New Orleans, LA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Hens allowed
- Up to six chickens (accessory)
- Roosters
- Prohibited citywide
- Livestock lot minimum
- One (1) acre
- Zoning authority
- CZO Sec. 20.3.C.7
- Rooster removal
- ~15 days to relocate
Summary
New Orleans allows backyard hens: the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance permits up to six chickens as an accessory use without an acreage requirement. Roosters are prohibited citywide, a 2013 amendment classified roosters among wild/exotic animals that may not be kept.
A minimum site size of one (1) acre is required to keep livestock. All livestock shall be kept so as not to cause any adverse impact, including but not limited to odor, noise, drainage, or pest infestation, on any other property.
Full Breakdown
CZO Sec. 20.3.C.7 governs livestock and fowl. Up to six chickens (hens) are allowed as an accessory use in residential zones without the one-acre minimum that larger livestock require, and coops must be kept sanitary and sound in accordance with City Code Ch. 18. Roosters are separately banned: the City Council amended Ch. 18 to classify roosters as wild/exotic animals, driven by noise complaints and to reinforce the anti-cockfighting law. If animal control finds a rooster, the owner generally has 15 days to relocate it out of the parish or the LA/SPCA impounds it.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a rooster violates Ch. 18; owner must relocate within about 15 days or the LA/SPCA impounds the bird. Livestock causing odor, noise, drainage, or pest problems is a public nuisance and Ordinance violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in New Orleans?
Are roosters legal in New Orleans?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Orleans
How New Orleans compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare New Orleans to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
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