Backyard Chickens in Bryan, Texas

Can you keep chickens in Bryan?

Thinking about starting a flock in Bryan, Texas? The Brazos Valley's warm climate and small-town charm make it a great place for backyard chickens, but the City of Bryan does regulate where and how many fowl you can keep. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the actual city ordinance.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, keeping chickens is legal in Bryan, Texas, but it is regulated under Chapter 10 ("Animals"), Article IV ("Livestock, Fowl, and Other Agricultural Animals") of the City of Bryan Code of Ordinances. Under the current Sec. 10-134 – "Fowl," a property within the city limits may not have more than 12 total fowl unless the property is zoned Agricultural-Open (A-O). Fowl enclosures must be set back at least 50 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's own dwelling if there are fewer than 6 fowl on the property, and at least 100 feet from any other dwelling if there are 6 or more fowl on the property.

The ordinance does not require a permit to keep fowl. It also does not single out roosters for an outright ban the way it does for ostriches and emus (which are explicitly prohibited under the older Sec. 10-22(c)). However, Sec. 10-10 of the Code makes it unlawful to disturb the peace and quiet of neighboring properties with an animal's "barking, howling, crowing, or other noise of any kind," which functions as a de facto restriction on roosters in residential areas.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 12
Roosters: conditional
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 50 ft.

Peggy knows Bryan

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under Sec. 10-134(b), any enclosure housing fowl must be at least 50 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's own dwelling, provided there are fewer than 6 fowl on the property.
If there are 6 or more fowl on the property, the enclosure must be at least 100 feet from any other dwelling.
A property in the city limits may not have more than 12 fowl total unless the property is zoned A-O (Agricultural-Open).
The fowl rules do not apply to exotic birds such as parakeets and parrots that are kept primarily indoors.
Under Sec. 10-22, owners must keep chickens, turkeys, geese, or other domestic fowl enclosed on their own premises so they cannot get onto public streets, alleys, or the property of others; letting fowl run at large is unlawful.
Ostriches and emus are explicitly prohibited within the city (Sec. 10-22(c)).
Under the general nuisance provision (Sec. 10-10), it is unlawful to disturb neighbors' peace and quiet with an animal's crowing or other noise, or to disturb neighbors with smell from an animal, its food, waste, or enclosure — this effectively discourages keeping roosters in populated areas even though they are not named in the fowl-specific section.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Bryan

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 8b/9a - Humid Subtropical

Bryan, Texas experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F and mild winters that rarely dip below freezing for extended periods. Coop ventilation and shade are critical in summer, while minimal winterizing is needed compared to northern climates.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSnakeOpossumSkunk

Backyard flocks in the Bryan/Brazos County area commonly face threats from raccoons, hawks, foxes, coyotes, snakes (which target eggs and chicks), opossums, and skunks. Secure, hardware-cloth-covered coops and runs with locking latches are recommended, especially given the required setback distances that can put coops closer to tree lines or fence rows where predators travel.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, Easter Egger, Australorp, Ancona

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Bryan

▸How many chickens can I have in Bryan, TX?

Under Sec. 10-134 of the City Code, a property in the Bryan city limits may not have more than 12 total fowl (chickens, turkeys, geese, etc.) unless the property is zoned A-O (Agricultural-Open).

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bryan?

No. The fowl provisions in Chapter 10 of the Bryan Code of Ordinances do not require a permit to keep chickens, unlike the city's 'Over 4 Permit' system for dogs and cats.

▸Are roosters allowed in Bryan?

The fowl ordinance does not explicitly ban roosters by name, but the city's general nuisance ordinance (Sec. 10-10) makes it unlawful for an animal's crowing or other noise to disturb the peace and quiet of neighboring properties, which in practice restricts keeping roosters in most residential areas.

▸How far from my neighbor's house does my coop need to be?

At least 50 feet from any dwelling other than your own if you keep fewer than 6 fowl, or at least 100 feet from any other dwelling if you keep 6 or more fowl, per Sec. 10-134(b).

▸Can I keep chickens loose in my yard in Bryan?

No. Sec. 10-22 requires that chickens and other domestic fowl be kept enclosed on the owner's premises so they cannot get onto public streets, alleys, or neighboring property; letting them run at large is unlawful.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Bryan or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 20, 2026.