Chickens & Livestock: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Tijeras 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 →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Tijeras allows chickens and small livestock on residential properties consistent with the mountain village character. The rural setting in the Sandia Mountains accommodates hobby farming and animal keeping on larger lots.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| 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 mountain village |
| Lot Sizes | - | Generally larger |
| Restrictions | - | Minimal |
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).
Tijeras FAQ
Can I keep chickens?
NM is generally permissive. Many cities allow 6 to 15 hens. Check Tijeras zoning for specifics.
What about goats or horses?
Usually allowed on larger lots or in agricultural zoning districts.
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