken Coop

There is only one hard and fast rule about coops that is a council condition in Brisbane:

  • The coop must be kept at least one metre away from the dividing fence into your neighbours property.

So if you’re thinking about keeping chickens in Brisbane, as long as the flock is well fed, under six members and well housed, you’re good to go!

Being based in Brisbane ourselves, we know that our chicken coops meet all of the councils standards - as long as they are one metre away from the dividing fence of course!

Whether you live, there are plenty of things to consider when becoming a chicken parent from health to nutrition. We all want to do an eggcellent job and know the right information to keep our flocks happy and healthy. Many chicken keepers struggle to handle chicken health or behaviour issues, especially in the first few years of having a flock.

This is why I recommend Chickenpedia to all my readers. They have comprehensive online courses on everything you didn’t know you need to know and then some more! From healthcare to raising baby chicks to feeding and behavior, you’ll find beginner-friendly courses that’ll give you the knowledge and confidence to successfully look after your chickens.

As a member, you will get access to ALL their fantastic courses. No need to wing it, become the ultimate chicken eggspert! Check out Chickenpedia today!

Sources and further reading