Louisiana Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits, and Setbacks by City and Parish

Overview of Louisiana Chicken Laws

Planning to keep backyard chickens in Louisiana? There is no statewide limit on flock size. Cities, towns, and parishes set the rules for hen limits, roosters, permits, setbacks, and sanitation.

⚠️ Important: Louisiana ordinances may change without notice. Always verify the current rules with your local city or parish government before building a coop or acquiring birds.

Louisiana Major Cities Rules

Refer to our Official Sources below for data integrity.

Baton Rouge, LA

Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens (lots <1 acre) | Roosters: Not allowed (lots ≤2 acres) | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from lines - 50 ft from neighbors

New Orleans, LA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from lot lines

Shreveport, LA

Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Lafayette, LA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 5–10 ft from property lines

Metairie, LA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not specified | Setback: Not specified

Lake Charles, LA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from buildings

Slidell, LA

Hen Limit: Generally prohibited | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not specified | Setback: Not specified

Denham Springs, LA

Denham Springs, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Houma, LA

Houma, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Monroe, LA

Monroe, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Other Louisiana Ordinances by Parish & City

Acadia Parish, LA

Rayne, LA

Rayne, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Crowley, LA

Crowley, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Church Point, LA

Church Point, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Ascension Parish, LA

Prairieville, LA

Prairieville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Gonzales, LA

Gonzales, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Saint Amant, LA

Saint Amant, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Donaldsonville, LA

Donaldsonville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Geismar, LA

Geismar, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Avoyelles Parish, LA

Marksville, LA

Marksville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Beauregard Parish, LA

Deridder, LA

Deridder, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Bossier Parish, LA

Bossier City, LA

Bossier City has a total ban on poultry within city limits

Haughton, LA

Haughton, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Benton, LA

Benton, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Caddo Parish, LA

Keithville, LA

Keithville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Calcasieu Parish, LA

Sulphur, LA

Sulphur, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Iowa, LA

Iowa, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Westlake, LA

Westlake, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Dequincy, LA

Dequincy, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

De Soto Parish, LA

Stonewall, LA

Stonewall, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Mansfield, LA

Mansfield, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

East Baton Rouge Parish, LA

Zachary, LA

Zachary, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Baker, LA

Baker, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Greenwell Springs, LA

Greenwell Springs, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Evangeline Parish, LA

Ville Platte, LA

Ville Platte, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Franklin Parish, LA

Winnsboro, LA

Winnsboro, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Iberia Parish, LA

New Iberia, LA

New Iberia, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Jeanerette, LA

Jeanerette, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Iberville Parish, LA

Plaquemine, LA

Plaquemine, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Jefferson Davis Parish, LA

Jennings, LA

Jennings, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Jefferson Parish, LA

Kenner, LA

Kenner, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Marrero, LA

Marrero, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Gretna, LA

Gretna, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Harvey, LA

Harvey, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Westwego, LA

Westwego, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Lafayette Parish, LA

Youngsville, LA

Youngsville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Carencro, LA

Carencro, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Broussard, LA

Broussard, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Duson, LA

Duson, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Scott, LA

Scott, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Lafourche Parish, LA

Thibodaux, LA

Thibodaux, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Raceland, LA

Raceland, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Cut Off, LA

Cut Off, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Lincoln Parish, LA

Ruston, LA

Ruston, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Livingston Parish, LA

Walker, LA

Walker, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Livingston, LA

Livingston, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Madison Parish, LA

Tallulah, LA

Tallulah, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Morehouse Parish, LA

Bastrop, LA

Bastrop, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Natchitoches Parish, LA

Natchitoches, LA

Natchitoches, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Ouachita Parish, LA

West Monroe, LA

West Monroe, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Calhoun, LA

Calhoun, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Plaquemines Parish, LA

Belle Chasse, LA

Belle Chasse, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Rapides Parish, LA

Alexandria, LA

Alexandria, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Pineville, LA

Pineville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Deville, LA

Deville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Red River Parish, LA

Coushatta, LA

Coushatta, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Richland Parish, LA

Rayville, LA

Rayville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Sabine Parish, LA

Many, LA

Many, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

St. Bernard Parish, LA

Chalmette, LA

Chalmette, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

St. Charles Parish, LA

Luling, LA

Luling, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Destrehan, LA

Destrehan, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Saint Rose, LA

Saint Rose, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

St. James Parish, LA

Vacherie, LA

Vacherie, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

St. John the Baptist Parish, LA

La Place, LA

La Place, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

St. Landry Parish, LA

Opelousas, LA

Opelousas, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Eunice, LA

Eunice, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Arnaudville, LA

Arnaudville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Sunset, LA

Sunset, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

St. Martin Parish, LA

Breaux Bridge, LA

Breaux Bridge, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Saint Martinville, LA

Saint Martinville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

St. Mary Parish, LA

Morgan City, LA

Morgan City, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Franklin, LA

Franklin, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Patterson, LA

Patterson, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

St. Tammany Parish, LA

Covington, LA

Covington, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Mandeville, LA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified

Madisonville, LA

Madisonville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Pearl River, LA

Pearl River, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Lacombe, LA

Lacombe, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Abita Springs, LA

Abita Springs, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Folsom, LA

Folsom, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Tangipahoa Parish, LA

Hammond, LA

Hammond, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Ponchatoula, LA

Ponchatoula, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Amite, LA

Amite, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Independence, LA

Independence, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Kentwood, LA

Kentwood, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Tickfaw, LA

Tickfaw, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Loranger, LA

Loranger, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Terrebonne Parish, LA

Gray, LA

Gray, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Union Parish, LA

Farmerville, LA

Farmerville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Vermilion Parish, LA

Abbeville, LA

Abbeville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Maurice, LA

Maurice, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Kaplan, LA

Kaplan, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Erath, LA

Erath, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Vernon Parish, LA

Leesville, LA

Leesville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Fort Polk, LA

Fort Polk, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Washington Parish, LA

Franklinton, LA

Franklinton, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Bogalusa, LA

Bogalusa, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Webster Parish, LA

Minden, LA

Minden, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

West Baton Rouge Parish, LA

Port Allen, LA

Port Allen, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Addis, LA

Addis, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

West Feliciana Parish, LA

Saint Francisville, LA

Saint Francisville, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Winn Parish, LA

Winnfield, LA

Winnfield, LA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.

Rural & Unincorporated Louisiana Areas

Rural and unincorporated areas across Louisiana are generally more permissive than cities and inner suburbs. Many agricultural and rural residential zones allow larger flocks (often 12–25+ hens or no fixed numeric limit) and may permit roosters when adequate setbacks and nuisance standards are met. Common patterns include minimum lot sizes of 1–3+ acres for unrestricted poultry, larger setbacks from property lines or dwellings, and fewer formal permit requirements beyond basic sanitation and containment rules. Even unincorporated areas can have local zoning overlays or HOA restrictions that limit or prohibit chickens.

Permits & Inspections

Permitting: Many jurisdictions require a permit, registration, neighbor notification, or site inspection (fees typically $20–$100 when required). Requirements vary widely by city and parish.

Louisiana Biosecurity Guidance

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) strongly encourages all poultry owners—regardless of flock size—to practice good biosecurity to help prevent the spread of avian influenza and other diseases. Report sick or unusual bird deaths promptly to LDAF or USDA.

Maintain clean, sanitary facilities to avoid odor, pest, or noise complaints. Poor maintenance is the most common cause of zoning citations and permit revocation.

Zoning & HOA Rules

Check HOA Covenants: Private Homeowners Association (HOA) rules often override local zoning. Check your specific covenants, as many prohibit coops entirely or impose aesthetic standards (e.g., hidden enclosures).

Predator Threats

Louisiana’s mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas brings raccoons, opossums, foxes, coyotes, snakes, hawks, and owls. Urban and suburban flocks face more scavengers; rural and coastal areas more commonly see coyotes, foxes, and alligators near water. Heat and humidity also increase the risk of disease and heat stress.

Selling Backyard Eggs & Poultry in Louisiana

Small flocks may sell clean, ungraded eggs direct-to-consumer (on-farm, roadside, or direct pickup) with proper labeling that includes the producer’s name and address and a safe-handling statement. Larger or commercial sales, farmers-market sales, or sales through retailers typically require Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry licensing, grading, and inspection compliance. Sales of live poultry generally require a permit except for immediate slaughter.

Louisiana State Poultry Slaughter Rules

Louisiana follows the federal Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) and administers state exemptions through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). Small flock owners may process birds at home for personal consumption. Commercial sales are more tightly regulated.

Personal Use: Residents may slaughter and process poultry they raised themselves for household use without inspection or licensing, provided the meat is not sold and processing is done in a sanitary manner (federal personal-use exemption).

Commercial Sale: LDAF offers federal exemptions for producers slaughtering and processing on their own premises: Less Than 1,000 birds per year and Less Than 20,000 birds per year. These require an exemption letter from LDAF and compliance with sanitation, labeling, and facility standards. Exempt product generally cannot move in interstate commerce. Certified or inspected facilities are required for broader sales (including to restaurants and retailers).

Humane Standards: All poultry must be handled humanely during slaughter in accordance with Louisiana animal-cruelty statutes and federal humane-handling expectations. Exempt operations must still prevent unnecessary suffering and maintain sanitary conditions.

Nuisance Laws: Local jurisdictions may further restrict or prohibit on-site slaughter if it creates odors, attracts pests, or violates municipal nuisance or zoning codes. Local rules take precedence on residential properties.

Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

How do I raise backyard chickens successfully?

Building a coop from scratch? Use our Step-by-Step DIY Chicken Coop Guide to create a sturdy, well-ventilated shelter that can handle Louisiana’s hot, humid summers, mild winters, and heavy rain.

Already caring for a flock? Help your hens thrive in the Pelican State. From selecting heat-tolerant breeds to managing humidity, predators and preventing disease, our guides support a healthy, productive, and neighbor-friendly flock year-round.

Complete Resource: View Our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Management Guide

Official Sources

1. When available, we reference Louisiana municipal and parish codes from verified platforms like library.municode.com, ecode360.com, and local government websites at the time of publication.

2. Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) — animal health, poultry exemptions, egg sales, and biosecurity guidance.

3. LDAF Animal Diseases and Prevention — biosecurity practices, disease reporting (including avian influenza), and prevention resources.

4. When a city or parish has no published ordinance available in the sources above, we state “no publicly available ordinance data.” This does not mean chickens are banned — only that we could not locate a citable published rule. See our disclaimer below.