McKinney, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Max fowl
- 12 per enclosure
- Roosters
- Banned in residential districts
- Male birds
- Max one-fourth of flock
- Enclosure
- Indoors or secure pen/yard
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per day
Summary
McKinney lets residents keep up to an aggregate of 12 fowl per enclosure with no permit, but roosters are banned in residential districts and no more than one-fourth of the flock may be male. Ducks, turkeys, geese, and peacocks are prohibited outside agricultural zones.
(c) Regulation of fowl. Roosters are banned within the corporate limits of the city except for areas zoned or designated for agricultural purposes, and are declared to be nuisances under V.T.C.A., Local Government Code ch. 217 when located in residential districts. (d) Number of fowl. …it shall be unlawful…to maintain, own, or control any premises within the city limits where more than an aggregate of 12 fowl are kept or harbored in one enclosure;…not more than one-fourth of the maximum allowable number of such animals may be of the male of the species.
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 26-43 caps backyard fowl at an aggregate of 12 birds kept in one enclosure, and no more than one-fourth of them may be male. Roosters are outright banned in residential districts and declared nuisances under Texas Local Government Code ch. 217; they are allowed only on agriculturally zoned or designated land. Fowl must be housed indoors or, if outdoors, in a secure pen or enclosed yard, with litter and droppings collected and disposed of. McKinney Animal Control (code enforcement) enforces the section; each violation carries a fine up to $500 under Sec. 26-5, and each day is a separate offense. Ducks, turkeys, geese, and peacocks are prohibited outside agricultural districts.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a rooster in a residential district, exceeding 12 fowl in one enclosure, or having more than one-fourth male birds is a nuisance under Sec. 26-43, punishable by a fine up to $500 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in McKinney?
Are roosters allowed in McKinney?
Do I need a permit for backyard hens?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McKinney
How McKinney compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare McKinney to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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