Keeping chickens in urban areas has become a widespread phenomenon. There are many benefits to doing this, but if you’re considering raising chicks in Austin, Texas, you may wonder whether it’s legal to do so.
Keeping livestock, including chickens and roosters, is legal in most residential areas of Austin, Texas. However, keeping two or more chickens in a townhouse or apartment in Austin is not legal.
Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about keeping chickens or roosters in Austin. Check here for more information if you are interested in Dallas.. Keep reading to learn all the legalities!
Is It Legal to Keep Chickens or Roosters in Austin, Texas?
Keeping chickens and roosters is a great alternative to buying eggs in the grocery store.
Raising chickens for eggs is more cost-effective and, ultimately, better for the environment and more humane.
However, before you go out and purchase chickens or roosters, it is important to check the legality of keeping these animals in the area you live.
It is legal to keep chickens in most residential areas in Austin. However, some specific areas require a permit to do so. Check all the regulations in your particular neighborhood before bringing home your chicks.
How to Find Out if it’s Legal to Keep Chickens Where You Live
If you are planning on keeping chickens or roosters on your property, you will need to find out if it is legal to do so in your area.
To find out whether or not it is legal to keep chicken or roosters where you live, check online or call your local government office and ask about your city’s chicken ordinance.
It is important to be absolutely sure it is legal to keep chickens and roosters in your area before bringing them home.
If you do not obey your local laws, you could be fined.
How to Prepare Your Home for Chickens and Roosters
If you’ve decided to keep chickens or roosters on your property, there are a few things you need to do ahead of time to ensure you can properly care for your animals.
Some of the things you will need to do to prepare for this include:
- Set up living quarters
- Stock up on feed and supplies
Below, we’ll discuss how to properly prepare in both ways.
Set Up Living Quarters
Your coop should have about three square feet of space per chicken.
The coop needs to hold a feeder and water bottle, which will need to be cleaned regularly to prevent parasites.
Chickens need to have an area at least 18 inches off the ground to nest.
These are known as “roosting areas,” and you need to provide one for every three chickens.
According to Austin law, you should set up your chicken coop at least ten feet from your house.
Stock Up on Feed and Supplies
Each of your chickens or roosters will need about a quarter pound of feed per day and constant access to a water source.
The feed you buy should include grains, fruits, and vegetables, with minimal artificial ingredients.
The best way to give chickens water is with a trough — one for every three chickens.
They’ll also need a medium to coarse grain sand bedding and a heat source during the winter months.
If you are planning on raising your chickens from chicks, you will need a brooder box. This is a container to keep chicks safe and warm before they are ready to live in a chicken coop.
Brooder boxes should include a heat lamp, a brooder guard, and a mesh ring to keep the chicks secure.
How Many Chickens or Roosters Can I Have in Austin?
Even if it is legal to keep chickens or roosters in your area, there may be a limit on how many you can have for ethical and zoning reasons.
If you live in Austin, you will need to know the laws regarding how many chickens or roosters you can have on your property.
There is no limit to how many chickens you can keep in Austin. However, an enclosure housing two or more birds must be located at least fifty feet from another person’s residence or business structure.
How Much Does It Cost to Raise Chicken or Roosters in Austin?
When considering raising chickens on your property, it’s important to think about the cost.
It is generally not expensive to raise chickens in Austin. On average, you can expect to spend less than $100 per month. However, it’s important to have extra money for emergency expenses, such as veterinary care, at all times.
In Conclusion
Raising chickens is a great way to save money and ensure your eggs are humanely sourced.
It is legal to keep chickens and roosters in residential areas in Austin, Texas. However, before you bring your chicks home, check for any HOA or neighborhood regulations.
