Bossier City’s Chicken Debate Leaves Residents Divided Once Again

A big battle in Bossier City over backyard chickens. They are not legal, but a couple of council members wanted to change that. An ordinance was proposed to allow residents within city limits to raise chickens for personal use and egg production.

What Would Have Been Allowed in Bossier

The ordinance would have allowed up to four hens in enclosed backyard coops. Those coops would have to have a roof to keep out predatory animals. Council President Chris Smith wanted to add a $100-per-year permit fee for chicken owners.

But the measure failed on a 5-2 vote with only Smith and Brian Hammons supporting chicken ownership in Bossier.

What Were the Objections to Chickens in Bossier?

Several council members say they have gotten feedback from residents with 3 major issues:

1. Noise

2. Smell

3. Coops attracting predators 

This was not the first time the Bossier City Council considered a chicken ordinance. Back in 2022 a similar measure was considered. It would have allowed as many as 6 hens for residents. The Bossier ordinance would have mirrored what is currently legal in Shreveport. But it was defeated,

What Is the Chicken Law in Shreveport?

In Shreveport, you can have up to six hens for non-commercial, personal use, provided they are female, and you do not have roosters.

The ordinance has several restrictions:

"Hens shall be kept for personal use only; no person shall sell eggs or engage in chicken breeding or fertilizer production for commercial purposes. The slaughtering of chickens is prohibited.

Hens must be kept in a fenced enclosure at all times. All hens must be wing-clipped to prevent escape. Hens shall be provided with a covered, predator-resistant henhouse."