Can I keep chickens in Albuquerque, NM?
Yes — Albuquerque allows backyard chickens, up to 15 hens with no permit required. (§ 9-2-4-3(C)(3) (Animal Care & Control); IDO Part 14-16 (zoning), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 15 |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Non-commercial keeping of poultry allowed in most residential zones without restriction; excess/nuisance handled by Animal Welfare. No specific coop dimensions in animal-control code. |
| Code section | § 9-2-4-3(C)(3) (Animal Care & Control); IDO Part 14-16 (zoning) |
Albuquerque permits up to 15 poultry per household with a limit of one rooster, under the Animal Care and Control Ordinance. The City Planning Department confirms non-commercial keeping of poultry is allowed in most residential zones without a special permit. Roosters are allowed (max one), which is unusual.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Albuquerque?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Albuquerque (§ 9-2-4-3(C)(3) (Animal Care & Control); IDO Part 14-16 (zoning)).
How many chickens can I keep in Albuquerque?
Up to 15 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Albuquerque?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Albuquerque.
Are roosters allowed in Albuquerque?
Yes, with conditions — see Albuquerque's rules (§ 9-2-4-3(C)(3) (Animal Care & Control); IDO Part 14-16 (zoning)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Albuquerque?
§ 9-2-4-3(C)(3) (Animal Care & Control); IDO Part 14-16 (zoning). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 9-2-4-3(C)(3) (Animal Care & Control); IDO Part 14-16 (zoning) — read the official code
“In most residential zones, the non-commercial keeping of poultry is allowed without a restriction. Concerns about an excess of chickens in a residential back yard or yard, may be addressed by the Animal Control/Animal Welfare Department.” source
“Poultry. The Poultry limit is 15. No Person shall have more than one rooster in a Household.” source
“No Person shall have more than one rooster in a Household.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →