Backyard chickens in Killeen, Texas
Everything you need to know before you start a backyard flock in Killeen – the rules, the climate and the neighbors with teeth.
Can you keep chickens in Killeen?
Thinking about raising hens in Killeen, Texas? The city updated its animal ordinance in 2023 to give Fort Hood-area families a clear, hen-friendly path to backyard egg production — as long as you keep your flock small, quiet, and a safe distance from the neighbors.
Yes – with conditions
Yes. The City of Killeen amended Chapter 6 (Animals) of its Code of Ordinances in 2023 (Ordinance No. 23-013) to specifically allow backyard hens. Per the City's official Animal Services FAQ page, which cites Sections 6-40 of the Code of Ordinances, up to 8 hens are allowed to be kept per residence provided that the hens are confined in a coop that is no less than 25 feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property. Roosters and all other fowl are prohibited in residential zoning districts.
The rules at a glance
- Hens in city limits
- Allowed
- How many hens
- 8
- Roosters
- No
- Permit required
- No
- Permit cost
- Not specified
- Setback from property line
- 25 ft.
Peggy knows Killeen
The rules, straight from the municipal code.
Hens must be kept confined to a coop. Up to 8 hens are allowed to be kept per residence provided that the hens are confined in a coop that is no less than 25 feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property. Roosters and all other fowl are prohibited in residential zoning districts. This means ducks, geese, turkeys, and other domestic fowl beyond hens are not permitted on residential-zoned lots inside city limits. The City's news coverage of the ordinance's adoption confirms the ordinance that went into effect on Wednesday allows up to eight hens — but no roosters — in the city. No separate city permit or registration is referenced for keeping a small backyard flock within these limits.
Keeping a flock happy in Killeen
🌡️ Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone 8a/8b (Central Texas)
Killeen sits in Central Texas near Fort Hood, with hot, humid summers often exceeding 95-100°F and mild, short winters that occasionally dip below freezing. Coops should prioritize shade, cross-ventilation, and access to cool water in summer, while providing simple wind-blocks for the infrequent winter cold snaps.
🦝 Who's after your hens
Central Texas backyards near Killeen commonly see raccoons, opossums, and snakes raiding coops at night, while hawks pose a daytime threat to free-ranging hens. Coyotes and foxes are also present in the surrounding Bell County countryside and can venture into suburban yards, so secure, buried-wire coop construction and a covered run are strongly recommended.
🐔 Breeds that do well here
Leghorn, Easter Egger, Australorp, Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock
Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.
Questions people ask about Killeen
▸How many chickens can I legally keep in Killeen?
Up to 8 hens are allowed to be kept per residence provided that the hens are confined in a coop that is no less than 25 feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property.
▸Are roosters allowed in Killeen city limits?
No. Roosters and all other fowl are prohibited in residential zoning districts.
▸Do I need a permit to keep backyard hens in Killeen?
The city's ordinance and FAQ page do not list a permit or registration requirement for keeping up to 8 hens; the main requirement is proper coop placement and the 25-foot setback from neighboring habitable structures.
▸How far must my chicken coop be from my neighbor's house?
Hens must be confined in a coop that is no less than 25 feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property.
▸Can I keep ducks, geese, or turkeys in Killeen?
No. Roosters and all other fowl are prohibited in residential zoning districts, meaning only hens are permitted on residential lots.
City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Killeen or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 10, 2026.
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