Can You Have Chickens in Your Lubbock Backyard?

Tired of paying for eggs? Well, you're in luck. Lubbock's rules are actually pretty friendly when it comes to owning chickens.

Yes, you can have them in your backyard, but there are a couple of rules you've got to follow.

Under the current city animal ordinance, you can have up to 6 hens in certain residential zoning districts without having to get a multipet permit. The districts include R-1, R-1A, and R-2.

There is one very important, chicken-related catch:

Roosters are not permitted.

If your dream backyard includes 6 hens, happily producing eggs, then you're good to go.

If your dream backyard includes a rooster screaming its head off at 5:30 am, waking up the entire block, Lubbock says, "Nope." 

Your Chickens Need A Real Enclosure

a chicken coop with a chicken in it

Your hens can't just roam all willy-nilly all over the place in your yard. You've got to have a designated chicken enclosure for them in the year of your yard. If the enclosure is less than 200 square feet, it's got to be at least 5 feet away from the side or back of your property line. Larger enclosures are subject to other zoning requirements, so be sure to read the fine print if you're building something massive and fancy for your chickies.

Oh, and yes, you are expected to clean up after your chickens!

Litter droppings have to be collected daily and disposed of to prevent flies and keep things from getting nasty. Chicken feed also needs to be stored in a proper container that keeps mice and wildlife out.

What If You Want More Than 6 Chickens?

white and pink rabbit plush toy on yellow plastic basin

Things start getting complicated if you want more than 6 chickens. You'll have to apply for a multipet permit with the city's Animal Services director, and you will be expected to meet all the requirements.

Thinking About Getting Chickens?

brown chick on white round plate

Before you buy a coop or start ordering chicks, make sure your property is actually located in one of the qualifying districts. You may also want to check for any deed restrictions or rules in your neighborhood that could apply.

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