Keeping Chickens in Tennessee, Texas

We’ve compiled a list of major cities and their chicken keeping laws in Tennessee and Texas. Laws are always subject to change, so be sure to visit your city’s website or zoning office to obtain the most up to date information. And, even if you don’t live within city limits, you may be subject to county laws. If you don’t see your city or county of residence listed, contact your appropriate office to verify if there are laws that apply to keeping chickens.

Tennessee

Tennessee has many different chicken-keeping laws depending on the city. Be sure to read carefully and contact your city with any questions.

Bartlett - no official limit; roosters aren’t specified; permit may be required
Chattanooga - chickens only allowed for lots zoned for agriculture, or lots of 5 acres or more; a permit may be required
Clarksville - chickens allowed in certain zones; up to 8 hens; no roosters; permit required
Hendersonville - chickens allowed in certain zones; 1 hen per 1,300sqft of lot space; no roosters; permit may be required
Jackson - no official limits; roosters require city approval; permit required
Johnson City - no official limits; roosters aren’t specified; a permit may be required
Knoxville - up to 6 hens; no roosters; permit required
Memphis - no official limits; roosters allowed, but subject to noise ordinance; permits required in certain zones
Murfreesboro - no official limit; roosters allowed, but have to be 2,000ft from the nearest residence; permit may be required
Nashville - number of hens is determined by lot size; no roosters; permit required

Man stood admiring his chickens inside Eglu Cube chicken coop run.

The Eglu Cube chicken coop with customizable run is perfect for any backyard.

Texas

Texas is a large state, with large cities. All of the cities on our list allow backyard chickens, but keep in mind that many of these cities have several suburbs or smaller cities surrounding them — so be sure you know where your property lines fall in order to contact the correct city officials.

Arlington - up to 25 hens depending on lot size; no roosters; permit required
Austin - no official limit on hens; roosters are likely prohibited; permit may be required
Corpus Christi - up to 7 hens; no roosters; permit may be required
Dallas - no official limit on hens; no roosters; permit may be required
El Paso - up to 6 chickens; permit required
Fort Worth - up to 12 chickens on lots under half an acre, 25 on lots of a half to 1 full acre, and up to 50 on lots larger than 1 acre; permit may be required
Houston - up to 30 hens; no roosters
Laredo - up to 4 hens, potentially more if coop locations can accommodate them according to code; no roosters; permit may be required
San Antonio - up to 8 chickens; a permit may be required
Waco - no official limit; roosters not specified; permit may be required

Omlet and your flock

With sanitary chicken coops in alignment with state recommendations, we’ve got the setups you need to have a thriving backyard flock in compliance with your city. Our mobile chicken coops and walk in chicken runs make it easy to create your hen’s home within the parameters set forth in your area.