Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in New Mexico?

Raising backyard chickens may seem as simple as choosing your birds and buying a coop. Then you start looking into the laws. Flock limits, zoning restrictions, permits, and coop requirements can all affect your plans. Missing even one requirement could lead to fines, forced changes to your setup, or having to give up your chickens entirely.

Finding a clear answer can be just as frustrating. Chicken keeping laws may be handled by animal control or code enforcement, while planning, zoning, and building departments oversee property use, coop placement, and permits. With requirements scattered across different departments and local codes, confirming what applies to your backyard can quickly become overwhelming.

This guide brings that information together. Below, you’ll find backyard chicken requirements for several New Mexico cities, plus contact information for county officials across the state. Use it to understand the rules in your area, identify what still needs to be confirmed, and move forward with your flock more confidently.

Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in New Mexico?

Yes, keeping backyard chickens is legal in New Mexico, but there is no statewide law governing them. The rules largely depend on where you live. Most cities and counties allow chickens, while some, such as Sunland Park, may prohibit them. Your property’s zoning district and ability to meet local requirements can also determine if you may keep them.

Keep reading to find your area and the appropriate local officials who can confirm if backyard chickens are legal on your property.

Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in New Mexico?

You may need a permit to keep backyard chickens in New Mexico, depending on where you live. Las Cruces and Portales require annual permits, while Carlsbad requires a Conditional Use Permit. Farmington requires a Special Use Permit for more than 12 birds, and Doña Ana County requires one on properties smaller than half an acre.

Other communities, including Albuquerque and Gallup, allow qualifying backyard flocks without a permit. You may also need zoning approval or separate permits for your coop or any electrical, plumbing, or other added features. 

How Many Chickens Can I Have in New Mexico?

On average, most New Mexico cities and counties allow around 6 – 7 chickens, but the actual number largely depends on where you live. Local limits can vary considerably, with Hobbs allowing just 1 chicken while Albuquerque allows up to 15.

In many cases, the number of chickens you can have depends on property size. Alamogordo, Portales, and Roswell generally allow 4 hens on smaller lots, 10 chickens on mid-sized properties, and up to 25 chickens on properties of at least one acre. Confirm your local limit before choosing your flock or coop to avoid permit issues, fines, or having to give up chickens later.

Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?

Many New Mexico communities require chickens to remain in a coop, run, fenced area, or other enclosure. Albuquerque, Gallup, and Portales require chickens to stay contained, while Carlsbad prohibits them from roaming beyond your property. Los Alamos allows chickens outside their shelter during the day as long as they remain within adequate fencing and return to secure shelter at night.

Review your local containment requirements before allowing your chickens to free range. Once you know the standards for your property, The Hen House Collection can help you choose an appropriate setup. Browse in-stock coops designed to simplify daily care, or customize your coop with an attached run for an enclosed outdoor space.

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in New Mexico?

Roosters are prohibited in many standard residential areas in New Mexico. Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Deming, Gallup, Rio Rancho, and Roswell prohibit mature roosters on typical residential properties.

You generally cannot keep a rooster unless it is immature or your property is zoned for agricultural or livestock use. Since local exceptions vary, confirm the requirements with local officials before adding a rooster to your flock.

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in New Mexico?

Yes, you can sell eggs from your backyard flock in New Mexico, but you must follow the state’s registration, packaging, and labeling requirements. Before selling ungraded eggs, notify the New Mexico Department of Agriculture in writing and provide your location, number of laying hens, production location, and general sales area. Registration is free.

Ungraded eggs must be sold in cartons and clearly labeled “ungraded.” You also cannot sell part of your daily production as graded eggs and another part as ungraded eggs. Any change between graded and ungraded sales must be reported to the department in writing.

An egg dealer’s license may be required when you sell more than five cases, or 150 dozen eggs, per week. Annual license fees range from $10 to $50 based on weekly sales volume. Contact the New Mexico Department of Agriculture at (575) 646-3007 to confirm the requirements for your flock and sales plans.

Chicken Laws For Cities in New Mexico

Below is a chart of cities in New Mexico and their point of contact for more information on whether chickens are allowed. Click the city on the left side of the chart to be taken to the city’s regulation information. 

Does Alamogordo, New Mexico Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, the city allows them in all zoning districts, so long as you follow these requirements:

• Permit: Unclear whether one is required.
• Number of Chickens:

• Roosters: Not permitted.
• Coop Requirements: A secure, species-appropriate enclosure must be built before you get your chickens. It must protect them from predators, provide adequate shade, and support roosting, scratching, dusting, and nesting. Roosting areas must provide at least 2 square feet per bird.
  • Setbacks: The enclosure must be at least 10 feet from any other structure and 5 feet from every lot line.
• Care Requirements: Your chickens must have constant access to enough potable water to maintain their health. Your flock cannot create an animal nuisance.

Always confirm this information with Alamogordo officials before getting chickens or building your enclosure. For questions about poultry regulations, contact Alamogordo Animal Control at 575-439-4330. For zoning, lot size, or setback questions, contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 575-439-4220 or pnz@ci.alamogordo.nm.us.

Does Albuquerque, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep backyard chickens at your Albuquerque home, so long as you adhere to the following standards:

• Permit: Not required for non-commercial chicken keeping.
• Number of Chickens: 15
• Roosters: No more than 1 per household is permitted.
• Zoning & Lot Restrictions: Non-commercial poultry keeping is allowed without restriction in most residential zones.
• Coop Requirements:  Your chickens must be kept in a secure enclosure at all times to prevent them from roaming free.
  • Setbacks: 20 feet from any existing dwelling

Always confirm compliance with these requirements with local officials. For questions about zoning, contact the Albuquerque Planning Department’s Code Enforcement and Zoning division at 505-924-3850 or 505-924-3860; for coop construction or building permits, contact the Building Safety Division at 505-924-3320.

Does Artesia, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Artesia’s city code outlines the types of livestock permitted within city limits, but chickens are not included in that definition. This makes it unclear if you can legally keep backyard chickens on your property. Before starting your flock, contact Artesia officials to confirm the current requirements. For poultry regulations, call the City of Artesia Animal Services Department at 575-616-7155. For zoning or coop placement questions, contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 575-748-8298.

Does Carlsbad, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but there a couple of rules you should know before starting your flock. These include:

• Permit Application: The property owner must obtain a Conditional Use Permit before bringing any chickens onto the property.
• Number of Chickens: 3 hens.
• Roosters: Roosters are not permitted.
• Zoning Requirements: Chickens are permitted in the R-1 Residential District. Other livestock uses are limited to the Rural Residence District on lots of at least three quarters of an acre, except where other regulations apply.
• Purpose: Hens may be kept for egg production but not for butchering.
• Coop Requirements: Chickens must be housed in a proper coop or cage and cannot roam freely beyond the property.
• Care Requirements: Excrement must be cleaned up and properly disposed of every day to prevent a nuisance.

Before getting chickens, confirm the coop construction and setback requirements and obtain any required permits. Contact the Planning and Regulation Department at 575-885-1185 for current requirements.

Does Chaparral, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but since Chaparral is an unincorporated community spanning Otero and Doña Ana counties, the requirements depend on which county contains your property. Otero County does not impose specific zoning or licensing requirements for poultry. 

In Doña Ana County, you must follow these requirements:

• Permit Application: A special use permit is required for properties smaller than 0.50 acres. Properties larger than 0.50 acres do not require a permit.
• Number of Chickens: Multiply your property size in acres by 80 to determine your limit. For example, a 2.5 acre property can have up to 200 chickens.
• Zoning Requirements: Poultry is permitted in the R5, R5L, D1, D1L, D2, D2L, T2, and T3 residential zoning districts.
• Coop Requirements: Each bird must have at least 6 square feet of open property area.
  • Setback Requirements: Your chicken coop must be at least 75 feet from every property line.

To get confirmed answers for your specific property, contact the Doña Ana County Community Development Department at 575-647-7200, or if your property falls in Otero County, contact the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industry Division at 575-524-6320.

Does Clovis, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Backyard chickens may not be permitted, but the city’s code does not provide a clear answer. Before starting your flock, contact the Code Compliance Department to confirm the current requirements.

Does Deming, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep chickens in Deming for noncommercial purposes as long as you follow these requirements:

• Number of Chickens: 10 hens.
• Roosters: Roosters are prohibited.
• Chicks: Chicks are permitted only as one for one replacements for adult hens.

Because the ordinance does not specify zoning, coop construction, or setback requirements, contact the Planning and Zoning Department before getting chickens or installing a coop. 

Does Farmington, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, they do allow them, but there are certain rules you must follow, including:

• Permit Application(s): No permit is required for up to 12 fowl. A Special Use Permit is required for larger flocks. You may also need an Administrative Review Permit if the city receives complaints about your chickens.
• Number of Chickens: You may keep up to 12 chickens in residential districts. In the Residential Agricultural district, larger flocks may be permitted based on your acreage and the city’s recommended animal unit capacity table.
• Roosters: Only permitted in Residential Agricultural District. Not permitted in any other residential district.
• Coop Requirements: No specific requirements.
  • Setbacks: Must be at least 10 feet from neighboring homes.

Always confirm the requirements for your property before getting chickens or installing a coop. Contact the Community Works Department, Planning Division at 505-599-1301 or planning@farmingtonnm.gov. For coop construction permit questions, contact the Building Inspection Division at 505-599-1304.

Does Gallup, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep backyard chickens in Gallup without a permit, but you must follow these requirements:

• Number of Chickens: Up to 4 hens per lot.
• Roosters: Roosters are prohibited.
• Zoning Requirements: Chickens are permitted only in the Rural Residential and Single Family Residential, Detached zoning districts. The coop and run must remain in the rear yard.
• Coop Requirements: Chickens must remain inside the enclosed coop and run at all times. The enclosure must have a solid top, provide protection from predators, and contain fresh water at all times.
  • Setbacks: The coop must be at least 10 feet from every other structure and 5 feet from side and rear property lines.
  • Sizing & Spacing: The combined coop and run cannot exceed 120 square feet, and the roof cannot exceed 7 feet at its highest point. Each chicken must receive at least 4 square feet of space. 

Before getting chickens or installing a coop, confirm that your property meets all applicable requirements. For zoning questions, contact the Planning and Development Department at (505) 863-1240. For animal regulations, contact Animal Control at (505) 726-1453.

Does Hobbs, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep 1 chicken on most properties within city limits. More than 1 chicken may be permitted on properties within the Rural and Open Space Planning District, which allows livestock as an accessory use while limiting the number of animals to prevent nuisances.

However, the available code does not specify permit, coop, setback, or rooster requirements. Contact the Hobbs Planning Department to confirm your zoning and all requirements that apply to your property.

Does Las Cruces, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, they are allowed on nonagricultural properties within Las Cruces city limits, but you must follow these requirements:

• Permit Application: You must obtain a city permit for $15 and renew it annually.
• Number of Chickens: Up to 6 chickens per property.

The available regulations do not clearly define enclosure, setback, or rooster requirements. Before choosing or placing your coop, contact Codes Enforcement at (575) 528-4100, the Community Development Department at (575) 528-3059, or Animal Control at (575) 526-0795 to confirm all requirements for your property.

Does Las Vegas, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep backyard chickens, but only in certain zoning districts and under specific enclosure and spacing requirements:

• Zoning Requirements: Chickens are permitted in the Residential Agricultural and Restricted Residential zoning districts. In the Restricted Residential district, chickens must be kept for personal use. You cannot raise them commercially or sell chicken products on the property.
• Coop Requirements: Chickens must remain within a designated enclosed area that is fully secured with appropriate fencing, such as chicken wire.
  • Setbacks: The enclosed area must be at least 50 feet from any residence or commercial business you do not own and occupy.
  • Spacing & Sizing: You must provide at least 200 square feet of enclosed space per chicken.
• Care Requirements: The enclosure must remain clean and free of waste or other materials that could attract flies or create unpleasant odors.

To determine your flock limit and confirm all applicable requirements, contact the Community Development Department at (505) 454-1401. For questions about animal regulations, contact the City of Las Vegas Animal Care Center at (505) 426-3289.

Does Los Alamos, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

The city doesn’t appear to have any established backyard chicken laws, but Los Alamos County does allow them under the following conditions:

• Number of Chickens: 10 
• Zoning Requirements: Chickens are permitted in all residential districts except the Residential Agricultural districts of Pajarito Acres and La Senda.
• Coop Requirements: You must provide a clean, dry, odor-free, and properly ventilated shelter that protects your chickens from the elements and prevents predators from entering. Chickens must remain contained by adequate fencing when outside their shelter. During daylight hours, they must have access to sunlight within a secure yard or shelter. At night, they must remain inside a secure shelter.
  • Setbacks: Chickens, shelters, and fencing must remain outside required front, rear, and side setbacks. They must also be at least 35 feet from a dwelling on an adjoining property and 100 feet from a water well.
  • Spacing & Sizing: You must provide at least 10 square feet of permeable land and 2 square feet of shelter space per chicken.
• Care Requirements: All chicken areas must remain sanitary and must not encourage insects or rodents. Your flock cannot produce offensive noise, odors, or other neighborhood nuisances.

Since Los Alamos does not have separate city regulations, county requirements likely apply. To confirm the rules for your property, contact the Community Development Department at (505) 662-8120 or (505) 662-8333. You can also email the Planning Division at planning@lacnm.us, or Permit Technicians at permit.techs@lacnm.us.

Does Los Lunas, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, they are allowed in Los Lunas, but the requirements depend on your property’s zoning:

• Number of Chickens: You may keep up to 6 chickens on residential properties outside the A-R and R-R zoning districts. There is no clear limit for A-R and R-R properties.
• Roosters: Roosters are prohibited unless the property is specifically zoned for keeping livestock.
• Coop Requirements: Outside the A-R and R-R zones, you must provide at least 4 square feet of enclosed coop space and 8 square feet of run space with a pervious surface for each chicken. An enclosed structure is not required in the A-R and R-R zones. A coop or other structure larger than 120 square feet requires a development plan application.
• Care Requirements: Your flock cannot create offensive noise, odors, or dust. Chicken areas and structures must also be maintained to discourage insects and other pests.

Contact the Village of Los Lunas Community Development Department to confirm your zoning district and all requirements that apply to your property.

Does Portales, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Backyard chickens are allowed in Portales, under the following conditions:

• Permit Application: A Backyard Chicken Permit is required to keep hens in any nonagricultural zone. The permit costs $50 and must be renewed annually.
• Number of Chickens: 

• Roosters: Not permitted unless you’re located in the Rural Agricultural Zone.
• Coop Requirements: Chickens must remain contained in a secure coop or enclosure at all times. The enclosure must prevent escape, provide space for roosting, scratching, dust bathing, and nesting, and remain out of public view.
  • Setbacks: The coop or enclosure must be at least 10 feet from the nearest neighboring property line and meet all applicable zoning and building requirements.
• Care Requirements: The coop and enclosure must be kept clean and sanitary at all times.

Before getting chickens or installing a coop, contact Portales Animal Control at (575) 825-1993  or AnimalControl@portalesnm.gov to obtain your permit. For zoning questions, contact the Community Services and Planning Department at (575) 356-8449 or p&z@portalesnm.gov.

Does Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but only on certain residential properties. Here’s what you need to know about keeping backyard chickens in Rio Rancho:

• Number of Chickens: Up to 7 hens and immature male chickens
• Roosters: Mature male chickens are not permitted
• Breed Restrictions: Gamecocks and breeds commonly used for cockfighting are prohibited. Allowed breeds are determined by RRARC.
• Zoning & Lot Requirements: Chickens are permitted only on lots of at least 0.5 acres in the E-1 Estate Residential or R-1 Single-Family zoning districts.
• Coop Requirements: You must provide secure, predator-resistant housing before acquiring chickens. The enclosure must support natural behaviors such as roosting, scratching, dust bathing, and nesting. It must also provide adequate shade and shelter.
  • Setbacks: The enclosure must be located in the rear yard and remain at least 15 feet from every property line.
  • Sizing & Spacing: Roosting areas must provide at least 2 square feet per chicken.
• Care Requirements: Chickens must have constant access to potable water and an adequate amount of appropriate food. You must also provide routine care, basic husbandry, and veterinary care as needed.

Contact the Animal Resource Center at (505) 891-5075 to confirm compliance with animal regulations. For questions about zoning or chicken coop permits, contact the Planning and Zoning Division at (505) 891-5005 or planning@rrnm.gov, or the Building Division at Permits@rrnm.gov.

Does Roswell, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep backyard chickens in Roswell in any zoning district, but you must follow these requirements:

• Number of Chickens:

• Roosters: Roosters and male chickens mature enough to crow or disturb the peace are prohibited.
• Coop Requirements: You must provide a secure, predator-resistant enclosure that allows your chickens to roost, scratch, dust bathe, and nest. The enclosure must also provide adequate shade and shelter.
  • Setbacks: The enclosure must be at least 10 feet from every other structure and property line.
  • Sizing & Spacing: Roosting areas must provide at least 2 square feet per chicken.
• Care Requirements: Chickens must have constant access to enough clean drinking water to maintain good health.
• HOA Requirements: HOA agreements and restrictive covenants can impost additional rules on keeping chickens in your backyard.

Since there’s no mention of any permit requirements in the city code, contact the Roswell Community Development Department at (575) 637-6280 to confirm all requirements before getting chickens or installing a coop.

Does Santa Fe, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

You can keep backyard chickens in Santa Fe because no regulations specifically prohibit them. However, additional requirements may apply. Contact the City Clerk’s Office to confirm current regulations and the Planning Department for zoning and permit requirements.

Does Sunland Park, New Mexico, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Backyard chicken regulations are unclear. Chickens may be permitted in certain zoning districts but appear to be prohibited on most residential lots. Contact the Community Development Department to confirm the current laws and requirements for your property.

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in New Mexico By County

In some cases, such as Los Alamos and Chaparral, your city or town officials may not have regulations in place, or you may live in an unincorporated area, meaning you must rely on county officials for backyard chicken laws. If your situation is similar, find your county official on the right side of the chart below and contact them to confirm the requirements in your area.

How To Start Your Backyard Flock in New Mexico

Starting a backyard flock in New Mexico involves more than choosing your chickens and finding a coop you love. After sorting through local laws, contacting the right officials, and confirming the requirements for your property, you are finally ready to plan a safe and comfortable home for your flock.

Use what you’ve learned in this guide to determine the coop size, placement, layout, and features that work for your chickens, your daily care routine, and your local requirements. The Hen House Collection can help you explore custom and in-stock coops, understand your options, and find a setup that brings all those needs together.

With the right flock and coop planned from the start, you can bring your chickens home feeling prepared and confident in the space you’ve created for them.

Hanna Ingold

Hanna Ingold is an expert with The Hen House Collection, specializing in chicken coop regulations and poultry care. She helps homeowners navigate local state zoning and building law requirements while ensuring their chicken coops are safe, legal, and well-designed. In addition to her expertise, Hanna is highly knowledgeable in chicken care, including flock health, nutrition, and coop design, making her a trusted resource for healthy chicken keeping.