Urban chicken keeping is becoming increasingly popular in the state of Louisiana. Many residents are taking advantage of the opportunity to raise their own chickens for fresh eggs and for the joy of having them as pets. However, it's important to research and follow local regulations before starting a backyard flock anywhere in the Pelican State, as each city has its own regulations and guidelines for keeping chickens.
Some Louisiana cities and neighborhoods have specific rules about the number of chickens allowed, coop size and placement, and how to handle waste. This article lists some cities in Louisiana that allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards and provides information on the regulations and requirements for backyard chicken keeping in each city.
New Orleans, LA
In New Orleans, Louisiana, residents are allowed to keep backyard chickens in accordance with certain regulations. These regulations include obtaining a permit from the city, not having more than six chickens per household, not keeping chickens for commercial purposes, and ensuring that the chickens are properly contained within a coop or fenced area at all times to prevent them from wandering into neighboring yards. Additionally, chickens must be provided with adequate food, water, and shelter, and their waste must be properly disposed of to prevent any unpleasant odors or health hazards.
New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance requires that chicken coops and runs be adequately lighted, ventilated, and located at least 10 feet from all lot lines and 10 feet from any dwelling. Furthermore, the on-site slaughtering of chickens is prohibited within the city limits of New Orleans.
Baton Rouge, LA
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, residents are allowed to keep chickens in their backyard as long as they follow certain rules. These rules include obtaining a permit from the city, keeping no more than three chickens (roosters are not allowed) on a lot less than one acre, providing a secure coop for the chickens, and keeping the coop and surrounding area clean to prevent odor and pest problems. If you have a property of more than two acres in Baton Rouge, you can own roosters, geese, guinea fowl, ducks, turkeys, or peacocks.
According to Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances, chicken pens, coops, or other enclosures must be located at least 50 feet from neighboring residences and 10 feet from the nearest property line.
Shreveport, LA
The City of Shreveport permits residents to keep hens in their backyards for personal use only. The selling of eggs or engagement in chicken breeding or fertilizer production for commercial purposes is not allowed in Shreveport. Additionally, Shreveport prohibits the on-site slaughtering of chickens. Shreveport allows residents to keep up to six hens per lot. Hens are required to be wing-clipped to prevent escape and at all times be kept in a coop or fenced enclosure. Hen coops must provide at least 3 square feet of space per hen kept therein while fenced enclosures are required to provide 6 square feet of space per hen kept therein.
In addition, hen coops and fenced enclosures are required to provide adequate ventilation, sun, shade, and be constructed in a manner to resist access by rodents, wild birds, and predators, according to Shreveport's
ordinance.
Lafayette, LA
In Lafayette, Louisiana, residents are allowed to keep backyard chickens, turkeys, geese, guinea fowl, and pigeons under certain conditions. The first requirement is that chickens or other fowl must be kept in a secure coop or enclosure that is predator-proof and well-ventilated.
The enclosure must also be located at least 25 from any residence, church, or school. Lafayette chicken owners must also ensure that their birds do not create a nuisance for neighbors by making excessive noise or emitting strong odors. Lafayette City-Parish
Code does not restrict the number of chickens or other fowl residents can own.
Lake Charles, LA
The City of Lake Charles allows residents to keep backyard chickens, ducks, and geese as long as they follow specific
guidelines. First, chickens or other fowl must be kept for noncommercial purposes only. Second, chickens must be kept in a coop or fenced area that is located at least 50 feet away from neighboring residences.
Third, chicken coops or fenced enclosures must be kept clean and free of odor. Fourth, chickens must not be allowed to roam free and must be kept contained within the designated area. Finally, Lake Charles chicken owners are required to make available their premises for inspection by sanitarians at reasonable times and hours. By following these guidelines, Lake Charles residents can enjoy the benefits of keeping backyard chickens without violating any city regulations.
Kenner, LA
In Kenner, Louisiana, residents are allowed to keep backyard chickens under certain conditions. The maximum number of chickens allowed per lot less than one acre is three. Chickens must be kept in a coop or fenced area that is located at least 50 feet from any neighboring property and 25 from the main building.
All chicken coops or fenced enclosures must also be properly ventilated, predator-proof, and kept in a sanitary condition at all times to prevent odors. Additionally, chickens must be provided with adequate food and water, and be prevented from running at large or being at large in the city. Furthermore, Kenner chicken owners are required by
city ordinance to keep their birds in such a manner as to not cause a nuisance.
Other Louisiana Cities
- Alexandria, LA: Permits chickens. No number restriction
- Monroe, LA: Chickens permitted. No maximum number
- Zachary, LA: Chickens allowed. Running at large prohibited
- Central, LA: Chickens allowed with certain conditions
- New Iberia, LA: Permits chickens. No restriction on number
- Ruston, LA: Chickens are permitted. Running at large prohibited
- Hammond, LA: Allows chickens. Running at large prohibited
- Sulphur, LA: Chickens are permitted. No number restriction
- Natchitoches, LA: Chickens must be kept in an enclosure at all times
- Gretna, LA: No limit on the number of chickens residents can own
- Broussard, LA: The keeping of chickens is allowed
- Pineville, LA: Permits chickens. Running at large not allowed
- Mandeville, LA: No limit on the number of chickens. Running at large prohibited
