Can I keep chickens in McKinney, TX?
Yes — McKinney allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (McKinney Code ch. 26 (Animal Control), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Hens must be kept in a proper enclosure; ducks, geese, guineas, peacocks and turkeys are prohibited. |
| Code section | McKinney Code ch. 26 (Animal Control) |
McKinney allows up to 12 hens per residence kept in a proper enclosure. Roosters are banned citywide, as are ducks, geese, guineas, peacocks and turkeys. No registration or permit is required; HOA rules may be stricter.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in McKinney?
Yes — chickens are allowed in McKinney (McKinney Code ch. 26 (Animal Control)).
How many chickens can I keep in McKinney?
Up to 12 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in McKinney?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in McKinney.
Are roosters allowed in McKinney?
No — roosters are prohibited in McKinney.
What law covers backyard chickens in McKinney?
McKinney Code ch. 26 (Animal Control). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
McKinney Code ch. 26 (Animal Control) — read the official code
“Yes, you may keep up to 12 hens as long as they are kept in a proper enclosure. However, no roosters of any kind may be kept in the city limits.” source
Last verified July 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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