Can I have chickens in my backyard in Louisiana? You can or can not, depending on your specific location within the state. Many cities in Louisiana allow urban backyard chickens but some do not. In Louisiana, as in many other states, chickens are usually allowed to be raised in agricultural areas. But when it comes to raising chickens in residential districts, there are usually restrictions in place. Each Louisiana municipality or parish has its own ordinances that either prohibit or allow chickens. Which means that whether or not you can keep chickens on your residential property in Louisiana depends on where you live.
Then again, you may not be able to own chickens if you live in a HOA community within Louisiana. Even if your parish allows chicken, HOA laws can ban them in their community. Therefore, if you are a HOA resident, you need to review their laws and regulations before acquiring chickens. If you are not a HOA resident, you need to check with your city or parish to determine whether or not chickens are allowed where you live. You can do so by contacting your local animal control office or your City Clerk's office. Meanwhile, I've listed below some Louisiana cities wherein you can legally own backyard chickens.
1. New Orleans, LA
Subject to certain restrictions, you can own backyard chickens in the city of New Orleans, LA. According to the city's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, you may keep no more than 6 chickens on your property. New Orleans does not permit the keeping of roosters. The Zoning Ordinance also prohibits the on-site slaughtering of chickens and keeping chickens for commercial purposes. You must place your chicken coop or run in the rear yard of your property. Additionally, your coop or run must be located at least 10 feet from all lot lines and 10 feet from any dwelling. All chicken coops and runs are required to be adequately lighted and ventilated. They must also be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
2. Baton Rouge, LA
If you live in Baton Rouge, LA, you have the opportunity to rear backyard chickens. On residential lots of less than one acre, a maximum of 3 female chickens is allowed. On residential lots greater than 2 acres, more chickens are allowed. The keeping of roosters, geese, guinea fowl, ducks, turkeys, or peacocks is also allowed on lots greater than 2 acres. According to the East Baton Rouge Parish Code of Ordinances, all chickens, or other fowl, must at all times be confined to the owner's property. All chicken enclosures are required by the code to be located at least 10 feet from the nearest property line and 50 feet from any residence other than that of the owner.
3. Shreveport, LA
You can have backyard chickens for noncommercial use only in the city of Shreveport, LA. The city has a chicken ordinance that allows up to 6 hens per lot and prohibits roosters. The selling of eggs, breeding of chickens, and slaughtering of chickens are prohibited. The ordinance makes it clear that hens must be kept for personal use only. Hens must at all times be kept in a predator-resistant henhouse or fenced enclosure. The henhouse must provide at least 3 square feet of space per hen. On the other hand, the fenced enclosure is required to provide at least 6 square feet of space per hen. Both the henhouse and fenced enclosure are required to be kept in a clean condition.
4. Metairie, LA
In Metairie, the largest community in Jefferson Parish, LA, backyard chickens are allowed as long as they aren't a nuisance. Or, as long as your neighbors don't complain. This means keeping your chickens in such a manner as to not interfere with the comfort and enjoyment of your neighbors. As per the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances, you must not permit your chickens to roam or run at large. This means keeping your birds in a secure chicken coop or run so as to prevent them from leaving your property.
5. Lafayette, LA
You can have backyard chickens in the City of Lafayette, LA, subject to certain regulations. The Lafayette City-Parish Code dictates that chickens must be at all times kept in a pen, coop, or enclosure. Such enclosures must be kept in a sanitary condition at all times to not become offensive to adjacent neighbors. Additionally, chicken enclosures are required to be kept at least 25 feet from any and every building or structure used for human habitation.
6. Lake Charles, LA
In the city of Lake Charles, LA, you don't need a permit to own backyard chickens. However, you do need to adhere to certain rules. The city code mandates that chickens, ducks, geese, or other fowl be kept in a pen or other enclosures. Such enclosures are required to be located at least 50 feet from any building used for residence or commercial purposes. In addition, you must maintain your chicken enclosure in a sanitary condition and keep it in good repair at all times. According to the city code, you must make your premises available for inspection by a health officer at reasonable times and hours.
7. Kenner, LA
In Kenner, LA, you can not have more than 3 backyard chickens if your residential property is less than 1 acre. The city code dictates that chickens be confined to their owner's property at all times. This means keeping your chickens in a pen, coop, or other enclosure at all times. All chicken enclosures are required by the city code to be located at least 25 feet from the principal building and 50 feet from any residence other than yours.
8. Alexandria, LA
Under certain conditions, you can keep chickens in your backyard in the city of Alexandria, LA. According to Chapter 5 of the city's code of ordinances, it is unlawful for a chicken owner to permit their birds to go upon the streets, sidewalks, public ways, or upon the property of another person. Additionally, the code requires all yards and enclosures where chickens are kept to be maintained in a sanitary condition.
9. Central, LA
In the City of Central, LA, female chickens are allowed to be kept on residential lots of any size. However, a lot size of more than 2 acres is required to keep roosters, geese, guinea fowl, ducks, turkeys, or peacocks in Central, LA. The city's municipal code requires all chickens to be kept in an enclosure, which must be located only in the rear yard. In addition, such enclosures must be kept at least 10 feet from the nearest property line and 50 feet from nearby residences.
10. New Iberia, LA
You can own backyard chickens in New Iberia, LA, as long as you keep the birds in an enclosure at all times. Such enclosure, as required by the city code, must be located at least 25 feet from any and every building used for human habitation. Additionally, the law requires all chicken enclosures to be kept in such a manner as to not become offensive to adjacent neighbors.
