Backyard Chickens in Laredo, Texas

Can you keep chickens in Laredo?

Thinking about keeping hens in Laredo? The Gateway City allows backyard chickens under its Animals and Fowl ordinance, with rules based on setback distance rather than a hard cap on hen numbers. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found when we read the actual city code.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Backyard chicken keeping is legal in Laredo under Chapter 6, Animals and Fowl, Article III, Small Animals, Sec. 6-42 of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances. The code does not set a flat maximum number of hens; instead it uses a tiered setback system. Keeping four or fewer small animals/fowl requires the enclosure to be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence or occupied structure, while keeping five or more (in any combination) requires a 100-foot setback. Any male chicken (rooster), regardless of how many are kept, is always subject to the larger 100-foot setback, which in practice makes roosters impractical on most standard residential lots.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

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

Peggy knows Laredo

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under Sec. 6-42(a)(5)-(6) of the Laredo Code of Ordinances, as amended by Ordinance 2017-O-072:

Keeping 4 or fewer small animals/fowl requires a minimum 50-foot setback from any residence, structure, or building used for human habitation or other lawful activity (other than the keeper's own home/business).
Keeping 5 or more small animals/fowl in any combination, or any number of male chickens (roosters), requires a 100-foot setback from neighboring residences or occupied structures.
The 50-foot tier's definition of "fowl" specifically excludes male chickens — roosters are always held to the stricter 100-foot rule no matter how many are kept.
Upon inspection, the Animal Care Services director may exempt a keeper from the number and/or setback rules if the animals will not endanger life, health, or property and will not become a nuisance (Sec. 6-42(a)(7)). Property owners seeking this exemption can apply for a Special Permit, which carries a $15.00 fee per the current Laredo Animal Care Services Fee Schedule.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Laredo

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 9a/9b (Hot semi-arid/subtropical)

Laredo sits in South Texas along the Rio Grande and experiences one of the hottest climates in the state, with long, intense summers frequently exceeding 100°F and mild, short winters. Coops need excellent ventilation, shade, and constant access to cool water to prevent heat stress; insulation for cold is rarely a concern here.

🦝 Who's after your hens

HawkRaccoonCoyoteSnakeOpossum

Laredo's mix of urban edges, brushland, and riverside habitat along the Rio Grande supports hawks, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and rat snakes, all of which readily target unprotected coops. Secure, buried hardware-cloth fencing and a fully enclosed run are strongly recommended given the area's active predator population.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Heat-tolerant breeds do best in Laredo's climate, including Leghorns, Easter Eggers, Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, and Naked Necks (Turkens), which handle high temperatures better than heavily-feathered cold-climate breeds.

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

Questions people ask about Laredo

▸How many chickens can I keep in Laredo?

Laredo's code doesn't set a strict maximum. Instead, the number you can keep depends on setback distance: four or fewer birds need only a 50-foot setback from neighboring homes, while five or more require a 100-foot setback (Sec. 6-42).

▸Are roosters allowed in Laredo?

Roosters aren't outright banned, but the code always applies the stricter 100-foot setback to any male chicken, no matter how many hens you keep. On most standard residential lots this distance is impossible to meet, which is why roosters are rarely practical within city limits.

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

No permit is required if you comply with the setback rules. However, if you want an exemption from the standard number/setback requirements, you can apply for a Special Permit ($15) through Laredo Animal Care Services, which requires a property inspection.

▸How close to my neighbor's house can my coop be?

For up to 4 birds, the coop must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence or occupied building. For 5 or more birds, or if you keep any rooster, the required setback increases to 100 feet.

▸Who enforces chicken ordinances in Laredo?

Laredo Animal Care Services (5202 Maher Avenue) administers and enforces Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances, including inspections for special permit exemptions.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Laredo or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 12, 2026.