Bexar County Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Unincorporated Bexar County places no restrictions on keeping backyard chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, or other poultry. There are no permits required, no limits on flock size, no coop setback requirements, and no prohibitions on roosters at the county level. This has been confirmed by residents who contacted Bexar County Animal Control directly.

The absence of restrictions is consistent with the county's lack of zoning authority in unincorporated areas. Texas state law further supports backyard poultry keeping through HB 1750, which took effect in 2023 and classifies backyard chickens as agricultural operations. This law shields chicken keepers from nuisance lawsuits and prevents cities from banning backyard flocks unless they can prove an imminent health danger. While HB 1750 primarily affects cities, it provides an additional layer of protection for poultry keepers throughout Texas.

Livestock keeping is similarly unrestricted in unincorporated Bexar County. There are no county zoning ordinances that limit the type or number of livestock on a property. However, loose livestock should be reported to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office at 210-335-6000 (press option 1), as free-roaming livestock can create road safety hazards.

HOA deed restrictions are the primary limitation on keeping chickens or livestock in unincorporated Bexar County. HB 1750 does not override private HOA covenants, so if your subdivision's deed restrictions prohibit poultry or livestock, those rules remain legally enforceable. Residents should review their property's deed restrictions before acquiring animals.