Backyard chickens in Wichita Falls, Texas
Everything you need to know before you start a backyard flock in Wichita Falls – the rules, the climate and the neighbors with teeth.
Can you keep chickens in Wichita Falls?
Dreaming of fresh eggs in Wichita Falls? The city welcomes backyard hens under its Fowl Permit program, but roosters are off the menu due to noise rules. Here's everything you need to know to keep a legal, happy, predator-safe flock in North Texas.
Yes – with conditions
Yes, Wichita Falls allows residents to keep chickens (hens), but a Fowl Permit is required for anyone owning, possessing, or harboring any fowl within city limits (§ 14-197(a)). Roosters, however, are explicitly prohibited — the code states no person shall own, possess, or harbor guineas, peafowl, or roosters (§ 14-197(c)(2)). Permit holders must keep coops at least 75 feet from any residence other than their own (§ 14-197(b)(1)) and provide at least 12 square feet of floor or ground area per fowl (§ 14-197(b)(2)).
The rules at a glance
- Hens in city limits
- Allowed
- How many hens
- No Set Limit
- Roosters
- No
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit cost
- $3
- Setback from property line
- 75 ft.
Peggy knows Wichita Falls
The rules, straight from the municipal code.
- Coops/pens/housing for fowl must maintain a 75-foot setback from any residence other than the owner's or harborer's own home (§ 14-197(b)(1)).
- A minimum of 12 square feet of floor or ground area must be provided for each fowl (§ 14-197(b)(2)).
- Structures housing fowl must be thoroughly cleaned at least weekly to prevent noxious odors (§ 14-197(b)(3)).
- Fowl housing must be treated with an approved disinfectant at least every six months to control insects, ticks, mites, and mosquitoes (§ 14-197(b)(4)).
- Roosters, guineas, and peafowl are prohibited city-wide (§ 14-197(c)(2)).
- An annual Fowl Permit (currently $3.00 per the Animal Services fee schedule) must be obtained from Animal Services (ASC) before keeping any fowl; keeping fowl without a valid permit is unlawful (§ 14-197(c)(1)).
Where this comes from
Keeping a flock happy in Wichita Falls
🌡️ Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone 8a / Humid Subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
Wichita Falls sits in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a with a humid subtropical climate marked by hot summers (often 95–105°F) and mild winters with occasional freezes. Flock owners should prioritize shade, ventilation, and ample water in summer, and wind-blocking coop design for winter cold snaps and North Texas wind.
🦝 Who's after your hens
North Texas backyard flocks commonly face threats from hawks and other raptors overhead, plus ground predators like raccoons, coyotes, foxes, opossums, skunks, and rat snakes that target eggs and chicks. Predator-proof fencing, secure nighttime coop locking, and hardware cloth (not chicken wire) are strongly recommended given the required 75-foot setback from neighboring homes, which often places coops nearer to fence lines and open areas where predators roam.
🐔 Breeds that do well here
Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Easter Egger, Leghorn, Plymouth Rock, Buff Orpington
Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.
Questions people ask about Wichita Falls
▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Wichita Falls?
Yes. A Fowl Permit is required for anyone owning, possessing, or harboring fowl within city limits, obtained through Animal Services (ASC) (§ 14-197(a)).
▸Can I keep a rooster in Wichita Falls?
No. The city code specifically prohibits owning, possessing, or harboring roosters, as well as guineas and peafowl (§ 14-197(c)(2)).
▸Is there a maximum number of hens allowed?
The ordinance does not set a specific numeric cap on hens; instead it requires 12 square feet of floor/ground area per fowl and a 75-foot setback from neighboring residences, which practically limits flock size based on lot size (§ 14-197(b)(1)-(2)).
▸How far must my chicken coop be from my neighbor's house?
Coops, pens, or fowl housing must be set back at least 75 feet from any residence other than the owner's or harborer's own residence (§ 14-197(b)(1)).
▸How much does the fowl permit cost?
According to the city's Animal Services fee schedule, the Fowl permit fee is $3.00, though the annual fee is set by the health district and approved by city council and can be updated periodically (§ 14-197(a)).
City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Wichita Falls or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 22, 2026.
Ready to start your own flock?
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