Can I keep chickens in Hobbs, NM?
Yes, with conditions — Hobbs allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 1 hens where permitted). (Hobbs Municipal Code Sec. 6.04.440 (Keeping domesticated livestock and fowl); Ch. 18.08 (Rural and Open Space Planning Districts), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 1 |
| Coop rules | Standard residential: unlawful to keep more than 1 fowl. More fowl allowed ONLY in Rural & Open Space Planning Districts (Ch. 18.08), where density caps apply: free-range chickens 40 per 10,000 sq ft of pasture/yard area; isolated chickens 20 per 10,000 sq ft; free-range ducks 15; geese/turkeys 8. |
| Code section | Hobbs Municipal Code Sec. 6.04.440 (Keeping domesticated livestock and fowl); Ch. 18.08 (Rural and Open Space Planning Districts) |
Hobbs prohibits keeping more than one fowl on ordinary residential property; larger flocks are allowed only in Rural & Open Space Planning Districts (Ch. 18.08) subject to density limits (e.g., 40 free-range chickens per 10,000 sq ft of yard). The aggregator '40 chickens' figure is real only in those rural districts, not citywide.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hobbs?
Yes, with conditions — Hobbs allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Hobbs Municipal Code Sec. 6.04.440 (Keeping domesticated livestock and fowl); Ch. 18.08 (Rural and Open Space Planning Districts)).
How many chickens can I keep in Hobbs?
Up to 1 hens. Max 1 fowl on standard residential lots (6.04.440B); in Rural & Open Space Planning Districts, density-based: 40 free-range or 20 isolated chickens per 10,000 sq ft of pasture/yard area.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hobbs?
Hobbs Municipal Code Sec. 6.04.440 (Keeping domesticated livestock and fowl); Ch. 18.08 (Rural and Open Space Planning Districts). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Hobbs Municipal Code Sec. 6.04.440 (Keeping domesticated livestock and fowl); Ch. 18.08 (Rural and Open Space Planning Districts) — read the official code
“Minimum Land Density - Poultry and Rabbits ... Maximum Number per each 10,000 Square Feet of Pasture or Yard Area: Free range chickens 40; Isolated chickens 20; Ducks - Free range 15; Geese and turkeys - Free range 8; Rabbits - In cages 15” source
“It is unlawful to keep more than one (1) fowl except as provided in Ordinance 1018 'Rural and Open Space Planning Districts' (Chapter 18.08 of this code).” 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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