Does Guadalupe County, TX have its own chickens & livestock ordinance?

No. Guadalupe County, TX does not appear to have a local chickens & livestock ordinance, Texas state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Texas Statutes.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Guadalupe County

Guadalupe County, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Few Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Hen Limit: None from county
Poultry Roaming: No county ordinance
Highway Roaming: Class C misdemeanor
HOAs: Often ban livestock

Summary

Unincorporated Guadalupe County has no zoning and sets no hen limit, and the county animal ordinance does not require poultry to stay on your property. Livestock is another matter: owners must keep animals off the highways, and loose stock can be impounded as estrays.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Guadalupe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person who owns or has responsibility for the control of a horse, mule, donkey, cow, bull, steer, hog, sheep, or goat may not knowingly permit the animal to traverse or roam at large, unattended, on the right-of-way of a highway.

Source: Texas StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

With no county zoning, there is no cap on chickens or livestock in unincorporated Guadalupe County, and roosters are allowed. County Animal Control confirms it has no ordinance requiring chickens, ducks, geese, or guinea fowl to stay on an owner's property. Cattle, horses, sheep, and goats are handled differently: Texas Agriculture Code Section 143.102 makes it an offense to knowingly permit them to roam a U.S. or state highway right-of-way, and the county impounds loose livestock under the estray law. HOA deed restrictions in subdivisions frequently ban livestock and limit or prohibit poultry.

Violations & Fines

Permitting covered livestock to roam a state or U.S. highway is a Class C misdemeanor and can make the owner liable for collision damages. Estray livestock is impounded; HOAs enforce their own poultry and livestock bans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep chickens in unincorporated Guadalupe County?

Yes, with no county limit on numbers and roosters allowed. County Animal Control has no poultry-confinement rule, but HOA subdivisions often restrict or ban poultry, so check your deed restrictions.

Am I liable if my cattle get onto the road?

Yes. Permitting livestock onto a U.S. or state highway is an offense under Agriculture Code Section 143.102, and you can be sued for damages from any collision.

Sources & Official References

[1]Texas Statutes

Other rules in Guadalupe County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsLight Restrictions Dog Leash LawsLight Restrictions Breed RestrictionsFew Restrictions Exotic PetsLight Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesLight Restrictions Fire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesFew Restrictions Fire Regulations: Outdoor BurningLight Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesFew Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesFew Restrictions

All Guadalupe County rules

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

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