DeSoto, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Hens allowed
- No numeric cap
- Rooster ratio
- Max 1 per 2 hens
- Coop setback
- 150 ft from neighbor's home
- Roosters
- Confined at all times
- Enforcement
- DeSoto Animal Services
Summary
DeSoto lets residents keep hens with no numeric cap, but any livestock coop must sit 150 feet from a neighbor's home, stay sanitary, and hold no more than one rooster for every two hens.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person possesses or harbors more than one (1) rooster for every two (2) hens on any premises in the city. ... (d) A person who possesses or harbors a live rooster in the city commits an offense if the person: (1) fails to confine the rooster at all times within an enclosure that is of sufficient height and strength to retain the rooster; ... (3) maintains the enclosure in which the rooster is confined in a manner that creates offensive odors, fly breeding, or any other nuisance or condition that is injurious to the public health, safety or welfare;
Full Breakdown
The rules live in DeSoto's animal ordinance. Hens are allowed and the code sets no cap on their number, but roosters are limited: harboring more than one rooster for every two hens is a municipal offense, and every rooster must stay confined at all times in an enclosure of sufficient height and strength to retain it. Any livestock kept on a lot must sit at least 150 feet from a neighbor's living quarters, and all pens for chickens and other fowl must be maintained so they do not become unsanitary, breed flies, or create offensive odors. DeSoto Animal Services enforces the ordinance by citation, and stock running at large is impounded.
Violations & Fines
Harboring too many roosters, failing to confine a rooster, or keeping a foul-smelling, fly-breeding coop is a municipal offense; DeSoto Animal Services can cite the owner and impound any animal found running at large.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard hens in DeSoto?
Are roosters allowed in DeSoto?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeSoto
How DeSoto compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare DeSoto to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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