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Shreveport, LA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

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

Key Facts

Maximum Hens
Eight per lot
Roosters
Prohibited
Allowed Districts
R-A, R-E, R-1-12, R-1-10, R-1-7
Coop Space
Five square feet per hen
Hogs and Pigs
Banned except miniature potbellied

Summary

Shreveport allows up to eight hens per lot in the R-A, R-E, R-1-12, R-1-10, and R-1-7 zoning districts. Roosters are prohibited, hogs are banned citywide, and hoofed livestock face spacing and headcount limits.

The keeping of chickens and chicken coops are permitted in the R-A, R-E, R-1-12, R-1-10, and R-1-7 Districts only.

Source: Shreveport Code of Ordinances & Unified Development CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 Update 1 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 20).

Full Breakdown

UDC section 7.3.H governs backyard chickens: coops go in the rear yard only, no hen may be kept inside a dwelling, the owner of the hens must live on the lot, and on-site slaughter is prohibited. A coop must give five square feet per hen, sit on an impermeable surface that prevents waste runoff, and pair with a fenced outdoor enclosure everywhere except R-A, where hens may free roam. Manure must be composted in enclosed bins. Code section 14-48 bans hogs and pigs citywide except miniature potbellied pigs. Section 14-49 allows horses, cows, sheep, and goats with 200 square feet per horse or cow, 250 feet from any other residence, and caps of five cattle or ten sheep or goats.

Violations & Fines

Zoning violations bring citations with each day a separate offense. Animal-chapter violations fall under section 1-14: a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 60 days, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a rooster in Shreveport?
No. UDC section 7.3.H prohibits roosters. A chick whose sex cannot be determined at hatching may stay on the property for up to six months.
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens?
No separate chicken permit exists. The lot must sit in R-A, R-E, R-1-12, R-1-10, or R-1-7, and the coop must meet Article 7 accessory-structure rules.
Can I keep a horse or goat inside the city?
Yes, under section 14-49. Pens must sit 250 feet from any other residence or business, with limits of five horses or cows and ten sheep or goats.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Shreveport

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesLight RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingFew RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsBird ProtectionSignificant RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Shreveport rules

How Shreveport compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Shreveport to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview

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