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Amarillo, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Limit
4 fowl per quarter-acre
Minimum lot
One-quarter acre
Roosters
Max 25% of flock
Small flocks
Under 4 birds: 1 rooster
Enforcement
Animal Management & Welfare Dept.

Summary

Amarillo caps backyard fowl at four Barnyard Fowl per quarter-acre, and only on lots of at least one-quarter acre. Roosters aren't banned, but they can't exceed 25 percent of the flock. Chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, peacocks, and turkeys all count.

(f) It shall be unlawful to keep Barnyard Fowl within the City limits, except: at a location zoned for Industrial, Agricultural, or Heavy Commercial use; or, up to four (4) Barnyard Fowl per quarter-acre may be kept at a location otherwise zoned provided that the location is not less than one-quarter acre in size. (g) It shall be unlawful for a chicken flock to have more than twenty-five (25) percent male birds (roosters). (h) Flocks that consist of less than four (4) birds may not have more than one (1) rooster.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 8-2-5(f) makes it unlawful to keep Barnyard Fowl inside Amarillo except on land zoned Industrial, Agricultural, or Heavy Commercial, or up to four fowl per quarter-acre on any other lot that is at least one-quarter acre. Cages and shelters must sit behind the Building Setback Lines in the Zoning Ordinance, and no fowl may occupy the front yard of a one- or two-family dwelling. Roosters may not exceed 25 percent of a flock, and flocks of fewer than four birds are limited to one rooster. The Animal Management & Welfare Department enforces these limits.

Violations & Fines

Keeping fowl on a lot under one-quarter acre, exceeding four birds per quarter-acre, or running too many roosters is unlawful under § 8-2-5; Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare enforces it by citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep chickens in my Amarillo backyard?
Yes, if your lot is at least one-quarter acre. You may keep up to four Barnyard Fowl per quarter-acre. Lots smaller than one-quarter acre may not keep fowl at all.
Are roosters allowed in Amarillo?
Yes. Roosters aren't banned, but they can't make up more than 25 percent of a flock, and a flock of fewer than four birds may keep only one rooster.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Amarillo

Dog Leash LawsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPet LimitsLight RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterLight RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsBeekeepingLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Dibs & Space SavingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome Restrictions

All Amarillo rules

How Amarillo compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Amarillo to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview

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