If you’re thinking about keeping chickens in Fort Worth, Texas, good news: you can. The regulations are fairly permissive compared to some other cities, but there are important rules around flock size, coop location, and potential HOA restrictions. This guide covers the law, setup tips, practical considerations, and the broader context—with clarity and detail you can use today.
1. How Many Chickens Can You Keep?
Fort Worth defines limits based on property size:
- On lots of ½ acre or less, you’re allowed up to 12 fowl, which can include chickens or similar birds—of which no more than two may be roosters.
- If your lot is between ½ and 1 acre, you can have up to 25 fowl—again with a maximum of two roosters.
- On a property exceeding 1 acre, you’re permitted up to 50 fowl, still with no more than two roosters.
2. Enclosure Requirements & Cleanliness
You must always keep your fowl within a pen or coop. Fort Worth requires daily cleaning of these enclosures to maintain sanitation. Security is also crucial: coops must be enclosed securely to prevent escape and to protect the birds.
Importantly, the coop or pen must be located at least 50 feet away from any “regulated structure”. This includes residences other than your own, restaurants, schools, hospitals, churches, daycare centers, and similar human-occupied buildings.
3. Can You Sell the Eggs?
Yes—Texas law allows the sale of home-raised eggs. However, you must comply with regulations set by the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Selling at farmers’ markets may require additional permits or labeling compliance.
4. Must You Have a Permit?
No—currently, Fort Worth does not require a permit specifically for keeping backyard chickens, as long as you’re within the allowed number and meet coop placement and sanitation rules.
5. HOA and Neighborhood Restrictions
The city may allow backyard chickens—but your homeowners association (HOA) may have different rules. Many HOAs prohibit livestock or even pets. If you live in a restricted neighborhood, you’ll need to check your CC&Rs before bringing the flock home.
6. Best Practices for Responsible Chicken-Keeping
- **Measure your lot** to determine your maximum flock size accurately.
- **Design your coop** to be secure, ventilated, and easy to clean. Make sure you can empty bedding and sanitize easily.
- **Place your coop** at least 50 feet from any regulated structure—this protects both your neighbors and your birds.
- **Follow a cleaning schedule**—daily clean-outs help control odors and pests and promote healthy poultry.
- **Apply good biosecurity**, especially during disease outbreaks. Keep feeders and waterers clean, and limit external traffic in and out of the coop.
- **Talk to your neighbors**—sharing eggs or coop updates can go a long way toward maintaining good relationships.
7. Local Context & Trends
As egg prices rise and interest in local food grows, more Fort Worth residents are looking into backyard chickens. The city’s relatively lax rules provide a unique opportunity to raise poultry responsibly, right within urban neighborhoods.
However, HOA restrictions still pose challenges for many residents. Some areas have begun petitioning for clearer octets on animal husbandry or for affirmative permissions from their associations.
8. Summary Table
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lot Size ≤ ½ acre | Up to 12 fowl; max 2 roosters |
| Lot Size ½–1 acre | Up to 25 fowl; max 2 roosters |
| Lot Size > 1 acre | Up to 50 fowl; max 2 roosters |
| Enclosures | Must be enclosed; cleaned daily |
| Setbacks | 50 ft from regulated structures |
| Permit | Not required |
| Egg Sales | Allowed with state permits |
| HOA Restrictions | May override city rules |
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep more than two roosters?
No—city code limits rooster count to a maximum of two, regardless of flock size.
What qualifies as a “regulated structure”?
Any building used for human occupation, other than your own house—like schools, hospitals, restaurants, or childcare facilities—creates a setback requirement.
Is free-ranging allowed?
No—your fowl must remain within an enclosed and clean pen or coop at all times.
How strictly is this enforced?
Enforcement typically hinges on complaints. City inspectors can respond to neighbor complaints about noise, odor, or food safety. Daily cleaning and good coop maintenance help you avoid issues.
10. Final Thoughts
Fort Worth offers one of the more permissive environments for backyard chicken keepers in Texas. If you stay within the flock limits, maintain clean, enclosed housing, and respect setbacks, you’re legally well positioned. Before starting, just check for HOA restrictions and ensure your setup won’t disrupt neighbors. With the right planning, raising chickens here can be a rewarding and sustainable adventure.