You’ve picked your chickens, chosen their new coop, and prepared your backyard. Then, months later, a letter arrives saying your flock is not allowed and must go.
It sounds terrible because it is. Bringing chickens home without checking local permit, flock size, zoning, coop, and setback requirements can lead to fines, costly changes, or even giving up your birds. To avoid this, you need to pay close attention to your local requirements.
Finding those requirements often means digging through confusing ordinances, zoning codes, and government websites. We did that research for you, covering Louisiana’s major cities and every parish. We also provided local contacts who can clarify rules that are not clearly published.
Use this guide to find the requirements for your area and get the answers you need before bringing your chickens home. That way, you can avoid getting that dreaded letter.
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Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Louisiana?
Yes, it can be, but it all depends on where you live. There is no statewide law for keeping chickens in your backyard in Louisiana, so it’s up to your city or parish officials to determine whether or not you can have them.
For example, Baton Rouge allows backyard chickens under specific conditions, while Slidell prohibits them within city limits. Since local rules vary significantly, check with your city or parish officials before bringing chickens home.
Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Louisiana?
Yes or no, it all depends on where you live. Shreveport requires an annual chicken-keeping permit, along with separate permits for the coop and any electrical or plumbing work. Cities such as Central and Gretna do not require a permit.
Skip ahead to your area’s regulations and local contacts to find the requirements for your property.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in Louisiana?
Among Louisiana cities with confirmed flock limits, you can keep an average of about 5 chickens. Local limits vary based on factors such as property size and zoning. Baton Rouge allows up to 3 chickens on certain residential lots, while New Orleans and Shreveport allow up to 6.
Confirm your city or parish’s flock limit before choosing your chickens or coop.
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
Most Louisiana cities with confirmed regulations require chickens to remain on your property, and several require them to stay inside a coop, run, or enclosed yard. New Orleans allows chickens to roam on a fenced property while you are present, but they must remain in their coop and run when you leave.
Since free range rules vary, check your local containment requirements before allowing your flock outside its enclosure. Once you know the standards for your property, explore The Hen House Collection’s coops to find a secure setup that can help you meet them.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Louisiana?
Roosters are prohibited in many Louisiana cities and residential areas due to noise concerns. New Orleans, Gretna, and Shreveport prohibit them, while Baton Rouge and Central restrict them on certain residential properties. Lake Charles permits roosters, but nuisance regulations still apply.
Contact your local animal control or code enforcement department before adding a rooster to your flock.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Louisiana?
Yes, but you must obtain an Egg Marketing License from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to produce, distribute, or process eggs for sale. The license costs $100 per year and remains valid from September 1 through August 31. Your premises may also be inspected before the license is granted.
Chicken Laws For Cities in Louisiana
Use the table below to find your city’s requirements. Click your city on the left to view its backyard chicken regulations, or select the contact on the right for more information.
Does Alexandria, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that backyard chickens are not allowed on most residential properties in Alexandria. Requirements depend on your zoning district and property size, and many standard residential lots may not qualify. To confirm the rules for your property, contact the Zoning Commission at (318) 473-1373 or (318) 473-1371, or email zoning@cityofalex.com.
Does Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
They do allow backyard chickens in Baton Rouge, but only under the following conditions:
- Number of Chickens: Up to 3 chickens on lots smaller than 1 acre within a recognized residential subdivision.
- Roosters: Prohibited on lots of 2 acres or less within recognized residential subdivisions.
- Containment: Chickens must remain on your property.
- Care Requirements: Chickens must have appropriate shelter, food, and water.
- Coop Requirements: The enclosure must be kept clean to prevent odors, vermin, and unsanitary conditions.
- Setbacks: The coop or enclosure must be at least 10 feet from the nearest property line and 50 feet from any residence other than your own.
For questions about animal regulations, contact the Animal Control & Rescue Center at 225-774-7700; for questions about permits, construction, or zoning, contact the Department of Development at 225-389-3171 or its Permit & Inspection Division at 225-389-3205.
Does Bossier City, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, the City Council has banned them within city limits. If you’d like to see this change, contact your City Council member.
Does Broussard, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The city does not specifically prohibit backyard chickens or establish clear standards for keeping them. To confirm what is currently allowed on your property, contact the Code Enforcement Department at (337) 298-1295.
Does Central, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, so long as the following requirements are met:
- Permit Requirements: A permit is not required.
- Number of Chickens: The city does not establish a maximum flock size.
- Roosters: Prohibited on residential subdivision lots of 2 acres or less.
- Zoning & Lot Requirements: Hens are allowed on residential subdivision lots, including lots of 2 acres or less.
- Coop Requirements: The coop or pen must be placed in the rear yard. It must be cleaned regularly.
- Setbacks: The coop or pen must be at least 10 feet from the nearest property line and 50 feet from any residence other than your own.
To confirm all current requirements for your property, speak with the Code Enforcement Office at (225) 262-5000 Ext. 4.
Does Gretna, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed on certain residential properties in Gretna. Here’s what you need to know:
- Number of Chickens: Up to 4 hens.
- Roosters: Prohibited.
- Zoning & Lot Requirements: Chickens are allowed only in R-1 and R-2 zoning districts. They are prohibited in R-3, commercial, and industrial districts. Chickens and their coop must remain within a fenced yard.
- Coop Requirements:
- Setbacks: The coop must be at least 10 feet from the nearest property line. Standard accessory structure requirements also apply, including at least 5 feet from an interior side lot line and 3 feet from a rear lot line.
- HOA Restrictions: City regulations do not override deed restrictions or HOA covenants. Review your subdivision requirements before getting chickens.
Contact Code Enforcement to confirm your zoning and make sure your proposed setup meets all current requirements.
Does Hammond, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chickens are allowed as long as they remain on your property and do not create a nuisance. Contact the Planning Department to confirm any additional requirements for your property.
Does Kenner, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Kenner does not have clear regulations permitting or prohibiting backyard chickens. To confirm what is allowed on your property, contact the Inspections and Code Enforcement Department.
Does Lafayette, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are allowed in Lafayette, but only if you follow these requirements:
- Containment: Chickens must remain inside a coop, pen, or other enclosure at all times and cannot roam freely.
- Coop Requirements: The enclosure must keep your chickens contained and remain clean and well maintained.
- Setbacks: The enclosure must be at least 25 feet from any structure used for sleeping, dining, living, or working. This includes your home and neighboring residences.
To confirm flock limits, rooster restrictions, zoning, and permit requirements, contact the Code Enforcement Department at (337) 291-8445.
Does Lake Charles, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
They city does allow backyard chickens, provided you adhere to the following:
- Permit Requirements: A permit is required. Contact the city to confirm the permit type, fee, and renewal requirements.
- Number of Chickens: The city does not establish a flock limit.
- Roosters: Permitted.
- Coop Requirements: The coop must remain clean and free of pests. Proper ventilation is recommended due to Lake Charles’ humid climate.
- Setbacks: The coop must be at least 50 feet from any residence other than your own.
- Nuisance Requirements: Odors, flies, noise, and other disturbances may lead to a citation under Louisiana nuisance laws.
- HOA Restrictions: City permission does not override HOA covenants or deed restrictions. Review your community’s rules before getting chickens.
Contact the City of Lake Charles Planning and Development Department to confirm the permit requirements, flock limits, rooster rules, setbacks, and coop standards that apply to your property.
Does Monroe, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Monroe does not have clear regulations confirming that backyard chickens are permitted or prohibited. Contact the City of Monroe Planning and Zoning Division or Animal Control at (318) 329-2200 to confirm what is allowed and which requirements apply to your property.
Does Natchitoches, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
They are, but not in most residential districts. Backyard chickens are permitted by right in Natchitoches only in I-A Industry-Agriculture districts. You cannot have them in R-1, R-2, or R-3 residential districts.
Contact the City of Natchitoches Planning and Zoning Department at (318) 357-3840, to confirm your zoning and learn what approvals are required for your property.
Does New Iberia, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
New Iberia does not have clear regulations confirming that backyard chickens are permitted or prohibited. Contact the City of New Iberia at (337) 369-2300 to confirm what is allowed and which requirements apply to your property.
Does New Orleans, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can have chickens in your backyard in New Orleans, so long as they adhere to these standards:
- Number of Chickens: Up to 6 chickens.
- Roosters: Prohibited. A chick whose sex cannot be determined at hatching may remain on the property for up to 6 months.
- Zoning Requirements: Coops and runs are treated as accessory structures and are generally permitted throughout the city, subject to zoning restrictions.
- Containment: When you are away, your chickens must remain inside their coop and fenced run. They may roam on your property while you are present when the property is fenced.
- Coop Requirements: The coop and run must be clean, ventilated, well lit, free of vermin, and kept in good repair.
- Setbacks: The coop and run must be in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from every lot line and 10 feet from your home and neighboring residences.
- Manure Management: Manure cannot be stored within 20 feet of a lot line. It must be composted immediately or removed from the property.
For questions about permits and coop construction, contact the Department of Safety and Permits at (504) 658-7200; for zoning questions, contact the City Planning Commission at (504) 658-7033 or CPCINFO@nola.gov.
Does Opelousas, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s unclear if they are allowed, as regulations clearly defining expectations don’t exist. Before starting a flock, call City Hall at (337) 948-2500 to confirm the requirements for your zoning district and property.
Does Ruston, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Ruston’s chicken-keeping requirements remain unclear and may vary by zoning district. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (318) 255-2431 to determine if chickens are allowed and learn which permit, coop, and setback rules apply.
Does Shreveport, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, they are allowed. Here’s what you need to know:
- Permit Requirements: You need a $25 annual chicken keeping permit and a separate building permit for the henhouse and chicken pen.
- Number of Chickens: Up to 6 hens.
- Roosters: Prohibited.
- Zoning Requirements: Hens are allowed on properties in one family residential zoning districts.
- Coop Requirements: The henhouse must be covered, predator resistant, and secured throughout the night.
- Setbacks: Required setbacks depend on the zoning district and size of the structure.
- Sizing & Spacing: Provide at least 3 square feet of indoor henhouse space per hen. Provide at least 6 square feet of outdoor enclosure space per hen. The outdoor enclosure must be covered or at least 42 inches tall. Hens kept in a 42 inch enclosure must have their wings clipped to prevent escape.
- Care Requirements: The entire setup must remain clean and free from droppings, waste, and offensive odors.
To obtain your annual chicken keeping permit or ask about chicken keeping requirements, contact Permits & Inspections.
Does Slidell, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, backyard chickens are prohibited within Slidell city limits. Contact the Planning Department to confirm the current regulations and determine if an exception applies to your property.
Does Sulphur, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, they are allowed, provided they are kept in an enclosure that meets the following requirements:
- Coop Requirements: Chickens must remain inside a coop or enclosed pen and cannot roam freely within city limits.
- Coop Maintenance: The enclosure must remain clean, sanitary, and in good repair.
- Setbacks: The enclosure must be at least 50 feet from any property line bordering a residential or commercial property.
For questions about permits and coop construction, contact the Inspections and Permits Department at (337) 527-2050 or permits@sulphur.org; for zoning and ordinance questions, contact Ordinance Enforcement at 337-528-9534; and for animal-related rules including any rooster questions, contact Animal Control at 337-527-4577.
Does Thibodaux, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Thibodaux’s regulations do not make it clear if you can keep chickens in your backyard. Before bringing chickens home, call the Planning and Code Enforcement Department at (985) 446-7201 to ask what your property allows and confirm any flock, rooster, coop, or setback rules.
Does Youngsville, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
They are not clearly permitted or prohibited. Since the answer may depend on your property, call City Hall at (337) 856-4181 to check your zoning and ask about permits, flock limits, roosters, coops, and setbacks.
Does Zachary, Louisiana, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Zachary requires chickens to stay on your property, but the city’s code does not clearly say that you can keep a backyard flock. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (225) 654-9893 to check what is allowed at your address and learn about any permit, flock, coop, or setback requirements.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Louisiana By Parish
If your city, town, or other municipal officials do not have requirements in place, you can follow the requirements set forth by your Parish. To find out what those are, click the contact listed on the right-hand side of the chart below.
| Acadiana Parish | Planning |
| Allen Parish | Planning |
| Ascension Parish | Planning & Development |
| Assumption Parish | Permit Office |
| Avoyelles Parish | Parish Website |
| Beauregard Parish | Building Permits |
| Bienville Parish | Parish Website |
| Bossier Parish | Planning |
| Caddo Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Calcasieu Parish | Planning & Development |
| Caldwell Parish | Parish Website |
| Cameron Parish | Permitting |
| Catahoula Parish | Parish Website |
| Claiborne Parish | Permits & Forms |
| Concordia Parish | Parish Website |
| DeSoto Parish | Parish Website |
| East Baton Rouge Parish | Parish Website |
| East Carroll Parish | Parish Website |
| East Feliciana Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Evangeline Parish | Parish Website |
| Franklin Parish | Parish Website |
| Grant Parish | Planning |
| Iberia Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Iberville Parish | Planning |
| Jackson Parish | Parish Website |
| Jefferson Parish | Planning |
| Jefferson Davis Parish | Parish Website |
| Lafayette Parish | Planning |
| Lafourche Parish | Planning |
| LaSalle Parish | Parish Website |
| Lincoln Parish | Economic Development & Planning |
| Livingston Parish | Planning & Development |
| Madison Parish | Parish Website |
| Morehouse Parish | Parish Website |
| Natchitoches Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Orleans Parish | Parish Website |
| Ouachita Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Plaquemines Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Pointe Coupee Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Rapides Parish | Planning |
| Red River Parish | Parish Website |
| Richland Parish | Parish Website |
| Sabine Parish | Planning |
| St. Bernard Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Charles Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Helena Parish | Building |
| St. James Parish | Planning & Permitting |
| St. John the Baptist Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Landry Parish | Permits |
| St. Martin Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Mary Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| St. Tammany Parish | Planning & Development |
| Tangipahoa Parish | Planning |
| Tensas Parish | Parish Website |
| Terrebonne Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Union Parish | Parish Website |
| Vermillion Parish | Permits |
| Vernon Parish | Building Permits |
| Washington Parish | Planning |
| Webster Parish | Permits |
| West Baton Rouge Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| West Carroll Parish | Parish Website |
| West Feliciana Parish | Planning & Zoning |
| Winn Parish | Parish Website |
How To Start Your Backyard Flock in Louisiana
Once you have reviewed the regulations for your area, contact the listed city or parish department to confirm any unclear requirements. Getting answers about flock limits, permits, setbacks, and coop standards now can prevent costly changes later.
With your local rules confirmed, The Hen House Collection can create a custom coop with a range of features to help your setup meet them while giving your chickens a secure, easy-to-maintain home.
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.
