Thinking about raising backyard chickens in New Mexico? Many places allow hens, but rules vary by town, city, and county. This guide walks through local laws—including limits, rooster rules, coop requirements, and permits—for big cities and rural areas. All in simple, clear English.
Bernalillo County – Albuquerque
- Allowed up to **15 chickens** total, including one rooster.
- Permit required if you exceed the limit.
- Coops must be fenced, ventilated, and ≥ 10 ft from property lines.
- Chickens cannot roam; manure must be composted.
- Slaughter is allowed but must not create a nuisance.
Doña Ana County – Las Cruces
- Up to **6 hens** allowed if not zoned for livestock.
- No roosters unless property is livestock‑zoned.
- Lots ≥½ acre may keep more—typically 1 bird per 2,000 ft², up to **100 hens**.
- Coop must be in rear yard at least 35 ft from lot lines.
- Permit required if property is not livestock‑zoned.
Sandoval County – Rio Rancho & Corrales
- Rio Rancho: Up to **7 hens** allowed on lots ≥½ acre; no roosters. Coops must be ≥15 ft from lot lines. Permit may be required.
- Corrales and rural zones: chickens permitted in most zones with minimal restrictions; roosters possible under nuisance rules.
Otero County – Alamogordo
- Up to **6 hens** allowed in residential areas; roosters prohibited.
- Coops must be sanitary and ≥15 ft from lot lines.
- No permit typically required; rural zones more flexible.
Lea County – Hobbs & Lovington
- Hobbs: Depends on property size. On lots ≥0.5 acre, up to **40 free-range or 20 penned hens per 10,000 ft²**. Roosters are banned.
- Coop must be ≥30 ft from residences and cleaned frequently.
- Permit is required.
Chaves County – Roswell
- Up to **4 hens** on lots ≤0.4 acre; up to 10 hens on lots <1 acre; up to **20 hens per acre** on larger properties.
- Roosters prohibited in residential zones.
- Coop must be secure, clean; permit may be required.
San Juan County – Farmington
- Most residential zones allow up to **6 hens**; roosters prohibited.
- Coops must be ≥15 ft from neighboring lots.
- Permit may be needed for larger flocks.
Grant County – Silver City
- Chickens allowed if kept in cages or runs—not free roaming.
- Roosters prohibited.
- No specific hen limit stated; small flocks of 6–10 common.
- Permit usually not required; coop must be sanitary and secure.
County-Wide Rules in Rural Areas
- In unincorporated or rural areas, livestock zoning often permits larger flocks and roosters.
- Many counties have minimal enforcement unless neighbors complain.
- Commercial or large operations may require county permits or health inspections.
Common Rules Across New Mexico
- Roosters are mostly banned in urban and suburban zones without livestock zoning.
- Hen limits typically range from **6 to 15**, depending on city and lot size.
- Permits are often required if you exceed small flock limits or are on non‑livestock property.
- Coops must be in rear yard, meet set‑back distances, prevent odor, and be predator‑proof.
- Chickens must be contained—no free‑ranging outside property.
- Eggs and meat are for personal use unless licensed as a commercial operation.
Summary Table
| City / County | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit? | Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque (Bernalillo) | Up to 15 | Yes (one) | Yes if over limit | 10 ft setbacks; no free‑roam |
| Las Cruces (Doña Ana) | 6 (up to 100 on livestock lots) | No on small lots | Yes if non‑livestock | 35 ft setback; coop clean |
| Rio Rancho (Sandoval) | Up to 7 hens | No | Maybe | ½ ac min; coop setback |
| Alamogordo (Otero) | Up to 6 hens | No | No | Rear yard; 15 ft setback |
| Hobbs (Lea) | Up to 40 free-range/20 penned per 10k ft² | No | Yes | 30 ft setbacks; manure rules |
| Roswell (Chaves) | 4–20 hens depending on lot | No | Maybe | Lot-size limits; coop care |
| Farmington (San Juan) | Up to 6 hens | No | Maybe | 15 ft setback; clean housing |
| Silver City (Grant) | ~6–10 hens | No | No | Enclosure required; no free roam |
Tips to Stay Legal & Neighborly
- Identify if your property is inside city limits or unincorporated county jurisdiction.
- Contact your local city or county planning office for rules on chickens.
- Apply for any required permit or license before building a coop or buying chickens.
- Design the coop with proper setbacks, predator protection, ventilation, and sanitation.
- Store feed and manure properly to avoid odor and pests.
- Avoid roosters unless your zoning explicitly allows them.
- Check for HOA or deed rules that may be stricter than municipal codes.
Why These Rules Matter
These regulations aim to reduce noise, odor, pests, and wandering birds in neighborhoods. Permit systems and coop standards help local authorities manage health and safety. Lot-size limits and zoning distinctions ensure organized and neighborly backyard poultry keeping.
Final Thoughts
New Mexico is generally chicken-friendly—but rules depend on your city, zoning, and property size. Cities like Albuquerque and Hobbs allow larger flocks (sometimes including a rooster), while places like Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Roswell set modest limits. Rural and agricultural zones tend to be more flexible. If you share your city or county—or even your address—I can help you find the exact local rules that apply.
