Can I keep chickens in Roswell, NM?
Yes, with conditions — Roswell allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 25 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Roswell Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals), Sec. 4-34 Poultry (Ord. 20-01, 1-9-2020), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 25 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Female poultry only (no roosters). Tiered by lot size: up to 4 for premises <0.4 ac; up to 10 for 0.4-1 ac; up to 25 per acre for >1 ac. Must be permanently housed in cages/secure enclosures (no free range), 10 ft from nearest property line and any structure, conforming to zoning/building rules, with >=2 sq ft per bird in roosting areas. |
| Code section | Roswell Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals), Sec. 4-34 Poultry (Ord. 20-01, 1-9-2020) |
Roswell allows female poultry only in residentially zoned areas, tiered by lot size (4 under 0.4 ac; 10 for 0.4-1 ac; 25 per acre above 1 ac). Roosters/males are prohibited. Enclosures must be 10 ft from any property line or structure, with at least 2 sq ft per bird.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Roswell?
Yes, with conditions — Roswell allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Roswell Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals), Sec. 4-34 Poultry (Ord. 20-01, 1-9-2020)).
How many chickens can I keep in Roswell?
Up to 25 hens. Tiered by lot size: 4 up to 17,424 sq ft; 10 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 Roswell?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Roswell.
Are roosters allowed in Roswell?
No — roosters are prohibited in Roswell.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Roswell?
10 feet minimum. Female poultry only (no roosters). Tiered by lot size: up to 4 for premises <0.4 ac; up to 10 for 0.4-1 ac; up to 25 per acre for >1 ac. Must be permanently housed in cages/secure enclosures (no free range), 10 ft from nearest property line and any structure, conforming to zoning/building rules, with >=2 sq ft per bird in roosting areas.
What law covers backyard chickens in Roswell?
Roswell Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals), Sec. 4-34 Poultry (Ord. 20-01, 1-9-2020). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Roswell Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals), Sec. 4-34 Poultry (Ord. 20-01, 1-9-2020) — read the official code
“The maximum number of female poultry that may be kept on any individual premises is as follows: a. Up to four chickens, ducks or turkeys, or any combination thereof for premises less than 0.4 acres; b. Up to ten for premises between 0.4 and one acres; c. Up to 25 per acre for premises greater than one acre;” source
“Female poultry only may be kept in residentially zoned areas of the City upon the following conditions...” source
“Cages or secure enclosures shall be located ten feet from the nearest property line as well as any other structure, and must also conform to zoning and building requirements;” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →