Chickens & Livestock: Albuquerque vs Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM?
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque has fewer restrictions than Albuquerque.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque's HEART Ordinance caps poultry at 15 birds per household with no more than one rooster, and caps rabbits at 15 per household; keeping of other livestock is governed by the city's Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) zoning rules.
View full Albuquerque rules →Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque allows livestock including horses, chickens, and other animals on residential properties. The village preserves its agricultural and equestrian character within the Albuquerque metro area. Acequia irrigation supports pastoral land use.
View full Los Ranchos de Albuquerque rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | ROA Sec. 9-2-4-3(C)(2)-(3) | - |
| Poultry Limit | 15 birds | - |
| Roosters | Max 1 per household | - |
| Rabbits | 15 per household | - |
| Zoning | Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) | - |
| Livestock | - | Permitted residential |
| Character | - | Rural agricultural |
| Acequias | - | Traditional irrigation |
| Horses | - | Common, equestrian trails |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Albuquerque?
Up to 15 poultry per household, with no more than one rooster, under ROA Sec. 9-2-4-3(C)(3). Whether your specific lot/zone permits poultry is determined separately by the Integrated Development Ordinance.
Are roosters allowed in Albuquerque?
Yes, but only one rooster per household. The HEART Ordinance limits a household to a single rooster within the overall 15-bird poultry cap.
How many rabbits can I have?
No more than 15 rabbits in the same household, per ROA Sec. 9-2-4-3(C)(2).
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque FAQ
Can I keep chickens?
NM is generally permissive. Many cities allow 6 to 15 hens. Check Los Ranchos zoning for specifics.
What about goats or horses?
Usually allowed on larger lots or in agricultural zoning districts.
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