Texas Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits by County and City & HB 1750 Impact

The Texas "Backyard Bill of Rights": Official State Codes

To understand chicken laws in Texas, you must look at four specific bodies of law. These state-level statutes override many local "city bans" that were common before 2023.

• Texas Agriculture Code § 251.007 (The 6-Hen Guarantee): Cities may not impose a governmental requirement that prohibits the keeping of six or fewer chickens or the operation of a side-yard garden on a single-family residential lot.
• Texas Property Code § 202.024 (The HOA Rule): For neighborhoods with restrictive covenants created after September 1, 2023, HOAs cannot prohibit up to 6 chickens. (Note: Legacy HOAs formed before this date may still enforce existing "no poultry" bans).
• Texas Health and Safety Code § 437.001 (Egg Sales): Backyard producers are largely exempt from commercial licensing if selling "ungraded" eggs directly to consumers at their home or a local farmers' market.
• Texas Water Code § 26.303 (Disposal Laws): Small flock owners are legally required to dispose of poultry carcasses via composting, landfill, or cremation; on-site burial is generally restricted to "major die-off" events to protect groundwater.
• Texas Administrative Code Title 4, § 15.3 (Testing): While voluntary for pets, any bird entering a "public sale or trade" (including Facebook trades or swaps) must have a negative Pullorum-Typhoid test certificate.

⚠️ The "Imminent Danger" Loophole: Under HB 1750, a city can only bypass these protections if they provide "clear and convincing evidence" via a certified health officer’s report that your specific flock is an imminent danger to public health (e.g., a verified disease outbreak or vermin infestation).

Permits vs. Nuisances: What You Will Actually Face

The "Permit" is largely a thing of the past for small Texas flocks. Instead, cities use Nuisance Enforcement. If your neighbors can smell your coop or see flies from their porch, you are in violation of general Sanitation Codes, regardless of how many birds the state says you can have.

• No Permit Required: Most rural counties and major cities (Austin, Houston, Fort Worth) do not require a permit for small flocks (typically under 10 birds).
• Registration Required: Cities like Dallas and San Antonio require registration or "Excess Animal Permits" once you cross a specific threshold (usually 5–8 birds).
• The Setback Factor: This is the most common "hidden ban." Even if chickens are legal, a city might require the coop to be 50–100 feet from a neighbor's house, which is physically impossible on a standard suburban lot.

Texas Backyard Chicken Laws by City and County

Major Texas citie are listed alphabetically below, covering the specific ordinances for 200 cities and towns. While the Texas Agriculture Code provides a baseline of protection for six hens, individual municipalities still enforce their own unique setbacks, coop construction standards, and rooster noise limits. Use the list below to find your specific county and see how your local city hall interprets the "Right to Farm" standards.

Pro-Tip for Texas Renters: Even if your city allows chickens, the Texas Property Code allows landlords to prohibit poultry in lease agreements. Always check your rental contract before building a coop, as state "Right to Farm" protections apply to property owners, not necessarily to tenant usage of the land.

Abilene (Taylor County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens are permitted on a standard residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and at least 30 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-41.
• Permit: Not required for 8 or fewer hens.

Addison (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Fewer than 3 fowl allowed without triggering distance restrictions; keeping 3 or more fowl requires at least 100 square feet per fowl and compliance with setback rules.
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance rules (crowing or noise that disturbs neighbors for more than 5 consecutive minutes is prohibited).
• Setback: It is unlawful to keep any livestock or 3 or more fowl in any pen, stable, shed, coop, or enclosure if any part of such structure is within 150 feet of any residence, business, commercial establishment, office (other than the owner's), grocery store, restaurant, school, hospital, or nursing home.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10 (Animals), Section 10-9 (Requirements on keeping livestock and fowl), as amended.
• Permit: Not required.

Alamo (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Prohibited. The city explicitly forbids the keeping of poultry within the city limits.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Not applicable due to prohibition.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animals), Article II, Section 4-35 (Bovines, sheep, goats, equines, swine, poultry and pigeons prohibited).
• Permit: Not applicable.

Alice (Jim Wells County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence, church, school, or business.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 10-101 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for residential keeping within the established limit.

Allen (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 backyard chickens (hens only).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coop or enclosure must be located in the rear yard, no closer than 10 feet from any property line, and not visible from any public street.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 (Animals), Article on Livestock and Fowl (as amended to include backyard chicken provisions).
• Permit: Required (one-time permit from Building & Permitting Division; fee applies). Must live on property that does not prohibit chickens via HOA or deed restrictions.

Alton (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl in the aggregate per enclosure.
• Roosters: No specific prohibition mentioned, but subject to noise nuisance regulations.
• Setback: Pens or coops must be located in a manner that does not create a public nuisance or unsanitary conditions.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 (Animal Control), Article 3.07, Section 3.07.004 (Keeping of fowl, rabbits and guinea pigs restricted).
• Permit: Not specifically required for standard residential keeping.

Alvin (Brazoria County)

• Hen Limit: Varies by lot size (e.g., 2 hens on lots of approximately 4,900 sq ft; 7 hens on lots of approximately 6,600 sq ft; allowable number increases with larger lots).
• Roosters: Prohibited on lots smaller than 1 acre (general restrictions apply).
• Setback: Enclosures must comply with distance requirements from neighboring dwellings and property lines as specified in the animal ordinance (specific distances detailed in Chapter 4 amendments).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl), as amended by recent ordinances (e.g., Ord. 22-X, 23-CC).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant small residential flocks; contact city for lot-size-based verification.

Amarillo (Potter County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit for hens, provided they do not create a nuisance.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential areas.
• Setback: Any enclosure must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 8-2-12.
• Permit: Not required.

Angleton (Brazoria County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 chickens, ducks, or rabbits combined (hens only; no roosters or drakes).
• Roosters: Prohibited (no roosters or drakes allowed).
• Setback: Coops must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring habitable structure and at least 25 feet from the property line; must be in the rear yard.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animals), Division 2 (Domestic Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Required annually (initial and renewal fees apply); must be obtained by January 15 each year.

Anna (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 chickens in residential zoning districts (aggregate total per enclosure; one enclosure per lot).
• Roosters: Not specifically addressed in fowl provisions (subject to general nuisance rules).
• Setback: Not specifically detailed beyond general enclosure and nuisance prevention requirements.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Article 3.06 (Livestock and Domestic Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for compliant flocks.

Arlington (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 4 hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Animal Services Ordinance, Section 4.01.
• Permit: Not required for up to 4 hens.

Austin (Travis County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted per household. (Up to 2 additional birds allowed on lots over 10,000 sq ft).
• Roosters: Permitted, provided they do not create a noise nuisance.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 30 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 3-2-15.
• Permit: Not required for up to 10 birds.

Azle (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 2.04.002.
• Permit: Not required for compliant numbers.

Balch Springs (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit stated; keeping of fowl is allowed on residentially zoned properties of 13,000 square feet or more.
• Roosters: Allowed (included in general fowl regulations).
• Setback: Coops or pens must be kept a minimum of 45 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Ordinances section on Keeping of Fowl), as amended by Ordinance No. 2073 and later updates.
• Permit: Registration with the city is required.

Bay City (Matagorda County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl (including chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese) are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential areas.
• Setback: Any pen, coop, or enclosure must be located at least 100 feet from any residence or business establishment other than the owner's.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 14-41 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for up to 12 hens.

Baytown (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (limited by property size and animal point system in some cases; 6 or fewer exempt from certain restrictions).
• Roosters: Prohibited on residentially zoned property.
• Setback: Coop, pen, shed, enclosed structure, or fenced yard must be at least 200 feet from any residential structure (including the owner's).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter on Animals and Fowl (as amended August 2020).
• Permit: Not required for compliant small flocks of up to 6 hens.

Beaumont (Jefferson County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 10 fowl per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 100 feet from any dwelling (other than the owner's) or business establishment.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4.03.003 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for residential keeping within the limit.

Bedford (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 18-91.
• Permit: Not required.

Bellaire (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit identified (general nuisance and animal control rules apply; small residential flocks may be tolerated if they do not create disturbances).
• Roosters: Allowed (subject to general nuisance rules regarding noise).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for chickens; must comply with general enclosure and distance rules to avoid nuisances to neighbors.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (general animal control and nuisance provisions).
• Permit: Not specifically required.

Belton (Bell County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit stated for residential flocks (general livestock/fowl rules apply; subject to nuisance and distance requirements).
• Roosters: Not specifically addressed in backyard chicken provisions (general fowl regulations and nuisance rules apply).
• Setback: Structures or enclosures for fowl must generally be at least 200 feet from any neighboring residence. If closer than 200 feet, a written request for exception/permit to the City Manager is required (minimum 75 feet in some cases with approval; neighbors may be notified).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 (Animals); general provisions on confining small animals and fowl near residences.
• Permit: Not required if 200 feet from neighboring residences; required (via written request to City Manager) if closer, with possible neighbor input and revocable approval.

Benbrook (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6.08.010.
• Permit: Not required.

Big Spring (Howard County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl (including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, or pigeons) are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited. Only female chickens (hens) are allowed in residential areas.
• Setback: All fowl must be kept in a pen, coop, or enclosure located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals), Article II (Livestock and Fowl), Section 6-27 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for keeping up to the limit of 12 fowl.

Boerne (Kendall County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: The coop and enclosure must be located in the rear yard, at least 30 feet from any neighboring residence, and at least 10 feet from the owner's residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-70 (Keeping of chickens).
• Permit: An annual permit from Animal Care Services is required.

Brenham (Washington County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 100 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-31.
• Permit: Not required, provided setback requirements are met.

Brownsville (Cameron County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit for residential fowl (general nuisance and sanitation rules apply; large numbers or commercial operations may trigger additional restrictions).
• Roosters: Not specifically prohibited (allowed subject to general nuisance rules regarding noise and disturbance).
• Setback: Any pen, enclosure, or structure housing fowl (including chickens) must be at least 50 feet from any residence or building used for human habitation other than the owner's, and at least 50 feet from any church, school, hospital, convalescent home, or nursing home. Distance measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the enclosure to the nearest point of the protected structure.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10 (Animal Regulation and Care), Article III (Care of Animals), Section 10-63 (Specific Distance Requirements).
• Permit: Not required for standard residential keeping of fowl.

Brownwood (Brown County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens per lot (chickens only; other fowl such as ducks, geese, turkeys, or guineas generally prohibited except as otherwise allowed).
• Roosters: Prohibited (only hens allowed under the chicken provisions in city limits).
• Setback: Any structure, open shelter, enclosure, pen, coop, or yard must be located not less than 75 feet from any street right-of-way or lot line.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 98 (Zoning), Section 98-583 (Keeping of Livestock and Other Animals), as amended by Ordinance No. 19-08; also cross-referenced in Chapter 14 (Animals).
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks of up to 10 hens.

Bryan (Brazos County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 12 fowl total (hens or similar; does not apply to indoor exotic birds such as parakeets or parrots).
• Roosters: Not explicitly prohibited in the fowl section, but general nuisance rules (noise, disturbance) apply and may restrict them in residential areas.
• Setback: Any enclosure housing fewer than 6 fowl must be at least 50 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's. Any enclosure housing 6 or more fowl must be at least 100 feet from any such dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10 (Animals), Article IV (Livestock, Fowl, and Other Agricultural Animals), Section 10-134 (Fowl), as amended.
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks up to 12 fowl.

Buda (Hays County)

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 4 adult hens on any residential property or lot of one-half (1/2) acre or less; maximum of 10 adult hens on any residential property or lot of more than one-half acre.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Pens or enclosures must be located on the owner's property, kept at least 10 feet from the side and rear lot lines, and behind the front building line.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animals), Article 4.04 (Animal Care and Control), Section 4.04.014 (Chickens), as amended by Ordinance 2024-36; also see Unified Development Code provisions on chickens as household pets.
• Permit: Required (application process for keeping chickens as household pets).

Burleson (Johnson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted on a standard residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential areas.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 100 feet from any occupied building (other than the owner's) unless the property is zoned agricultural.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animal Care and Control), Section 6-8 (Prohibited Animals) and Section 6-12 (Nuisance).
• Permit: Not required for up to 4 hens.

Canyon (Randall County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 90.22.
• Permit: Not required.

Carrollton (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 chickens on residentially zoned single-family lots (with approved permit).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Chicken coop may not be located within 25 feet of any dwelling or business.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 91 (Animal Regulations); specific backyard chicken requirements and registration process.
• Permit: Annual permit required ($20 fee); application and approval by Animal Services needed prior to keeping chickens.

Cedar Hill (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit for personal use backyard flocks (chickens allowed for personal egg production; subject only to general nuisance and sanitation rules). Note: Separate rules exist for educational/livestock purposes allowing up to 25 per acre, but these do not apply to typical residential keeping.
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance rules (excessive noise prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for personal backyard hens; must not create nuisances to neighbors.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (general animal and nuisance provisions); no dedicated small-flock backyard chicken ordinance with numerical limits for personal use.
• Permit: Not required for personal residential flocks.

Cedar Park (Williamson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 chicken hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: The coop must be located in the rear yard and at least 30 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Article 2.05.
• Permit: Not required for 6 or fewer hens.

Celina (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 fowl per enclosure (only one enclosure permitted per residential lot).
• Roosters: Allowed only on residential lots of 2 acres or more.
• Setback: Not specifically detailed for coops in residential fowl rules (general accessory structure setbacks apply; coops treated as agricultural accessory buildings on qualifying lots).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Article 2.05 (Livestock and Fowl).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant small flocks; building/accessory structure permits may be needed for coops.

Cibolo (Guadalupe County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit identified in the primary animal control ordinance (general livestock and fowl regulations apply; small numbers of hens may be permitted if they do not create a nuisance, subject to enclosure and sanitation standards).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (noise and disturbance rules apply).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for residential hens; must comply with general enclosure rules to prevent nuisances or health hazards to neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10 (Animal Control), as amended (e.g., Ordinance No. 1338); also Unified Development Code provisions on animals.
• Permit: Not specifically required; contact the city for verification and any registration needs.

Cleburne (Johnson County)

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 2 hens are permitted on residential properties.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones.
• Setback: Any pen, coop, or enclosure must be located at least 150 feet from any residence, business, or school (other than the owner's).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Title IX (General Regulations), Chapter 91 (Animals), Section 91.12 (Requirements on Keeping Livestock and Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for the allowed limit.

College Station (Brazos County)

• Hen Limit: No fixed numerical maximum stated in the base fowl rules (keeping of fowl allowed in single-family residential zones per land use regulations; subject to setback-based allowances and nuisance rules).
• Roosters: Prohibited (roosters remain banned under current rules).
• Setback: Enclosures housing fowl must generally be at least 50–100 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's (prior 100-foot rule was proposed to be reduced, with tiered allowances such as 50 feet for up to 6 birds and 75–100 feet for more; confirm current exact distances with the city as amendments have been considered).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals), Article V (Livestock, Birds, Exotic Animals and Wild Animals), including Section 6-147 (Fowl), as amended by ordinances such as 2021-4262 and later updates.
• Permit: Not required for standard compliant keeping of fowl in residential zones (some proposals or related rules may involve permits or Zoning Board of Adjustment approval for deviations).

Colleyville (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens are permitted on residential lots.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be 20 feet from the property line and 50 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• City Ordinance: Land Development Code Section 3.19.
• Permit: Required (Animal Raising Permit).

Conroe (Montgomery County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 6 hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: The coop or enclosure must be located in the rear yard and must be at least 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 10-12 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for 6 or fewer hens.

Converse (Bexar County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit for hens (general fowl regulations apply; subject to enclosure and distance rules).
• Roosters: Not specifically addressed for residential flocks (general nuisance and animal control rules apply).
• Setback: Fowl must be kept in a pen, lot, or enclosure with all sides at least 75 feet from any building or structure used for living, sleeping, or dining by humans (other than the owner's).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals).
• Permit: Registration/permit with animal control may be required for keeping fowl.

Coppell (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: No specific dedicated backyard chicken ordinance with a numerical limit identified (general livestock and fowl rules apply; small numbers of hens may be tolerated if they do not create a nuisance, but confirmation with the city is strongly recommended as past ordinances restricted or reviewed prohibitions).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance rules (noise disturbances prohibited).
• Setback: Historical references note restrictions such as 100 feet from property lines or neighboring residences (general enclosure rules to prevent nuisances apply).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (general provisions on animals, fowl, and nuisances in relevant chapters).
• Permit: Not specifically required under general rules; contact the city for any registration or approval needs.

Copperas Cove (Coryell County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens in residential zoning districts.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zoning districts (allowed only in Agricultural (AG-1) zoning).
• Setback: Coop must be located at least 20 feet from any habitable structure on neighboring property and at least 20 feet from the property line of a neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 (Animals and Fowl), Section 3-66 (Hens), as amended by Ordinance No. 2015-17 and Ordinance No. 2022-9.
• Permit: Notification/registration with Animal Control required; zoning or building permits may apply for coops depending on size and standards (fees per Appendix C).

Corinth (Denton County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 4 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosure must be behind the front building line; at least 30 feet from side lot line; at least 20 feet from rear lot line; and within 10 feet of the owner's house.
• City Ordinance: Unified Development Code, Section 2.07.04.A.4.ii (Household Chicken Permit provisions).
• Permit: Required (application to the Director of Planning; must meet all UDC and ordinance requirements).

Corpus Christi (Nueces County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 10 feet from the owner's residence and at least 30 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-151.
• Permit: Not required for up to 6 hens.

Corsicana (Navarro County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 10 fowl are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential districts.
• Setback: Any pen or coop must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 2.102.
• Permit: Not required for compliant numbers.

Crowley (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 14-41.
• Permit: Not required.

Dallas (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit for hens (unlimited female fowl allowed for personal use, subject to general nuisance, sanitation, and enclosure rules; family animal limits or multi-pet permits may apply in some interpretations).
• Roosters: Lawful to keep within city limits (pursuant to Texas House Bill 1750 effective September 2023, which overrides prior local prohibitions); however, noise ordinances still apply and excessive crowing may be considered a nuisance.
• Setback: Any enclosure, pen, coop, or structure for animals (including fowl) must be at least 20 feet from any adjacent property line (measured in a straight line from the nearest exterior wall of the enclosure to the nearest property line).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 7 (Animals), including sections on keeping of animals, sanitation, and roosters (as affected by state law HB 1750 and Agriculture Code Chapter 251); also see zoning provisions for accessory animal uses.
• Permit: Annual registration/permit required for 5 or more birds (approximately $25 fee); no permit needed for smaller compliant flocks. Contact Dallas Animal Services or Code Compliance for registration and current enforcement details.

Deer Park (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: No chickens, game fowl, or rabbits on parcels smaller than 1 acre; no more than 10 (chickens, game fowl, or rabbits combined) per acre.
• Roosters: No gender-specific prohibition noted beyond general rules (subject to noisy animal ordinance).
• Setback: Structures, enclosures, runs, or fenced yards for chickens/game fowl/rabbits must be at least 125 feet from any actual residence, building, school, or church used for human habitation (including the owner's).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Animals), Sections 14-27 and 8.173 (Raising of animals for food and small domestic animals).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant properties meeting size and distance rules.

Del Rio (Val Verde County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-31.
• Permit: Not required for up to 10 hens.

Denison (Grayson County)

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 6 chickens.
• Roosters: Prohibited (only hens allowed under the provisions).
• Setback: Not explicitly detailed in public summaries beyond general enclosure requirements; the coop/house must be properly placed and maintained to avoid nuisances.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animals), Article I (In General), Section 4-3 (Fowl and Specific Provisions).
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks of up to 6 chickens.

Denton (Denton County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 8 hens on any single parcel in a residential neighborhood.
• Roosters: Prohibited on any parcel less than 1 acre in a residential neighborhood.
• Setback: Any structure used to contain the chickens must be a minimum of 50 feet from any neighboring residence (updated from prior 150-foot requirement in some contexts; confirm exact current distance with the city as amendments have been considered).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals), Section 6-26 (Keeping of fowl).
• Permit: Required in some forms (one-time or registration; contact Animal Services for details).

DeSoto (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: One hen per 1,000 square feet of lot area, with a maximum of 10 hens (pre-approval by the Development Director required).
• Roosters: Ratio limited to no more than one rooster for every two hens; additional restrictions or nuisance rules may apply. Crowing fowl (including peacocks) generally restricted.
• Setback: Enclosure must be at least 5 feet from back and side property lines; must be in an enclosed area at least 6 feet tall and located in the rear yard.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Article 2.1400 (Roosters) and related sections on livestock/fowl; also see Animal Limits page and Development Services requirements.
• Permit: Pre-approval by the Development Director required; no standard annual permit noted beyond approval.

Dickinson (Galveston County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 adult birds (fowl) per one-half (½) acre of property (proportional for additional acreage).
• Roosters: Not specifically prohibited in the fowl section (subject to general nuisance rules for noise).
• Setback: All pens, shelters, or enclosures for fowl must be located at least 50 feet from any adjacent property line and at least 100 feet from neighboring residences.
• City Ordinance: Animal control ordinance regulating livestock and fowl (recent updates on land requirements, animal units, and setbacks).
• Permit: Not required for compliant keeping.

Donna (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 6 fowl (including chickens, pigeons, or ducks) per lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: All pens, coops, or hutches must be located at least 50 feet from any property line or neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Animal Control), Article 2.03, Section 2.03.003 (Keeping of fowl).
• Permit: Not required for compliant numbers.

Dumas (Moore County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Any pen, coop, or enclosure must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-43 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for residential keeping within the established limit.

Duncanville (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Not explicitly limited by a dedicated numerical cap in a public backyard chicken page (general animal control and nuisance rules apply; small residential flocks are addressed under animal regulations).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance and animal control provisions (noise disturbances prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for hens; must comply with general enclosure and distance rules to prevent nuisances to neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); general provisions on domestic animals and fowl.
• Permit: Not specifically required; contact Animal Control for verification and any registration needs.

Eagle Pass (Maverick County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 fowl (chickens or ducks) are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 100 feet from any residence or business belonging to another person.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 5-31 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for the allowed limit.

Edinburg (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 6 fowl per household on a single lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 25 feet from any adjoining property line.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Title IX (General Regulations), Chapter 91 (Animals), Section 91.22 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for up to 6 hens.

El Paso (El Paso County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (permit required for more than 6; general fowl rules apply for larger numbers).
• Roosters: Up to 3 roosters allowed (subject to permit and nuisance rules); excessive noise may still be enforced as a nuisance.
• Setback: Secure pen or enclosure must be at least 30 feet from any private residence (other than the owner's), hotel, apartment, hospital, church, or school. May be reduced to 20 feet if separated by a public alley and a solid 6-foot fence or wall. Coop and run must be in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from property lines, and at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Title 7 (Animals), Chapter 7.24 (Livestock and Other Animals); specific provisions on fowl and permits (as amended, including recent updates to hen/rooster rules).
• Permit: Required (application to Animal Services; annual renewal; inspection possible).

Ennis (Ellis County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit identified for backyard hens (general livestock and fowl regulations apply; small numbers may be allowed if compliant with distance and nuisance rules).
• Roosters: Prohibited or heavily restricted under general nuisance provisions (noise disturbances prohibited).
• Setback: Enclosures, pens, coops, or cages for fowl must be at least 100 feet away from any other inhabited dwelling (this distance requirement does not apply to the owner's dwelling).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); Livestock and Fowl provisions on the city website.
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant small flocks.

Euless (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 30 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 10-63.
• Permit: Not required.

Farmers Branch (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: No less than 3 and no more than 6 backyard chickens (hens only) per resident or facility.
• Roosters: Prohibited (ownership of roosters can result in fines).
• Setback: Not specifically detailed in public summaries (general accessory structure and nuisance prevention rules apply; coops must be properly placed to avoid disturbances).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter on Animals (as amended to permit backyard chickens, e.g., related to prior Ordinance No. 2759 on prohibited fowl and later updates).
• Permit: Not required for compliant flocks of 3–6 hens.

Fate (Rockwall County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted on residential lots.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from any property line.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-5.
• Permit: Not required.

Flower Mound (Denton County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens on lots less than 1 acre (higher numbers or different rules may apply on larger lots; subject to general livestock/fowl regulations).
• Roosters: Prohibited (or heavily restricted; not allowed within significant distances of residential or public structures).
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 10 feet from property lines (historical provision; general accessory structure setbacks also apply).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (provisions on livestock, fowl, and household pets in residential zones).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant small flocks; confirm with current code.

Forest Hill (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 2.01.006.
• Permit: Not required.

Forney (Kaufman County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and enclosures must be located in the rear yard and at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 2.05.002 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for 8 or fewer hens.

Fort Worth (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-12.
• Permit: Not required.

Friendswood (Galveston County)

• Hen Limit: No specific dedicated backyard chicken ordinance with a fixed numerical limit identified (general animal control and nuisance rules apply; small numbers of hens may be allowed if they do not create disturbances, subject to pet limits and sanitation standards).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (noise and disturbance rules apply; may be restricted).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for fowl; must comply with general enclosure rules to prevent nuisances.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); general provisions on animals and nuisances.
• Permit: Not specifically required; contact the city for verification.

Frisco (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 chicken hens per residence.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Not specifically detailed in available summaries (general animal housing enclosure rules apply).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Animals).
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks.

Fulshear (Fort Bend County)

• Hen Limit: No specific dedicated backyard chicken ordinance with a fixed numerical limit identified (general animal control, zoning, and nuisance rules apply; small numbers of hens may be permitted if they do not create disturbances).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (noise and disturbance rules apply).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for residential hens; must comply with general enclosure and distance rules to prevent nuisances or health hazards to neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control and Zoning chapters); general provisions on animals and nuisances.
• Permit: Not specifically required; contact the city for verification and any registration or approval needs.

Gainesville (Cooke County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 poultry (chickens/hens) per household.
• Roosters: Banned within city limits except in agriculture-zoned areas or on lots of 5 acres or more; declared a nuisance in residential districts.
• Setback: Enclosures for poultry/livestock may not be located within 150 feet of any other residentially zoned property owned by a different person (chickens allowed in residential zones may be exempt from this requirement).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 (Animal Control), Section 3-20 (Livestock), as amended by Ordinance No. 1363-03-2015.
• Permit: Not required for compliant keeping of up to 12 poultry.

Galveston (Galveston County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens per lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coop with attached run must be located in the rear yard (specific distance requirements apply to prevent nuisances; contact city for exact current setbacks).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal regulations section on fowl).
• Permit: Not required for compliant flocks of up to 6 hens.

Garland (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 4 female fowl over the age of one month.
• Roosters: Prohibited (along with male peafowl/peacocks).
• Setback: Enclosure for fowl must be located at least 30 feet from any residential dwelling other than that of the owner.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22 (Health), Section 22.14 (Fowl), as amended by Ordinance 6125 and Ordinance 6534.
• Permit: Not required for compliant flocks.

Gatesville (Coryell County)

• Hen Limit: No specific dedicated backyard chicken ordinance with a fixed low numerical limit identified (fowl generally regulated under livestock and animal control rules; small numbers of hens may be allowed if compliant with nuisance, sanitation, and enclosure standards, but confirmation with the city is recommended).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (noise and disturbance rules); likely restricted or prohibited in residential areas.
• Setback: Not specifically defined for residential hens; must comply with general rules for enclosures to prevent nuisances or health hazards to neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter on Animals (general provisions regarding livestock, fowl, and nuisances); recent amendments to animal-related sections noted in 2022.
• Permit: Not specifically required for small compliant flocks; fees or permits may apply for certain livestock/fowl on smaller tracts.

Georgetown (Williamson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 chicken hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and at least 30 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 7.05.010.
• Permit: Not required.

Glenn Heights (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Not permitted on lots or tracts smaller than 1 acre (chickens classified under fowl/livestock rules; on 1–2 acres, limited numbers of livestock/fowl may apply under general restrictions).
• Roosters: Subject to general livestock/fowl restrictions and nuisance rules (prohibited or heavily limited on smaller lots).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for residential fowl on sub-1-acre lots (not applicable due to prohibition); general enclosure rules apply on qualifying larger properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Article 2.09 (Keeping of Livestock) and Article 2.11 (Keeping of Fowl, Rabbits and Guinea Pigs).
• Permit: Not available for standard residential backyard flocks on lots under 1 acre.

Grand Prairie (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: No fixed numerical limit (subject to space and distance requirements).
• Roosters: Prohibited within the city.
• Setback: Fowl enclosures must be at least 150 feet from any residence, business, commercial establishment, office, school, hospital, or similar structure (other than the owner's).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5 (Animals), Section 5-26 (Requirements for Keeping Livestock and Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for compliant keeping of fowl.

Grapevine (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 25 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-27.
• Permit: Not required.

Greenville (Hunt County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: The coop or enclosure must be located in the rear yard and must be at least 30 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-102 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for 4 or fewer hens.

Groves (Jefferson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Pens and coops must be located at least 100 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-5 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for up to 10 hens.

Haltom City (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 10-101.
• Permit: Not required.

Harker Heights (Bell County)

• Hen Limit: 3 to 6 backyard chickens (hens only) on residential property zoned R-1.
• Roosters: Prohibited within city limits (defense if 60 days old or younger).
• Setback: Chicken coop and exercise yard must be located no less than 75 feet from any building or dwelling occupied by a person other than the owner; must be in the rear yard.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 90 (Animals), Section 90.39 (as amended by Ordinance No. 2021-06).
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks; building permits/inspections required for permanent coops. Exception permit possible for reduced setbacks (via City Manager, revocable).

Harlingen (Cameron County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 20 fowl total.
• Roosters: Not specifically prohibited in the fowl section (subject to general nuisance provisions for noise).
• Setback: Fowl may only be kept at locations no closer than 250 feet from the nearest private residence structure (other than the owner's), school, hotel, motel, boarding house, duplex, apartment house, café, restaurant, or food-related business. The distance applies to any occupied human structure.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 90 (or Chapter 6 Animals), Section 90.11 / Article on Livestock and Fowl (as amended by prior ordinances such as 04-28).
• Permit: Not required for compliant keeping of up to 20 fowl.

Hereford (Deaf Smith County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 6 chickens per dwelling.
• Roosters: Prohibited (as part of general restrictions on male chickens in residential areas).
• Setback: Secure pen, coop, or enclosure must be no closer than 50 feet from the nearest inhabited dwelling other than that of the owner.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Animal Control), Article 2.02 (Wild Animals, Livestock, Estrays, and Fowl), Section on keeping of chickens (as amended by Ordinance No. 04.21.25).
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks of up to 6 chickens.

Hewitt (McLennan County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 10-101.
• Permit: Not required for up to 10 hens.

Hidalgo (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Keeping of livestock and domestic fowl is generally restricted to agricultural zones or specific lot sizes.
• Roosters: Generally prohibited in residential zones.
• Setback: Enclosures for domestic fowl must be at least 100 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals), Article II (Livestock and Fowl).
• Permit: May require a special permit or variance for residential lots.

Highland Village (Denton County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical backyard chicken limit for small residential lots (fowl keeping generally requires a minimum lot size; subject to general animal control rules).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance rules (crowing/disturbance prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for small flocks; general enclosure rules apply.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animal Control), Article 4.05 (Livestock), Section 4.05.005 (Keeping of fowl), as amended (e.g., Ordinance 2021-1286 and later).
• Permit: Not specifically required; compliance with lot size and maintenance rules is key.

Horizon City (El Paso County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl (including hens, ducks, geese, pigeons; excluding roosters) in any combination, along with small caged animals over 4 months of age.
• Roosters: Prohibited within city limits.
• Setback: Not specifically detailed beyond general requirements that animal pens, cages, shelters, or yards must not endanger public health or annoy neighbors through accumulation of feces, odors, or breeding of vectors.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Animal Control), including sections on prohibited acts and definitions of fowl.
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant small numbers of fowl.

Houston (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 30 fowl (no strict numerical cap enforced on most properties due to state law protections; practical limits based on sanitation and nuisance rules).
• Roosters: Allowed (Texas state law, including Right to Farm provisions, protects keeping of roosters; local noise ordinances may still apply for excessive disturbances).
• Setback: Coops and enclosures must generally be at least 100 feet from any neighboring habitation, church, school, or hospital (effective on smaller lots; larger properties have more flexibility).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowls).
• Permit: Not required.

Humble (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit identified (general fowl regulations apply).
• Roosters: Allowed (subject to general nuisance rules for noise or disturbance).
• Setback: Not specifically defined beyond general requirements.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Article 3.01 (General Provisions) on livestock and fowl (prohibiting running at large and unsanitary conditions creating nuisances).
• Permit: Not required.

Huntsville (Walker County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted on a standard residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and at least 30 feet from any property line.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6.04.004.
• Permit: Not required for 4 or fewer hens.

Hurst (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-10.
• Permit: Not required.

Hutto (Williamson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Any pen or coop must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4.04.001.
• Permit: Not required.

Iowa Colony (Brazoria County)

• Hen Limit: Not specifically regulated by a dedicated backyard chicken ordinance (general animal control and nuisance rules apply; small numbers may be allowed if they do not create disturbances).
• Roosters: Likely restricted under general nuisance provisions (noise and disturbance rules).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for fowl; must comply with general enclosure and distance rules to prevent nuisances or health hazards.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances and general animal control provisions enforced by Code Compliance.
• Permit: Not specifically required for small compliant flocks; registration or approval may apply depending on interpretation.

Irving (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 chickens total (including any rooster) on lots of 1 acre or less; no total limit specified on lots greater than 1 acre.
• Roosters: On lots of 1 acre or less: no more than 1 rooster (requires a minimum of 6 hens). On lots greater than 1 acre: no more than 1 rooster for every 6 hens.
• Setback: Not specifically detailed beyond general enclosure and nuisance prevention standards (coops must be maintained to avoid disturbances).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animal Services), Section on Livestock, Domestic Fowl and Bees (as amended, including ORD-2017-9935 and later updates).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant residential flocks.

Jacksonville (Cherokee County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit or dedicated backyard chicken ordinance identified (general livestock and fowl regulations apply; small numbers of hens may be allowed if they do not create a nuisance).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (excessive noise or disturbance prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for chickens; enclosures must comply with general rules to prevent nuisances or health hazards to neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter on Animals and Fowl (general provisions); Zoning Ordinance (agricultural uses limited).
• Permit: Not specifically required for small compliant residential flocks; registration or approval may be needed depending on numbers or complaints.

Katy (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 birds per acre (requires a minimum of 1 acre to keep any fowl).
• Roosters: Allowed (must be kept in a closed barn or building between 6 PM and 6 AM).
• Setback: 100 feet from any neighboring residence or business.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (animal and zoning provisions on fowl).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant properties.

Keller (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 3-300.
• Permit: Not required.

Kerrville (Kerr County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Any pen or coop must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 18-5 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for 12 or fewer hens.

Killeen (Bell County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens per residence.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zoning districts (other fowl also prohibited).
• Setback: Coop must be no less than 25 feet from any habitable structure on neighboring property.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals).
• Permit: Not required for residential flocks meeting the above limits and requirements.

Kingsville (Kleberg County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited. Only hens are allowed in residential areas.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring residence.
• NOTE: Fowl must be kept in a secure pen or coop and are not allowed to run at large. Owners must maintain the area in a clean and sanitary condition to prevent offensive odors.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 3-1-31 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for up to 12 hens.

Kyle (Hays County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 6 hens and/or 2 other fowl and/or 2 rabbits at a residence (combined total).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: The pen, coop, or hutch must be at least 20 feet from neighboring residences and at least 10 feet from the owner's residence.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5 (Animals), Article V (Livestock, Fowl, and Rabbits), Section 5-137 (Hens, other fowl, and rabbits), as amended by Ordinance 1343 (adopted October 2024).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant residential keeping.

Lake Jackson (Brazoria County)

• Hen Limit: Not permitted (livestock, including chickens, prohibited within city limits under current ordinance).
• Roosters: Prohibited (as part of general livestock/fowl ban).
• Setback: Not applicable (fowl not allowed in residential areas).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10 (Animals); livestock prohibition applies.
• Permit: Not available for residential backyard flocks.

Lakeway (Travis County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 25 feet from any property line.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4.02.003.
• Permit: Required.

La Marque (Galveston County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 hens (in an area enclosed by fences at least 4 feet tall).
• Roosters: Prohibited (no male chickens allowed under the chicken rules).
• Setback: Coop must be at least a minimum distance from neighboring structures (specifics in the ordinance; generally to prevent nuisances).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (updated chicken/fowl regulations, e.g., post-2021 amendments).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant flocks.

Lancaster (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 6 chickens on any residentially zoned property.
• Roosters: Prohibited on non-agriculturally zoned property.
• Setback: No coop or enclosure for poultry may be placed within 50 feet of any residence, business, commercial boundary, or property line.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Article 4.06 (Animals Other Than Dogs and Cats), Section on Poultry and Fowl.
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks.

La Porte (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (urban chicken permit required).
• Roosters: Prohibited (no roosters permitted).
• Setback: Hen house or chicken tractor must meet distance requirements from neighboring properties (specifics detailed in the urban chicken ordinance).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Animals), as revised by recent ordinances such as Ord 2024-4017 (urban chicken provisions).
• Permit: Required (urban chicken permit; application process includes compliance verification).

Laredo (Webb County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-12.
• Permit: Not required.

League City (Galveston County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens in R-1, R-1A, or R-2 zoned areas (as an accessory use).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coop/enclosure must be kept more than 50 feet away from other residences (historical and commonly referenced requirement).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 18 (Animals), Article I (In General) and related sections.
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks.

Leander (Williamson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be in the rear yard and at least 25 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 2.04.005.
• Permit: Not required.

Lewisville (Denton County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (for properties meeting enclosure and other requirements; older references noted acreage-based limits).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coop and enclosure must meet distance standards to avoid nuisances (historical 150-foot reference for pens; current rules emphasize proper enclosure placement).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 (Animals), Article VI (Domesticated Chickens).
• Permit: Required (application through Animal Services; includes enclosure/coop details).

Little Elm (Denton County)

• Hen Limit: No specific dedicated backyard chicken ordinance with a fixed low numerical limit identified (general livestock and fowl regulations apply; small numbers of hens may be allowed if they do not create a nuisance, subject to enclosure and sanitation standards).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (noise disturbances prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined; must comply with general rules to prevent nuisances to neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); general provisions on animals and nuisances.
• Permit: Not specifically required; contact the city for verification.

Live Oak (Bexar County)

• Hen Limit: Not permitted for backyard flocks in residential city limits (prohibited under current animal control and zoning rules; agricultural uses allowed only in specific districts or on larger farm properties).
• Roosters: Prohibited (as part of general fowl prohibition in residential areas).
• Setback: Not applicable (fowl not allowed in standard residential settings).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter on Animal Control (specific fowl prohibition in residential zones); Zoning Regulations (agricultural animal husbandry limited).
• Permit: Not available for standard residential backyard flocks.

Lockhart (Caldwell County)

• Hen Limit: One hen per 1,000 square feet of lot area, with a maximum of 10 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited within city limits (along with peacocks and other crowing fowl).
• Setback: Not specifically detailed in available public summaries (general enclosure and nuisance rules apply to prevent disturbances to neighbors).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10 (Animals and Beekeeping), Section 10-17 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks.

Longview (Gregg County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit identified for hens (keeping of poultry is allowed subject to strict confinement and distance rules).
• Roosters: Allowed (no specific prohibition; subject to general nuisance rules for noise or disturbance).
• Setback: Any enclosure for poultry or birds must have no part within 100 feet of any adjoining property line (this distance includes the street/right-of-way).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 13 (Animals and Fowl), Section 13-28 (Regulations relating to keeping of poultry and birds).
• Permit: Not required for compliant keeping of poultry.

Lubbock (Lubbock County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 chicken hens are permitted at a residence.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures less than 200 square feet must maintain a minimum 5-foot setback from a side or rear property line. Enclosures larger than 200 square feet must meet standard zoning setbacks for the district.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animals), Article 4.07, Section 4.07.001 (Keeping of other animals; nuisance conditions).
• Permit: A "Multipet Permit" from the director of animal services is required to keep more than 6 hens.

Lufkin (Angelina County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 fowl if the enclosure is 30–100 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's; up to 12 fowl if the enclosure is over 100 feet from any such dwelling.
• Roosters: Prohibited within the city limits.
• Setback: Any enclosure housing fowl must be at least 30 feet from any dwelling other than the dwelling occupied by the owner of the fowl.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 Animal Control, Article 2.04 Livestock and Fowl.
• Permit: Not required for residential flocks meeting the above limits.

Manor (Travis County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 30 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 2.01.010.
• Permit: Not required.

Mansfield (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 50 feet from neighboring residences.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 90.21.
• Permit: Not required.

Manvel (Brazoria County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit identified for backyard hens (subject to general animal registration and nuisance rules; property size and location may affect allowance).
• Roosters: Restricted under general nuisance and animal control provisions.
• Setback: Not specifically defined for chickens; must avoid creating nuisances or hazards near neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8 (Animals).
• Permit: Registration required for certain numbers of animals; no dedicated chicken permit noted.

Marshall (Harrison County)

• Hen Limit: Not permitted for backyard flocks (proposed ordinance to allow up to 5 hens failed in December 2024 council vote; general animal and fowl rules apply).
• Roosters: Prohibited (as part of the failed proposal and under general nuisance and animal control rules; male fowl older than 12 weeks restricted in prior discussions).
• Setback: Not applicable for backyard hens (proposed setbacks for coops/runs in rear yard with minimum distances from property lines and neighboring dwellings were part of the rejected ordinance).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Animals) (general provisions on animals and fowl; recent updates considered but backyard chicken section not adopted).
• Permit: Not available for residential backyard flocks.

McAllen (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: No strict numerical limit for hens, but limited by space and nuisance rules.
• Roosters: Technically allowed but prohibited if they create "loud, frequent or habitual crowing" that disturbs neighbors.
• Setback: Coops/pens must be at least 100 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Animals), Section 14-5 (Poultry or Fowl).
• Permit: Not required.

McKinney (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited within city limits.
• Setback: Not specifically detailed (proper enclosure required).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26 (Animal Control).
• Permit: Not required for compliant flocks up to the limit.

Melissa (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: No specific dedicated backyard chicken ordinance identified (general livestock and fowl rules apply; small numbers of hens may be permitted if they do not create a nuisance, subject to lot size and enclosure standards).
• Roosters: Restricted or prohibited under general nuisance provisions.
• Setback: Not specifically defined; must comply with general rules to avoid nuisances.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); general provisions on livestock and fowl.
• Permit: Not specifically required; may depend on numbers or complaints.

Mercedes (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Keeping of domestic fowl is restricted; generally prohibited on lots smaller than 1/2 acre.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential areas.
• Setback: Fowl enclosures must be at least 100 feet from any residence other than the owner's.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8 (Animals), Article II (Livestock and Fowl).
• Permit: Registration with animal control may be required.

Mesquite (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Not permitted in residential areas (livestock, including poultry and fowl, is prohibited in residential zoning districts).
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential areas (as part of the general livestock/fowl ban).
• Setback: Not applicable (fowl not allowed in residential zones).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances and Unified Development Code / Zoning Ordinance (provisions on livestock and fowl in residential districts).
• Permit: Not available for residential backyard flocks.

Midland (Midland County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 chickens are permitted per premises.
• Roosters: Not explicitly prohibited, but total fowl (hens and roosters combined) may not exceed the limit of 4, and noise/nuisance regulations apply.
• Setback: Any pen, coop, or corral must be located at least 50 feet from any residence, dining room, sleeping room, or other place of human habitation (excluding the owner's), and at least 50 feet from any private water well.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6-2 (Animals and Fowl), Section 6-2-11 (Exceptions) and Section 6-2-12 (Keeping of certain animals).
• Permit: Not required for up to 4 chickens.

Midlothian (Ellis County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit detailed in dedicated backyard chicken provisions (subject to general livestock, fowl, and backyard chicken rules under the amended animal ordinance).
• Roosters: Prohibited on residentially zoned property (no male chickens allowed regardless of size).
• Setback: Not specifically detailed beyond general enclosure and nuisance prevention requirements (chickens must be kept in a secure coop and run).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Article 2.01 (General Provisions) and related amendments on Livestock, Fowl, and Backyard Chickens (e.g., Ordinance amending animal regulations).
• Permit: Not specifically required; compliance with all rules is mandatory.

Mineral Wells (Palo Pinto County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens are allowed.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and pens must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 18-42.
• Permit: Not required for 10 or fewer hens.

Mission (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 fowl per lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 100 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10 (Animals), Article II (Livestock and Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for 5 or fewer hens.

Missouri City (Fort Bend County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical backyard chicken ordinance identified (chickens generally regulated under animal control and nuisance rules; small residential flocks may be allowed if compliant with sanitation and enclosure standards, but confirmation with the city is recommended due to past HOA and enforcement discussions).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (noise disturbances prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined; must comply with general rules to avoid nuisances.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (available via Municode); general animal and nuisance provisions.
• Permit: Not specifically required; contact the city for any current requirements.

Mount Pleasant (Titus County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 90.02.
• Permit: Not required.

Murphy (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens in residentially zoned areas.
• Roosters: Prohibited on lots less than 1 acre (loud fowl limited to 2 on lots 1 acre or larger).
• Setback: Enclosure must be no closer than 50 feet to the nearest inhabited dwelling other than the owner's.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animal Control), Article on Livestock, Ferrets, Reptiles, Fowl.
• Permit: Not required for compliant flocks.

Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens are permitted on a standard residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops or enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 10-101.
• Permit: Not required for 6 or fewer hens.

Nederland (Jefferson County)

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 10 fowl per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 100 feet from any neighboring dwelling or building used for human habitation.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 10-41 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required.

New Braunfels (Comal County)

• Hen Limit: No dedicated small-flock backyard chicken ordinance with a low numerical limit for standard residential lots. Keeping of fowl (including chickens) is generally allowed only on tracts of land containing a minimum of 40,000 square feet (approximately 0.92 acres), with up to 50 fowl permitted per 40,000 square feet of land area.
• Roosters: Allowed under the general fowl provisions (no specific prohibition noted for qualifying large lots).
• Setback: Fowl or their enclosures must not be housed, roamed, or grazed within 100 feet of any residence on adjacent property or within 500 feet of any food service establishment or food processing establishment.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals), Article IV (Care and Keeping), Section 6-77 (Keeping of Domestic Animals), including subsection on livestock and fowl.
• Permit: Not required under the general fowl provisions for qualifying properties (animal registration may apply separately).

North Richland Hills (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 25 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 14-162.
• Permit: Not required.

Odessa (Ector County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens per permitted property (hens only; subject to compliance with all enclosure, sanitation, and nuisance rules).
• Roosters: Prohibited (no roosters allowed under the backyard chicken provisions).
• Setback: Coops and runs must be located in the rear yard only and at least 10 feet from rear and side property lines. Coops and runs must also be at least 40 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8 (Animals), Article IV, Sections 8.167–176 (Backyard Chicken regulations); also see Chapter 2 Animal Control for general livestock/fowl provisions (Ordinance 2023-26 and related updates).
• Permit: Required annually ($15 fee; valid January–December; renewal required each year with full re-submittal). Application includes coop/run details, sketch, and possible inspection. City staff may inspect property at any time. Permits are non-transferable.

Orange (Orange County)

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 10 fowl per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 100 feet from any neighboring dwelling or business.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 2.04.003.
• Permit: Not required.

Palestine (Anderson County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 6 fowl in residentially-zoned areas.
• Roosters: Not specified in available residential rules (general fowl regulations apply; male fowl may be restricted under nuisance provisions).
• Setback: Enclosures (pen, coop, or structure) must be located within 50 feet from property lines (measured from property line to the edge of the structure on each side).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 Animals (see municipal code for full details); FAQ confirmation on city website.
• Permit: Not required for residential flocks meeting the above limits.

Palmview (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Generally prohibited on lots less than 40,000 square feet (approx. 1 acre).
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential areas.
• Setback: Where allowed, pens must be at least 100 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals), Section 6-5 (Prohibited Animals/Fowl).
• Permit: Required for keeping livestock/fowl on eligible large lots.

Pampa (Gray County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 25 fowl or poultry over 10 weeks of age (plus up to 50 under 10 weeks of age) per lot or parcel.
• Roosters: Prohibited (no poultry or fowl capable of crowing allowed within city limits).
• Setback: No rabbits, poultry, or fowl (or their enclosures/structures) may be kept within 50 feet of any building or structure used for human sleeping, dining, or living.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Animal Control), Article 2.03 (Livestock), Section on rabbits, poultry, and fowl (1987 Code, sec. 4-62, as amended); also see Zoning Ordinance provisions on farm/ranch uses.
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks meeting the above limits and requirements.

Paris (Lamar County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: All pens, coops, or enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence or business establishment.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-10 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for residential keeping within the established limit.

Pasadena (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit identified (subject to general fowl and livestock restrictions).
• Roosters: Prohibited (no roosters allowed inside city limits).
• Setback: Chicken enclosures must be at least 35 feet from any dwelling house or structure used as a dwelling (not within required zoning setbacks); also general restrictions of 50 feet from street or property lines and 100 feet from certain structures in older provisions (amended rules apply for chickens).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6.20 (Fowl and Livestock Restrictions), as amended (e.g., 2014 updates reducing certain distance requirements for chickens).
• Permit: Registration with the poundmaster required (self-certification checklist).

Pearland (Brazoria County)

• Hen Limit: Treated as livestock under animal unit system (e.g., 5 chickens = 1 animal unit; typically requires sufficient acreage, such as minimum 1 acre for meaningful numbers; older references note limits based on animal units per lot size).
• Roosters: Limited to no more than 1 rooster per acre.
• Setback: Structures for fowl must meet location restrictions under livestock rules (generally significant distances from neighboring residences to avoid nuisances).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals), as updated by Ordinance No. 528 series.
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant livestock/fowl; registration or approval may apply based on numbers and zoning.

Pflugerville (Travis County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 90.04.
• Permit: Not required.

Pharr (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 6 hens per single-family residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and at least 25 feet from any adjoining property line.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10 (Animals), Article III, Section 10-52 (Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential keeping.

Plainview (Hale County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit for hens (general fowl regulations apply; subject to zoning and nuisance rules).
• Roosters: Not specifically prohibited for hens, but subject to general nuisance rules (noise/disturbance); male fowl may trigger enforcement if they create issues.
• Setback: Enclosures, coops, pens, roosts, or other structures for fowl (except pigeons) must be at least 100 feet from any residence or dwelling other than that of the owner or keeper.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Animal Control), Article 2.01 (General Provisions) and Article 2.02 (Keeping Regulations), Section 2.02.001 (Keeping of livestock, swine or fowl restricted).
• Permit: Not specifically required under animal control rules; zoning compliance or special permission may be needed depending on property zoning.

Plano (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 adult animals total per residence (includes dogs, cats, and hens; hens count toward this limit).
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones.
• Setback: Enclosures for fewer than 5 animals: at least 20 feet from any adjacent building (excluding owner's). For 5 or more animals: at least 50 feet from any adjacent building (excluding owner's).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animal Regulations), as amended for backyard hens.
• Permit: Required (application to Animal Services; fee applies; includes site plan, coop details, and possible inspection).

Port Arthur (Jefferson County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 10 fowl (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, or pigeons) per residence.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: All pens or coops must be at least 100 feet from any residence or business belonging to another person.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 10-61 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for compliant numbers.

Portland (San Patricio County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones.
• Setback: Enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence, church, school, or business.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 3-41 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for residential keeping within the established limit.

Princeton (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical backyard chicken limit identified in dedicated ordinance (general fowl rules apply; unlawful to keep chickens or other fowl in ways that violate nuisance or enclosure standards).
• Roosters: Restricted under general provisions.
• Setback: Not specifically detailed; must prevent nuisances to neighbors.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Section 6.08.05 (Fowl).
• Permit: Not specifically required; enforcement focuses on complaints and nuisances.

Prosper (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: No specific backyard chicken ordinance identified (fowl regulated under general livestock and domestic animal rules; small numbers subject to enclosure and nuisance standards).
• Roosters: Banned except on properties with agricultural property tax exemption.
• Setback: Not specifically defined for residential hens; general enclosure rules apply.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter on Care and Humane Treatment of Animals (general provisions on fowl and livestock).
• Permit: Not specifically required for small compliant flocks.

Red Oak (Ellis County)

• Hen Limit: Poultry (hens only) may be kept in the rear yard of single-family residential property; specific numerical limits are addressed in the land use code and animal regulations (recent recodification discussions have addressed urban chickens).
• Roosters: Prohibited (only hens/poultry allowed; roosters not permitted).
• Setback: Neither the poultry house nor the outdoor enclosure may be located less than 15 feet from any abutting property line.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances / Land Use Code, Article 2.01 (General Provisions) and related sections on poultry (Ordinance 09-055 and later updates).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant keeping.

Richardson (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens (proposed and under implementation as of 2024 updates to animal ordinances).
• Roosters: Prohibited (banned under updated regulations).
• Setback: Not specifically detailed beyond general nuisance and sanitation requirements (coops must be maintained to avoid disturbances).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter on Animals (updated regulations on backyard chickens); see Animal Services guidelines for current enforcement.
• Permit: Not required for compliant flocks (contact Animal Services for verification of current limits and any registration needs).

Rio Grande City (Starr County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 fowl are permitted per household in residential areas.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be located at least 100 feet from any neighboring residence or business.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-42 (Keeping of Fowl).
• Permit: Not required for up to 5 hens.

Rockwall (Rockwall County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Any pen or coop must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-121.
• Permit: Not required for the allowed limit.

Rosenberg (Fort Bend County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit identified in dedicated backyard chicken provisions (subject to general livestock, fowl, and animal control rules; small numbers of hens may be permitted if they do not create a nuisance).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance and animal control provisions (noise and disturbance rules apply).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for chickens; must comply with general enclosure rules to prevent nuisances or health hazards to neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); general provisions on animals and nuisances.
• Permit: Not specifically required; confirmation with the city recommended.

Round Rock (Williamson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 30 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 8-152.
• Permit: Not required.

Rowlett (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens in residentially zoned areas (older references; confirm with current code as animal regulations have been discussed for potential updates).
• Roosters: Prohibited or heavily restricted (loud fowl such as roosters generally not allowed within 150 feet of residences, businesses, or schools under nuisance rules).
• Setback: Enclosures must be no closer than 50 feet to the nearest inhabited dwelling (based on historical provisions).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animal Regulations).
• Permit: Not specifically required for small compliant flocks; contact Animal Services or Code Enforcement for current status.

Royse City (Rockwall County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 2.04.001.
• Permit: Not required.

Sachse (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 15 chickens (historical reference; subject to permit and general livestock/fowl rules in Chapter 2).
• Roosters: Allowed (subject to permit and nuisance rules).
• Setback: Coops and enclosures must be located behind the rear building line.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Animal Control), including sections on livestock and fowl.
• Permit: Required (contact Animal Services for application and current requirements).

Saginaw (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-12.
• Permit: Not required.

San Angelo (Tom Green County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 10 fowl are permitted on a standard residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 3.03.003.
• Permit: Not required.

San Antonio (Bexar County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 8 domestic fowl (hens or similar) without a permit.
• Roosters: Allowed, but limited to 1 rooster within the 8-fowl total.
• Setback: Coops must meet enclosure and containment standards; for 9+ birds, a 50-foot setback from neighboring dwellings is required (general rules apply for smaller flocks).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5 (Animals).
• Permit: Not required for up to 8 fowl; Excess Animal Permit required for more than 8 (with inspection and fee).

San Benito (Cameron County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit stated (keeping of chickens and domestic fowl is generally regulated under livestock/fowl rules rather than a dedicated backyard hen ordinance).
• Roosters: Not specifically addressed (subject to general nuisance and sanitation rules).
• Setback: No cattle, horses, asses, goats, mules, rabbits, chickens, or domestic fowl (or their enclosures, coops, pens, etc.) may be kept or maintained within 300 feet of any private residence, school, hospital, hotel, motel, boarding house, duplex, apartment house, public eating place, or food-related business (except the owner's family residential unit). Distance measured from the enclosure or structure.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter on Offenses and Nuisances or Animals (Article 2.01 General Provisions and related livestock/fowl sections, including Ordinance 2418 series).
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant residential keeping; contact code enforcement for verification.

San Juan (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens allowed on residential lots.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Animals), Article II (Livestock).
• Permit: Not required.

San Marcos (Hays County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens (chickens are considered pets under the health code; no strict numerical limit beyond general animal rules in some interpretations, but commonly referenced as 8 hens for personal use).
• Roosters: Prohibited within city limits.
• Setback: Containment area must be at least 10 feet from the property line and must not be on the property line. Chickens must not cross property lines.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals); health code provisions treating chickens as pets and general fowl regulations.
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks (multi-pet permit may be needed if exceeding general animal limits).

Schertz (Guadalupe County)

• Hen Limit: No specific dedicated backyard chicken ordinance with a fixed numerical limit identified (general animal control and nuisance rules apply; small residential flocks may be allowed if compliant with sanitation and enclosure standards).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (noise disturbances prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined; must comply with general rules to avoid nuisances to neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); general provisions on animals and nuisances.
• Permit: Not specifically required; confirmation with the city recommended.

Seagoville (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens on lots less than 1 fenced acre; higher numbers may be allowed on 1 acre or more (subject to distance rules).
• Roosters: Prohibited on lots less than 1 fenced acre.
• Setback: Hens must be housed or kept in a structure or enclosure at a minimum distance of 25 feet from the nearest private residence building or public building.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5 (Animal Control), Article 5.01, Section 5.01.008 (Area and distance requirements for keeping livestock and fowl), as amended.
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant small flocks.

Seguin (Guadalupe County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited within city limits.
• Setback: Fowl must be confined; specific distance requirements apply to prevent nuisances to neighboring homes (prior references noted 100 feet in older rules; confirm current exact setback with the city).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, as amended by the ordinance allowing up to eight hens (2020 update) and related fowl regulations.
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks.

Sherman (Grayson County)

• Hen Limit: No fixed overall numerical limit on hens; however, on lots of 1 acre or less: no more than 10 chickens total (including any rooster). On lots greater than 1 acre: no more than 1 rooster per 6 hens.
• Roosters: On lots of 1 acre or less: no more than 1 rooster (and only with a minimum of 6 hens). On lots greater than 1 acre: no more than 1 rooster for every 6 hens.
• Setback: Chickens must not be housed or kept in any structure or enclosure within 25 feet of any building or structure used or intended for human occupancy or habitation on another person's property.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Animal Control), Section 2.02.014 (Regulations on the keeping of chickens).
• Permit: Not required for compliant keeping.

Socorro (El Paso County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit or dedicated backyard chicken ordinance identified (fowl regulated under general animal control and nuisance rules; small residential flocks may be allowed if they do not create disturbances, but confirmation with the city is recommended).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (noise and disturbance rules apply).
• Setback: Not specifically defined; enclosures must comply with general rules to prevent nuisances or health hazards to neighboring properties.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); general provisions on animals, fowl, and nuisances.
• Permit: Not specifically required; contact the city for any registration or approval needs.

South Houston (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit or dedicated backyard chicken ordinance identified (general animal control and nuisance rules apply; small numbers of hens may be allowed if they do not create disturbances).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions (noise disturbances prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined; must comply with general enclosure rules to prevent nuisances.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); general provisions on animals and nuisances.
• Permit: Not specifically required; confirmation with the city recommended.

Southlake (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from neighboring residences.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-51.
• Permit: Not required.

Stafford (Fort Bend County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical backyard chicken limit identified (fowl regulated under general animal ordinances; keeping may require compliance with minimum distance rules).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance provisions.
• Setback: Required minimum distance from occupied structures for keeping fowl (specific distance detailed in Sec. 10-49; contact city for exact current requirement).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Section 10-49 (Required for keeping fowl; minimum distance from occupied structures).
• Permit: Not specifically required; contact the city for verification.

Stephenville (Erath County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 6 chickens (hens) per household for egg production.
• Roosters: Prohibited (no roosters allowed within city limits under the livestock and fowl provisions).
• Setback: Not explicitly detailed in general public summaries beyond general enclosure and nuisance rules; coops/enclosures must be maintained to avoid disturbances to neighbors (contact city for exact distance requirements).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 (Livestock), Section 3-3-1 and related provisions on animals and fowl (as referenced in local enforcement and community discussions).
• Permit: Not required for compliant residential flocks of up to 6 hens.

Sugar Land (Fort Bend County)

• Hen Limit: No backyard fowl allowed on residential properties (fowl keeping is generally unlawful except in specific cases such as public or private lakes/ponds managed by organizations).
• Roosters: Prohibited (as part of the general fowl restrictions).
• Setback: Not applicable (fowl not allowed in standard residential settings).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 (Health and Sanitation), Article II (Animal Services), Section 3-18 (Fowl regulations).
• Permit: Not available for residential backyard flocks.

Sulphur Springs (Hopkins County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens are permitted on a standard residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited within the city limits.
• Setback: Any enclosure, pen, or coop must be located at least 50 feet from any adjacent property line and at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl), Article I, Section 4-7 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for 6 or fewer hens, provided all setback and sanitation requirements are met.

Taylor (Williamson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-53.
• Permit: Not required for the allowed limit.

Temple (Bell County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (exception to general livestock/fowl rules).
• Roosters: Prohibited under the hen exception (distance requirements for roosters follow general rules).
• Setback: General rule: 150 feet from any neighboring residence for livestock/fowl. For up to 6 hens: minimum 50 feet from nearest neighboring residence (backyard only).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl), Section 6- (livestock and fowl regulations).
• Permit: Not required for up to 6 compliant hens; building/zoning permits may apply for structures as needed.

Terrell (Kaufman County)

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 12 fowl per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones.
• Setback: Enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling or business.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 2-21 (Keeping of Fowl and Rabbits).
• Permit: Not required for residential keeping within the limit.

Texarkana (Bowie County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens per single-family dwelling.
• Roosters: Prohibited (no roosters allowed under the backyard hen exception).
• Setback: The enclosure for hens must be located at a distance of not less than 30 feet from any residential dwelling on an adjoining tract of land.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8 (Animal Care and Control), Section 8-12 (Livestock and Fowl), as amended by Ordinance No. 2023-113.
• Permit: Not required for up to 6 compliant hens in single-family dwellings.

Texas City (Galveston County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical backyard chicken limit or dedicated ordinance prominently identified (fowl regulated under general animal control rules; small numbers may be allowed if compliant with confinement and nuisance standards).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance and animal control provisions.
• Setback: Not specifically defined for fowl; general enclosure rules apply.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 95 (Animals), including confinement requirements.
• Permit: Not specifically required; confirmation with the city recommended.

The Colony (Denton County)

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical backyard chicken limit or dedicated ordinance prominently identified (general animal control and nuisance rules apply; small residential flocks may be permitted if compliant with sanitation and enclosure standards).
• Roosters: Restricted under general nuisance rules (excessive noise prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for chickens; general accessory structure and nuisance prevention rules apply.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (general animal regulations and nuisances).
• Permit: Not specifically required; confirmation with the city recommended.

Tomball (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 10 fowl without requiring a pen, coop, or enclosure (more than 10 must be kept in a secure pen, coop, or enclosure maintained in a sanitary condition).
• Roosters: Subject to general nuisance rules (noise disturbances prohibited).
• Setback: Not specifically defined beyond general requirements to avoid offending adjacent neighbors.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8 (Animals), Section 8-153 (Keeping restricted) and related fowl provisions.
• Permit: Not specifically required.

Tyler (Smith County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted on a standard residential lot (less than 1/2 acre). Larger lots may allow more.
• Roosters: Prohibited on lots smaller than 1/2 acre.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 14-11 (Keeping of Chickens).
• Permit: Not required for 4 or fewer hens.

Universal City (Bexar County)

• Hen Limit: No specific backyard chicken ordinance identified; general animal control rules apply (small numbers of hens may be tolerated if they do not create a nuisance, but confirmation with city is recommended).
• Roosters: Likely restricted or prohibited under general nuisance provisions (noise).
• Setback: Not specifically defined for chickens; must comply with general enclosure and distance rules to avoid nuisances.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter); general provisions on pets and nuisances.
• Permit: Not specifically required for small compliant flocks; pet limits apply (e.g., 4 dogs and 4 cats noted, but fowl handled separately).

University Park (Dallas County)

• Hen Limit: Not permitted (keeping of fowl, including chickens, roosters, chicks, turkeys, ducks, or pigeons, is prohibited within city limits).
• Roosters: Prohibited (as part of the general fowl ban).
• Setback: Not applicable (fowl not allowed).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 (Animal Control), Section 2.01.005 (Keeping fowl prohibited).
• Permit: Not available for residential backyard flocks.

Uvalde (Uvalde County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6.04.010.
• Permit: Not required.

Victoria (Victoria County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential areas.
• Setback: Any pen or coop must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 4-101.
• Permit: Not required.

Waco (McLennan County)

• Hen Limit: No numerical limit for hens is specified, but keeping is governed by space and nuisance regulations.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: All pens, coops, or enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 5-121.
• Permit: Not required.

Watauga (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 50 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-105.
• Permit: Not required.

Waxahachie (Ellis County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 6 hens in an area zoned residential.
• Roosters: Prohibited or restricted under general livestock/fowl rules (subject to nuisance provisions).
• Setback: Hens shall be no closer than 25 feet from adjacent homes (excluding the owner's); enclosures, sheds, or pens for livestock/fowl must meet similar distance requirements from neighboring residences.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals), Section 6-52 (Fowl and Rabbits) and Section 6-43 (Livestock), as updated.
• Permit: Not specifically required for compliant residential flocks of up to 6 hens.

Weatherford (Parker County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens are permitted on a residential lot.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 6-4-1.
• Permit: Not required for up to 10 hens.

Weslaco (Hidalgo County)

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 5 fowl (chickens or ducks).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 100 feet from any residence or business belonging to another person.
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Animals), Article II (Livestock and Fowl), Section 14-41.
• Permit: Not required for the allowed limit.

West University Place (Harris County)

• Hen Limit: No more than 12 fowl at any one time (structures or enclosures must provide at least 250 square feet per fowl).
• Roosters: Allowed (as part of the general fowl limit; subject to nuisance rules).
• Setback: Not specifically defined beyond general livestock and fowl rules (enclosures must prevent running at large).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Animals), Sections 14-8 (Keeping, raising fowl restricted) and related provisions.
• Permit: Not required.

White Settlement (Tarrant County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 10-101.
• Permit: Not required.

Wichita Falls (Wichita County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl are permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• City Ordinance: Municipal Code Section 14-151.
• Permit: Not required for 10 or fewer hens.

Wylie (Collin County)

• Hen Limit: Not permitted under current ordinance (backyard chickens generally prohibited in residential areas; longstanding ban in effect).
• Roosters: Prohibited (as part of loud fowl restrictions).
• Setback: Not applicable (fowl not allowed).
• City Ordinance: Code of Ordinances (Animal Control chapter, including Ordinance 2018-27 and 2021-22 series on loud fowl).
• Permit: Not available for residential backyard flocks.

Rural Texas & Unincorporated Areas

If you live in the "unincorporated" area of a Texas county (outside any city's official limits), you are in a "Right to Farm" zone. Under the Texas Local Government Code, counties do not have the legal authority to zone residential lots or prohibit poultry. In these areas, the only restrictions you may face are private HOA deed restrictions.

• Counties: Andrews, Aransas, Archer, Armstrong, Atascosa, Austin, Bailey, Bandera, Bastrop, Baylor, Bee, Blanco, Borden, Bosque, Brewster, Briscoe, Brooks, Burleson, Burnet, Calhoun, Callahan, Camp, Carson, Cass, Castro, Chambers, Childress, Clay, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Colorado, Comanche, Concho, Cottle, Crane, Crockett, Crosby, Culberson, Dallam, Dawson, Delta, DeWitt, Dickens, Dimmit, Donley, Duval, Eastland, Edwards.
• Hen Limits: None. There are no state or county caps on the number of hens you can keep in unincorporated areas.
• Roosters: Allowed. Roosters are considered standard agricultural livestock; no "noise permits" exist at the county level.
• Setbacks: None. While cities require 20–100 foot gaps, counties do not have "setback" ordinances for backyard coops. (Standard property line etiquette is still recommended).
• Permits: No Permit Required. You do not need to register your flock with the county or pay any animal licensing fees.

The "Stock Law" Exception: While you can keep chickens, most Texas counties have "Stock Laws" (referencing Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 143) that require you to "fence in" your livestock. If your chickens wander onto a public highway or a neighbor's manicured crop and cause damage, you could be held liable for the "estray" animals.

Texas Predator Threats: From Coyotes to Bobcats

Texas's vast landscapes mean your flock faces a "predator gauntlet" that shifts by region—from urban raccoons in Dallas to desert coyotes near El Paso. While HB 1750 protects your right to keep birds, it won't stop a bobcat from raiding your coop at dawn.

• Urban Invaders: Highly intelligent raccoons and opossums that can pry open simple sliding latches in Houston and San Antonio suburbs.
• Rural Raiders: Coyotes and gray foxes capable of scaling 6-foot fences or digging under shallow foundations across the Panhandle and North Texas.
• Aerial Assassins: Red-tailed hawks and Great Horned Owls are federally protected; you cannot "remove" them, so physical barriers like heavy-duty flight netting are mandatory over runs.
• The Texas Twist: Bobcats in the Hill Country and feral hogs rooting up perimeter fencing statewide. Additionally, venomous snakes (Copperheads and Rattlesnakes) can slip through any gap larger than 1/2 inch.

Texas-Tough Coop Essentials: Use 1/4-inch hardware cloth (specifically to exclude snakes), an 18-inch buried hardware cloth apron to stop digging predators, and "carabiner-style" secondary locks for all doors. In hog-heavy areas, reinforce the bottom 2 feet of your run with cattle panels to prevent fence-crush.

Selling Backyard Eggs in Texas: The "Ungraded" Rules

Texas law allows you to sell eggs from your own flock without a packing license, but only if you follow specific Retail & Labeling Standards. Unlike some states that allow "hand-to-hand" sales without paperwork, Texas requires cold-chain integrity from the moment the egg is collected.

• The "Ungraded" Label: You must label your cartons as "Ungraded" in legible, boldface type. You cannot use terms like "Grade A," "Fresh," or "Fancy" unless you pay for a state grading license.
• Mandatory Information: Every carton must include the Producer's Name and Full Address. This is for traceability in case of a Salmonella outbreak.
• The 45°F Rule: Under Texas Administrative Code § 229.164, eggs must be maintained at an ambient temperature of 45°F or lower during storage and transport. This means if you sell at a farmers' market, you must have a powered cooler or a thermometer-monitored ice chest.
• Safe Handling Instructions: You must include the USDA-approved safe handling statement on the carton (inside the lid or on the top) regarding refrigeration and thorough cooking.
• New Cartons Only: While some states allow reused egg cartons, Texas DSHS inspectors at farmers' markets strongly enforce the use of new, clean cartons to prevent cross-contamination from other farms.

💡 Pro-Tip: You do not need an Egg Dealer License to sell directly to the "ultimate consumer" (neighbors or farmers' market shoppers). However, if you want to sell your backyard eggs to a local restaurant or grocery store, you must obtain an "Ungraded Dealer-Wholesaler" license from the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Texas State Poultry Slaughter Rules

In Texas, the legality of slaughtering poultry depends entirely on the intended use of the meat. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 433 (The Texas Meat and Poultry Inspection Act) provides specific exemptions for backyard keepers, but local "city-limit" restrictions often add a layer of complexity regarding visibility and sanitation.

• The Personal Use Exemption (HSC § 433.006): You are legally allowed to slaughter and process your own chickens on your own property without state inspection, provided the meat is consumed solely by you, your household members, or non-paying guests.
• The 1,000-Bird Rule (Low-Volume Sales): Under 25 TAC § 221.12, you may slaughter and sell up to 1,000 of your own farm-raised chickens per year without a "Grant of Inspection," provided you sell them directly to consumers. However, you must still register with the DSHC Meat Safety Assurance (MSA) unit.
• Prohibited "Cottage Food" Sales: Per the Texas Cottage Food updates, you cannot sell slaughtered poultry as a "cottage food." Meat is considered a Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) food and requires a higher level of retail permitting than jams or breads.
• City-Limit Ordinances: While the state allows the act of slaughtering, many Texas cities (like Dallas and San Antonio) have "Nuisance" or "Cruelty" codes that prohibit slaughtering animals within public view. In these areas, processing must take place inside a garage or screened area to avoid "public distress" citations.

⚠️ Waste Disposal Law: Regardless of where you live in Texas, Texas Water Code § 26.303 prohibits the disposal of poultry carcasses in a way that could contaminate groundwater. You must dispose of processing waste via municipal trash (bagged), composting, or an approved landfill. On-site burial is generally illegal in suburban lots.

Next Step: Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

Everything is bigger in Texas—including the predators and the legal protections. Before you buy your chicks, cross-check HB 1750 against your specific HOA filing date and then start building your enclosure. Refer to our extra-secure DIY coop blueprints which feature the buried hardware cloth and ventilation needed to stop digging coyotes and survive Texas heat waves. For ongoing flock health and local heat-stress tips, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.