Chicken Laws by County in Louisiana

From New Orleans to Shreveport and all across the bayou, more Louisiana residents are turning to backyard chickens for fresh eggs, sustainability, and a connection to nature. But before you get started, there’s one key fact: chicken laws in Louisiana vary by parish, city, and neighborhood.

This guide provides a parish-by-parish breakdown of chicken laws in Louisiana, so you can raise your flock legally, responsibly, and with confidence.

---

Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Louisiana?

Yes, chickens are legal in Louisiana, but there is no statewide law regulating backyard poultry. Instead, each parish (county equivalent in Louisiana) and municipality sets its own ordinances based on:

• Zoning classification (residential, agricultural, rural)

• Lot size and density

• Flock size and rooster restrictions

• Coop placement and cleanliness

• Permitting and nuisance laws

Before you start building, use the chicken coop calculator to plan a coop that meets both comfort and code requirements.

---

Chicken Laws by Parish in Louisiana

Here’s a breakdown of the most populated and active parishes across Louisiana and what they allow when it comes to backyard chickens.

---

Orleans Parish (Including New Orleans)

Are chickens allowed in New Orleans?
Yes, but with specific restrictions.

• Up to 8 hens allowed per household

• Roosters are prohibited

• Chickens must be:

  • Kept in secure, enclosed coops

  • 25 feet from any neighboring residence

  • Clean and free from odor or noise complaints

• Permit not required unless selling eggs or raising commercially

• Chickens are not allowed to roam freely

Urban poultry is popular in New Orleans, especially in neighborhoods like Bywater and Gentilly, but enforcement is strict on nuisances.

---

East Baton Rouge Parish (Including Baton Rouge)

• Baton Rouge allows chickens in most residential areas:

  • Limit: 6 hens

  • No roosters allowed

  • Coops must be:

    • Located in the rear yard

    • 25 feet from other homes

    • Secure, sanitary, and free from pests

• Permits not required for non-commercial flocks

• Chickens must be enclosed at all times and not free-roaming

Some HOAs within East Baton Rouge Parish may impose stricter rules, so check your neighborhood regulations.

---

Jefferson Parish (Including Metairie, Kenner)

• Backyard chickens are allowed in many residential zones

• Up to 6 hens, no roosters

• Coop must be:

  • In the backyard

  • 15–25 feet from property lines or neighboring homes

• Chickens must be confined at all times

• Sanitation and odor control is strictly enforced

• No permit required for small, personal flocks

Metairie and Kenner follow similar guidelines with additional restrictions in tighter neighborhoods.

---

Caddo Parish (Including Shreveport)

• Shreveport allows chickens in residential zones:

  • Limit: 4–6 hens

  • Roosters banned due to noise concerns

  • Coops must be:

    • In the rear yard

    • At least 20 feet from adjacent dwellings

    • Clean, enclosed, and not visible from the street

• Chickens must be kept on the property and within a fenced area

• No permit needed unless operating a commercial poultry operation

Outside Shreveport city limits, rural areas of Caddo Parish often allow more chickens and roosters under agricultural zoning.

---

Lafayette Parish (Including Lafayette City)

• Lafayette City:

  • Allows chickens in residential areas

  • Limit: 6 hens

  • Roosters not permitted

  • Coop must be:

    • In the rear yard only

    • 25 feet from all property lines

    • Enclosed, clean, and odor-free

• No city permit required, but HOA restrictions may apply

• In rural Lafayette Parish, chicken keeping is more flexible and common

---

St. Tammany Parish (Including Slidell, Covington)

• Chickens allowed in most residential and agricultural zones

• Up to 8 hens allowed in suburban areas

• Roosters prohibited in neighborhoods

• Coop placement:

  • Minimum 20 feet from any property line

  • Must be enclosed and predator-proof

• Cleanliness and noise rules are strictly enforced

• No permit required unless running a business

St. Tammany Parish is chicken-friendly, especially in less densely populated areas.

---

Calcasieu Parish (Including Lake Charles)

• Lake Charles permits backyard chickens:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • Roosters not allowed

  • Coops must be:

    • 25 feet away from neighboring homes

    • In the rear yard only

    • Secure, clean, and covered

• Chickens cannot be allowed to roam off property

• No permit required for non-commercial use

In rural Calcasieu Parish, flocks may be larger and roosters allowed under AG zoning.

---

Ouachita Parish (Including Monroe)

• Monroe allows:

  • Up to 6 hens, no roosters

  • Coops must be at least 20 feet from dwellings

  • Chickens must be contained at all times

  • No permit required unless selling eggs

Outside Monroe, rural areas of Ouachita Parish often allow freerange chickens and roosters.

---

Rapides Parish (Including Alexandria)

• Alexandria allows backyard chickens:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • Roosters banned

  • Coops must be in the rear yard

  • Must meet 25-foot setbacks

• Chickens must be fenced or cooped

• Outside city limits, chicken keeping is popular and less regulated

---

Common Chicken Laws Across Louisiana Parishes

Here are the typical regulations found across Louisiana’s parishes and cities:

Before building your coop, use this chicken coop calculator to ensure your design is legal, efficient, and bird-friendly.

---

Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Louisiana

Urban/Suburban Areas (e.g., New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport):

• Limited to 4–6 hens

• Roosters banned

• Strict coop placement and cleanliness rules

• HOA rules may apply

• Permits not usually required, but enforcement is more active

Rural/Unincorporated Areas:

• Larger flocks allowed

• Roosters usually permitted

• Fewer or no setback requirements

• Freerange often accepted

• Ideal for hobby farms or small-scale homesteading

---

How to Check Chicken Laws in Your Parish

Follow these steps to verify what’s allowed in your area:

1. Check your zoning classification with your parish or city planning department

2. Review municipal codes on official websites

3. Call your local zoning or code enforcement office for clarification

4. Ask your HOA or neighborhood association if applicable

Laws can change by street or subdivision, so never assume you’re automatically allowed to keep chickens.

---

Building a Legal Chicken Coop in Louisiana

Here’s how to stay compliant and keep your birds comfortable:

• 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop

• 8–10 square feet per bird in the outdoor run

• Proper ventilation and shade for Louisiana’s hot climate

• Fully enclosed with predator-proof fencing

• Coop must follow setback requirements and be clean and odor-free

Design your coop legally and efficiently with the chicken coop calculator—a simple tool that helps you avoid violations and protect your flock.

---

Conclusion

Raising chickens in Louisiana is both legal and rewarding—but only if you follow the local rules. With every parish and city setting their own guidelines, it’s crucial to check your zoning laws, build the right setup, and be a courteous chicken keeper.

Whether you live in New Orleans or a quiet part of Calcasieu Parish, doing your homework upfront means you can enjoy fresh eggs, healthy birds, and happy neighbors.

Ready to start your flock? Use the chicken coop calculator to plan your coop the right way—and raise chickens the legal, responsible way in Louisiana.