In San Antonio, it isn’t unusual to hear roosters crowing in the morning – for some, it’s almost like an alarm clock. Many residents in the Alamo City keep roosters to fertilize eggs for breeding and help protect their flock.
While it may seem San Antonians have been owning backyard chickens for quite some time (I still remember growing up hearing chickens on the Westside over 20 years ago), it has become a growing trend nationwide. In March 2025, the American Pet Products Association announced that 11 million U.S. households own backyard chickens, which is a 28% increase from 2023.
However, egg prices have fallen 60% from last year’s record highs, according to the Associated Press. The bird flu elevated retail prices during the first five months of 2025, but that doesn’t mean the prices can’t soar again amid the Iran war, the Associated Press reported.
So with that, we are here to answer the main question: Can San Antonio residents legally own roosters?
If someone violates the permit or city ordinance, the city may revoke the permit, according to ACS (Courtesy of Katya Dron)
Can San Antonio residents legally own roosters
Under the City of San Antonio’s Chapter 5 animal ordinance, residents can keep backyard poultry, but there are limits, according to the San Antonio Animal Care Services. Residents can have up to 8 domestic fowl (such as chickens, ducks or turkeys) per residence. But, only one of those birds can be a rooster.
If someone keeps poultry at their home, they must:
Provide a proper coop and run, at least 24 square feet total, or 6 square feet per bird, whichever is larger.
Chickens and roosters must stay in a coop or enclosed run so they don’t roam freely.
Birds cannot create issues such as excessive noise, odors or disturbances for neighbors.
Coops must be kept clean to avoid attracting pests such as rodents and insects.
Residents with concerns about poultry in their neighborhood can report them through the city’s 311 system.
What if someone wants more than 8 birds?
Residents can apply for an excess animal permit through the city. If approved, the permit lasts one year, and facilities may be inspected. The coop must be at least 50 feet from neighboring homes or businesses. Additional spacing rules apply depending on the number of birds: 26–50 birds must be 75 feet from other homes or buildings, 51 or more must be 100 feet, and the owner must have a business license.
What happens if someone breaks the rules
If someone violates the permit or city ordinance, the city may revoke the permit, according to ACS. The owner usually has 30 days to reduce the number of birds or fix the issue. Owners can appeal the decision through the city’s hearing process and, if unsuccessful, to the municipal court.
Residents can have up to 8 domestic fowl (such as chickens, ducks or turkeys) per residence. But, only one of those birds can be a rooster. (Courtesy of Katya Dron)
Can you own roosters in the Bexar County limits?
Residents who live outside San Antonio city limits but within Bexar County are generally allowed to own roosters and chickens. Unlike the City of San Antonio, Bexar County does not have a specific ordinance limiting the number of poultry residents that can keep.
However, several factors could still lead to enforcement or investigation:
Animal cruelty laws still apply and may be investigated by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Animal Crimes Enforcement unit.
Sanitation or environmental concerns could trigger involvement from county environmental services.
Illegal rooster fighting is a criminal offense and can be reported to the sheriff’s office.
County officials say enforcement typically depends on the specific circumstances of a complaint or case.
Residents who suspect animal cruelty or rooster fighting can submit tips to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office by emailing ace@bexar.org or bcsotips@bexar.org, or by calling 210-335-6000.
This article originally published at Is it illegal to own a rooster in San Antonio? Here’s what the law says..