Backyard chickens in Houston, Texas

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Houston, but the city's setback rules make them impractical for most standard residential lots. Houston's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl), Article II governs the keeping of fowl.

Under Sec. 6-31, it is unlawful to keep chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, pea-fowl or other fowl (other than small caged birds like parakeets) within 100 feet of any neighboring residence, church, school or hospital other than the coop owner's own home. Because most Houston residential lots are far narrower than 100 feet, this effectively prohibits backyard flocks unless the property is unusually large or the coop can be sited far from adjoining homes.

Where the 100-foot setback CAN be met, Sec. 6-35 allows up to 30 chickens (or other single fowl type) on a lot/enclosure of 65 by 125 feet or less, with the allowed number increasing proportionally on larger lots. Sec. 6-38 makes it unlawful to possess or sell roosters (male chickens) anywhere in the city, regardless of setback. Sec. 6-37 separately bans keeping guinea fowl/guinea hens. A narrow exception in Sec. 6-39 lets a resident obtain a director-issued permit to keep up to 7 chicken hens for medical reasons (a physician's certification that the person needs fresh unfertilized eggs), subject to a coop inspection.

Houston has long, hot, humid summers (routinely 90-100°F with high humidity) and short, mild winters with only occasional freezes. Heat stress, not cold, is the primary climate challenge for backyard flocks here — coops need excellent shade, cross-ventilation, and constant access to cool water. Heavy seasonal rain and hurricane risk also mean coops should be elevated and well-drained to avoid flooding and damp bedding, which can promote parasites and respiratory illness.

Raccoons and opossums are common in Houston's bayous and green spaces and are skilled at opening simple latches, so use predator-proof (raccoon-resistant) locks. Red-tailed hawks and other raptors are present year-round and can take free-ranging birds, especially where tree cover is limited. Rat snakes and other snakes are drawn to coops for eggs and rodents. Coyotes have become increasingly common even in inner-city Houston neighborhoods, and skunks may dig under fencing. Bury or reinforce the base of runs and use secure, latched housing at night.