Tuscaloosa, AL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Under Tuscaloosa's Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl), it is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to keep within the city any livestock, rabbit, or fowl unless the animal is kept at all times at a distance of not less than three hundred (300) feet from any church or other house of worship, school, public building, park, public playground, or the residence of another. The code carves out an exception for any rabbit or fowl kept inside a residence or building as a pet or ornament, which is not subject to the 300-foot rule. Secondary guidance for residents describes Tuscaloosa as permitting hens but prohibiting roosters because of noise, with coops kept clean and free of rodents and chicken waste disposed of so it does not create a nuisance. The exact hen counts and coop setback figures cited by some backyard-poultry guides (for example four hens on smaller lots) are not confirmed in the primary city code text reviewed here, so residents should verify the current limits and any zoning conditions with the city before building a coop. Because Tuscaloosa is an incorporated city, its own ordinance controls; the surrounding Tuscaloosa County rules are separate.