Chicken Laws by County in New Mexico

Thinking about raising backyard chickens in New Mexico? Whether you live in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or a rural community, fresh eggs and sustainable living are just a few hens away. But before you start building a coop or picking out breeds, you need to know this: chicken laws in New Mexico are set locally—by cities, towns, and counties—not by the state.

This comprehensive, county-by-county guide helps you understand chicken ordinances across New Mexico so you can confidently raise your flock without breaking any local rules.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in New Mexico?

Direct answer: Yes, chickens are legal in most parts of New Mexico. However, specific regulations—like how many hens you can have, whether roosters are permitted, and how far your coop must be from neighboring homes—are decided by your local city or county government.

Most areas regulate:

• Flock size limits

• Rooster bans in residential areas

• Coop placement and setback requirements

• Permits or animal control registrations

• Cleanliness and noise control ordinances

Need help building a legal coop that fits your space and flock? Try the chicken coop calculator to design your setup the right way.

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Chicken Laws by County in New Mexico

Let’s explore how backyard chicken laws differ by county and major municipalities in New Mexico. Always verify with your local planning or zoning department before getting started.

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Bernalillo County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal in most parts of Bernalillo County, including Albuquerque, but restrictions apply based on zoning.

Details:

• Albuquerque allows chickens in most residential zones:

  • Up to 15 fowl total (chickens, ducks, etc.)

  • Roosters are banned

  • Coop must be clean, ventilated, and at least 20 feet from neighboring dwellings

  • No permit is required for fewer than 15 birds

• In unincorporated Bernalillo County, chickens are generally allowed, with fewer restrictions in rural zones.

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Doña Ana County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are permitted, especially in rural and low-density zones, but Las Cruces has more specific rules.

Details:

• Las Cruces allows chickens in residential zones:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • No roosters

  • Coops must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines

  • Permits are not typically required unless there are nuisance complaints

• Rural areas of the county offer greater flexibility, often allowing larger flocks and roosters.

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Santa Fe County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed throughout the county, but the City of Santa Fe enforces stricter residential regulations.

Details:

• City of Santa Fe permits backyard chickens with:

  • A limit of 6 hens per household

  • Roosters not allowed

  • Coops must be 10 feet from all property lines and kept clean

  • No permit is required, but inspections may occur upon complaints

• Unincorporated areas are typically more relaxed, with zoning that permits poultry as part of rural living.

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Sandoval County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in both rural and suburban areas, but incorporated towns may have specific limits.

Details:

• Rio Rancho allows chickens with:

  • A limit of 10 hens

  • No roosters

  • Coop setbacks of 15–25 feet depending on property layout

  • No formal permit, but adherence to animal nuisance laws is required

• In Corrales and rural zones, chickens are welcomed as part of the agricultural lifestyle.

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San Juan County

Direct answer: Most towns allow backyard chickens, especially in agricultural and low-density zones.

Details:

• Farmington allows hens in residential areas:

  • Up to 6 hens, no roosters

  • Coop must be 15 feet from property lines

  • A permit may be required for more than 6 birds

• Unincorporated areas have minimal restrictions and often allow larger flocks and roosters.

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Chaves County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are generally allowed with few restrictions, even in incorporated cities like Roswell.

Details:

• Roswell allows chickens with:

  • A limit of 6–10 hens

  • Roosters are allowed but may be restricted if noise becomes an issue

  • Coop distance of at least 25 feet from any residence

• County areas typically impose no permits or specific limits.

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Otero County

Direct answer: Chickens are permitted in most areas, with few restrictions in unincorporated communities.

Details:

• Alamogordo permits backyard chickens with a limit of 6 hens and bans roosters.

• Coop must be kept sanitary and placed 15 feet from property lines.

• In the rural stretches of Otero County, chickens are commonplace and unregulated.

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Lea County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal throughout the county, with rules primarily set by incorporated towns.

Details:

• Hobbs and Lovington allow chickens in residential areas with:

  • Coop and pen required

  • Roosters often discouraged or banned

  • Number of birds limited (typically 6–10)

• Rural areas allow larger flocks and generally don’t require permits.

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Curry County

Direct answer: Most of Curry County supports backyard chicken ownership, including in Clovis.

Details:

• Clovis allows chickens with:

  • A limit of 6 hens, no roosters

  • Coop must be 20 feet from neighboring homes

  • Sanitation and noise control are required

• Outside city limits, there’s little to no oversight on flock size or coop placement.

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Grant County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely allowed with minimal regulation, especially in unincorporated zones.

Details:

• Silver City allows backyard chickens with reasonable restrictions:

  • No roosters in residential neighborhoods

  • Small flocks (6–10 hens) allowed

  • Coops must be clean and predator-proof

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What Most New Mexico Chicken Laws Have in Common

Despite local variation, most chicken ordinances across the state follow a common pattern:

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Tips for Staying Legal with Backyard Chickens in New Mexico

Want to avoid complaints, fines, or forced removal? Follow these tips:

• Check your town or city ordinance—call your local planning department.

• Skip the rooster if you live in a neighborhood or suburb.

• Respect setback rules—don’t build your coop too close to a neighbor’s property.

• Keep it clean—sanitation issues are the top reason for complaints.

• Use the chicken coop calculator to make sure your coop meets space and legal guidelines.

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Conclusion: New Mexico Is Chicken-Friendly—Just Follow the Local Rules

New Mexico offers plenty of opportunities for backyard chicken ownership, from rural farms to city lots. But with no statewide chicken law, it’s on you to check your city or county regulations before starting your flock.

Most towns support small-scale poultry keeping—as long as you follow the rules, maintain your coop, and avoid noise or odor issues.

Ready to build your coop and raise your flock? Use the chicken coop calculator to figure out how much space you need for your birds and make sure your setup is compliant.

Happy hens, fresh eggs, and peace of mind—it all starts with knowing the law.