Can I keep chickens in Houma, LA?
Yes — Houma allows backyard chickens with no permit required. (Terrebonne Parish Code Ch. 28 (Zoning), Sec. 28-1 (Agriculture def.) and Art. III (R-1 uses), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Poultry husbandry is an accessory use that must be secondary to normal agricultural activities. Raising of swine is expressly prohibited. |
| Code section | Terrebonne Parish Code Ch. 28 (Zoning), Sec. 28-1 (Agriculture def.) and Art. III (R-1 uses) |
Houma is unincorporated and governed by Terrebonne Parish's zoning code. In R-1 Single-family Residential Districts, 'Agriculture' is permitted by right, and the zoning definition of 'Agriculture' expressly includes 'animal and poultry husbandry' with no minimum acreage. Backyard poultry is therefore allowed by right in R-1/R-2 residential zones; only swine is prohibited. No numeric hen cap, setback, or permit is set.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Houma?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Houma (Terrebonne Parish Code Ch. 28 (Zoning), Sec. 28-1 (Agriculture def.) and Art. III (R-1 uses)).
How many chickens can I keep in Houma?
Houma sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Houma?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Houma.
Are roosters allowed in Houma?
Yes, with conditions — see Houma's rules (Terrebonne Parish Code Ch. 28 (Zoning), Sec. 28-1 (Agriculture def.) and Art. III (R-1 uses)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Houma?
Terrebonne Parish Code Ch. 28 (Zoning), Sec. 28-1 (Agriculture def.) and Art. III (R-1 uses). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Terrebonne Parish Code Ch. 28 (Zoning), Sec. 28-1 (Agriculture def.) and Art. III (R-1 uses) — read the official code
“In R-1 Districts only the following uses are permitted: a. Uses by right ... Residential/single-family residential. Accessory dwelling unit. Agriculture.” source
“Agriculture: The use of land for agricultural purposes including agriculture, dairying, farming, floriculture, pasturage, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry ... the operation of any such accessory use shall be secondary to that of the normal agricultural activities. The raising of swine is expressly prohibited.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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