Jefferson Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Fowl running at large
- Prohibited (§ 7-1)
- Numeric hen limit in Ch. 7
- None set
- Placement governed by
- Zoning Chapter 40
- Fowl defined
- Chicken, hen, turkey, goose, duck
- Cities differ
- Kenner, Gretna set own rules
Summary
Jefferson Parish's animal code sets no fixed limit on backyard chickens or other fowl kept on private property, but fowl and poultry may not run at large, and where they roam onto streets or a neighbor's land they may be impounded. Placement and number are governed by the Chapter 40
It shall be unlawful to permit any cattle, horse, swine, sheep, goat, poultry or other livestock of any description to roam or run at large or be upon any street, alleyway, highway, common or public square, or on the property of any neighbor, except with his or her consent.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 7 defines fowl as any bird used as food or game, such as a chicken, hen, turkey, goose, pheasant, or duck. Section 7-1 makes it unlawful to permit poultry or other livestock to run at large or be on a neighbor's property without consent, and such animals may be impounded by the JPAWS livestock keeper. The animal code itself imposes no numeric cap on hens kept on your own lot; instead, keeping is regulated through the parish Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 40) by district, plus the parish's public-nuisance and sanitation provisions. Roosters that generate noise complaints can draw enforcement. Incorporated cities such as Kenner, Gretna, Harahan, and Westwego set their own rules.
Violations & Fines
Poultry or fowl running at large may be impounded by the JPAWS livestock keeper; zoning and nuisance violations are enforced through correction orders and fines under the parish Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in unincorporated Jefferson Parish?
Can my chickens roam free?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson Parish
How Jefferson Parish compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Jefferson Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.