Chickens & Livestock: Mcallen vs Mission
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Mcallen, TX and Mission, TX?
Mcallen and Mission have similar restriction levels.
Mcallen, TX
Hidalgo County
McAllen allows limited backyard chickens in residential zones. Cultural tradition of keeping poultry is common in Valley communities. Roosters prohibited in residential subdivisions due to noise. Larger livestock requires agricultural zoning.
View full Mcallen rules →Mission, TX
Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County has no published backyard-chicken permit or poultry cap for unincorporated areas. Keeping poultry and farm animals is governed by state stock-law and estray provisions in the Texas Agriculture Code, and whether livestock may roam depends on the county's range status.
View full Mission rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mcallen | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| Hens | Limited number allowed | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited residential | - |
| Culture | Poultry tradition common | - |
| Livestock | Agricultural zones only | - |
| County chicken permit | - | None published |
| Stock-law framework | - | Ag Code Chapter 143 |
| Estray impound | - | Ag Code Chapter 142 |
| Roadside animal sales | - | Banned (2024 order) |
| Livestock sales | - | Not prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mcallen FAQ
Can I keep chickens?
Many cities allow limited hens. Roosters typically prohibited. Check Mcallen zoning and HOA rules.
What about goats?
Usually restricted to agricultural or large-lot residential zones.
Mission FAQ
Does Hidalgo County cap how many backyard chickens I can keep?
The county's animal-control function focuses on rabies and stray dogs and cats, with no published poultry permit or flock cap for unincorporated areas. Confirm any city rules if you are inside a municipality.
Can livestock roam free in unincorporated Hidalgo County?
It depends on whether a stock law under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 143 restricts those animals. Loose livestock can also be impounded as estrays under Chapter 142; keep animals fenced to avoid liability.
Are roadside animal sales allowed?
No. A 2024 Commissioners Court order bans roadside sales of non-livestock animals such as dogs and cats in the unincorporated county. It does not prohibit the sale of livestock under state law.
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