Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in Massachusetts?

Are you thinking about raising chickens in your backyard? There are a few important details to sort out, like local rules, how many chickens you can keep, and choosing a coop that fits their needs.

To make things easier, we’ve gathered the regulations for each area along with contact information. Once you find out the coop restrictions in your area, we’ll help you find the coop that works best for your flock.

Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Massachusetts?

It depends on where you live. Most areas, like Framingham and Cambridge, allow chickens, while others, like Lowell and Springfield, don’t allow chickens at all. Most areas will require you to apply for a permit to keep chickens. 

Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Massachusetts?

Yes, most cities in Massachusetts require a permit or license to keep chickens in your backyard. We’ve broken down the cities and whether or not they need permits. If you don’t see your city, check with your local planning or health department for permit information.

How Many Chickens Can I Have in Massachusetts?

Some areas will have a set limit on the number of chickens you’re allowed to have, while others will just require a permit with no set limit. Reach out to your local planning or health department for more information on whether there is a restriction on the number of chickens allowed.

Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?

In most areas, you are required to keep chickens in a coop. The coop must be cleaned regularly to avoid pests and must be predator-proof to protect the chickens. 

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Massachusetts?

Most cities in Massachusetts will prohibit roosters due to being a nuisance. Some areas allow roosters if your property is over a certain number of acres. Check with your local planning or health department to see if roosters are allowed in your area.

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can sell chicken eggs in Massachusetts. All eggs must be sold with certification that the flock from which they came has tested negative for Salmonella pullorum. Chickens must be in a coop protected from weather conditions and predators. There should be one nesting box for every four birds. 

Eggs should be collected twice a day, in the morning and at night. To limit bacteria growth, collected eggs must be held between 33°F and 45°F. 

Safe handling instructions should be on the egg carton. For more information, reach out to your local Board of Health. 

Chicken Laws For Cities in Massachusetts

Below is a chart of Massachusetts cities and their points of contact for more information on whether chickens are allowed. Click the city on the left side of the chart to be taken to its regulation information. 

Does Boston, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Boston, MA allows backyard chickens in some areas. Roosters are prohibited. To see if your area allows chickens, check out this zoning map. Chickens are required to live in chicken coops that have the following criteria:

• Height is a maximum of 8 ft
• 1 nest box per 3 hens
• Must be predator-proof
• Must be 5 feet from property lines
• In residential zones, coops must be 15 feet from neighboring buildings

For more information, reach out to the Planning Department. 

Does Brockton, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Brockton, MA. A license is required to keep more than one chicken, and roosters are not allowed. Contact the Board of Health for more permit information.

Does Brookline, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, up to 12 chickens are allowed in Brookline, MA. They must be kept in a coop at all times. No roosters are allowed. A permit must be submitted to the Town of Brookline Public Health Department. 

Does Cambridge, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Cambridge, MA allows up to 6 chickens. Roosters are prohibited. A permit is required to keep hens on your property. For more information on permits, contact the Cambridge Public Health Department. 

Does Fall River, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Fall River, MA. They are considered livestock, and a permit is required to keep one or more. Roosters are not allowed in Fall River. For information on permits, contact the Board of Health.  

Does Framingham, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, up to six hens are allowed in Framingham, MA. Roosters are not allowed. Chickens must be kept in a maintained coop. For more than six chickens, a permit is required. All chickens must be registered. For more information on registering and permits, reach out to the Framingham Department of Public Health

Does Haverhill, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Haverhill, MA, as long as you have a permit. For permit information, reach out to the Haverhill Board of Health. 

Does Lawrence, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Lawrence, MA, as long as you have a permit. For more information on permits, contact the Lawrence Board of Health. 

Does Lowell, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, chickens are not allowed in Lowell, MA. For more information, contact Planning & Development.

Does Lynn, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Lynn, MA, as long as a permit is obtained. Information on permits can be found at the Inspectional Services.

Does Malden, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Malden, MA, allows backyard chickens. The city has a Good Neighbor Policy that states chickens are only allowed in the city with approval from the Animal Control Officer. Contact Animal Control for more information on chicken permits. 

Does Newton, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Newton, MA. Keeping chickens requires a permit issued by the Newton Health & Human Services Department. Roosters are not allowed. Reach out to the Department for more information on permits. 

Does Plymouth, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Plymouth, MA. Up to six chickens are allowed, and roosters are prohibited. To keep chickens in your backyard, the following is required:

• A $100 licensing fee
• Registration every two years
• Course on chicken-keeping
• Chicken coops must be 10 feet from property lines

For more information, reach out to the Agricultural Commission.

Does Somerville, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes! Chickens are allowed in Somerville, MA. Up to six chickens are allowed, but roosters are not allowed. Chickens are not allowed to be within 20 feet of the front lot line. To get more information, reach out to the Somerville Health and Human Services.

Does Springfield, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, chickens are not currently legal in Springfield, MA. For more information, reach out to Planning & Economic Development.

Does Taunton, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Taunton, MA. Chickens must be kept in a coop that is 2’ above ground. Lean-to coops are not allowed.

Does Waltham, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, up to 8 chickens are allowed in Waltham, MA. Roosters are prohibited. Chicken coops must be at least 10 feet from property lines. For more information, reach out to the Waltham Planning Department.

Does Worcester, MA Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, chickens are not allowed in Worcester, MA, as of right now. To get up-to-date information, contact Worcester Planning & Regulatory Services.

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Massachusetts By County

For regulations within counties, use this chart to contact your local office for regulation information.

Looking For A Coop Made Just For You?

Now that you have the information you need to get started, let’s work together to find the chicken coop that works for you! We offer customizable chicken coops to fit your needs and surroundings. With many different sizes and features, your chickens will have a comfortable, predator-proof place to spend their time.
Not sure what option will work best for you? Contact us. If you’re ready to get started, request a quote! We will help you through each step of the process.