Follow the rules
The keeping of chickens must comply with all sections of
Title 3 of the City of Austin's land development code. Title 3 focuses specifically on animal regulation. Here are some rules to keep in mind when keeping chickens:
- Animals cannot roam free § 3-2-1 except as specifically provided in this title, an owner or handler may not allow livestock, fowl, a dog, or other domestic or dangerous animal or reptile to run at large.
- Animals cannot make excessive noise § 3-2-2. An owner or handler may not keep an animal that makes frequent or long, continued noise that is disturbing to a person of normal sensibilities.
- Proper care must be provided for animals §3-2-5.
- An animal’s owner shall keep the animal in a clean, sanitary, and healthy condition.
- An animal’s owner or handler shall provide for the animal:
- regular and adequate amounts of nutritious food that is appropriate for the species and that maintains the animal in good health;
- a constant and adequate supply of clean, fresh, potable water that keeps the animal hydrated for environmental conditions; and
- care and medical treatment for injuries, parasites and diseases that is sufficient to maintain the animal in good health and minimize suffering.
- An animal’s owner shall provide the animal with shelter that:
- is large enough for the animal to enter, stand, turn around and lie down in a natural manner;
- keeps the animal dry;
- provides the animal with natural or artificial shade from direct sunlight;
- protects the animal from excessive heat and cold and other adverse weather conditions; and
- is adequately ventilated.
- An animal’s owner may not confine the animal to the extent that it is forced to stand, sit or lie in its own excrement.
- An animal’s owner shall regularly maintain the animal and its shelter to prevent odor or a health or sanitation problem.
- An animal’s owner shall provide the animal with exercise space that is large enough to prevent injury and keep the animal in good condition.
- It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the animal’s treatment was as directed by a licensed veterinarian.
- Place fowl enclosures correctly §3-2-16. An enclosure used to keep two or more fowl must be located at least 30 feet from a residence or business structure, excluding the residence or business of the fowl's owner or handler.
Also, be sure to check and HOA, neighborhood or property-specific guidelines.
