Can I keep chickens in Baton Rouge, LA?
Yes, with conditions — Baton Rouge allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 3 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances Title 14, Ch. 2, Sec. 14:224 (Chickens, other fowls, and birds), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 3 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Enclosures at least 10 ft from nearest property line and 50 ft from any residence other than owner's; chickens confined to owner's property at all times. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Title 14, Ch. 2, Sec. 14:224 (Chickens, other fowls, and birds) |
In East Baton Rouge Parish, lots under one acre within a recognized residential subdivision may keep no more than three chickens; roosters, geese, guinea fowl, ducks, turkeys and peacocks are prohibited on residential-subdivision lots of two acres or less. Enclosures must be 10 ft from the property line and 50 ft from any other residence. Lots one acre or larger have no stated numeric chicken cap.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Baton Rouge?
Yes, with conditions — Baton Rouge allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Title 14, Ch. 2, Sec. 14:224 (Chickens, other fowls, and birds)).
How many chickens can I keep in Baton Rouge?
Up to 3 hens. Tiered by lot size: 3 up to 43,560 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Baton Rouge?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Baton Rouge.
Are roosters allowed in Baton Rouge?
No — roosters are prohibited in Baton Rouge.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Baton Rouge?
10 feet minimum. Enclosures at least 10 ft from nearest property line and 50 ft from any residence other than owner's; chickens confined to owner's property at all times.
What law covers backyard chickens in Baton Rouge?
Code of Ordinances Title 14, Ch. 2, Sec. 14:224 (Chickens, other fowls, and birds). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Title 14, Ch. 2, Sec. 14:224 (Chickens, other fowls, and birds) — read the official code
“The keeping of more than three (3) chickens within a recognized residential subdivision on a lot of less than one (1) acre is prohibited.” source
“The keeping of roosters, geese, guinea fowl, ducks, turkeys, or peacocks is similarly prohibited in recognized residential subdivisions on lots of two (2) acres or less.” source
“Pens, coops, flight cages, or other enclosures shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from the nearest property line and minimum of fifty (50) feet from any residence other than that of the owner.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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