Raising chickens in New York is a rewarding experience, from gathering fresh eggs to the satisfaction of caring for your own flock. However, it’s important to understand the state’s specific regulations to ensure you’re compliant and providing the best care for your chickens. This guide covers everything you need to know about raising chickens in New York, from local laws to the best practices for keeping your flock healthy and happy. Let’s get started and help you create a successful backyard chicken-keeping setup!
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in New York?
Yes, it’s legal to have chickens in your backyard in New York, but the rules vary depending on your location. Some areas are more relaxed and allow backyard chickens with few restrictions, while others may have specific zoning laws, limits on flock size, or require a permit. In general, most places allow hens but restrict roosters due to noise. Keeping your coop clean, avoiding unpleasant odors, and making sure your setup doesn’t bother neighbors are common expectations across the state. Continue reading this blog for regulations in your county or city.
Do You Need A Permit for Chickens in New York?
In New York State, the requirement for a permit to keep backyard chickens varies by locality. Some municipalities, such as Buffalo and Albany, mandate permits with specific conditions, including limits on flock size, coop placement, and restrictions on roosters. It’s important to check with your local town or city office to understand the specific requirements in that area.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in New York?
The number of chickens you can keep in New York depends on local rules, which vary from one town or city to the next. Some places allow just a few hens, while others may let you keep a larger flock if you have enough space. Many areas set limits based on lot size or zoning, and some may require a permit. It’s always a good idea to check with your local office to see what’s allowed in your area. Find your city in this guide to view the regulations near you!
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
Allowing your chickens to free range in your backyard in New York depends on where you are located. Some cities or towns allow free-range as long as they are in a contained area. Other areas will require chickens to be in a coop at all times. In all areas, chickens must remain within your property boundaries to prevent complaints from neighbors.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in New York?
In most areas, roosters are not allowed due to noise concerns, even though hens are usually allowed. Some towns and rural areas may permit roosters, especially if you live on a larger property, but many residential neighborhoods have rules that either limit or completely prohibit them. Since regulations vary across the state, it’s important to check with your local town office to see if roosters are allowed in your area.
What Are The Best Chickens To Raise In New York?
In New York, the best chicken breeds for cold climates include:
- Rhode Island Reds: Resilient, great layers, and adapt well to cold.
- Jersey Giants: Large, cold-tolerant, and produce large brown eggs.
- Brahmas: Feathered legs, calm demeanor, and continue laying in winter.
- Orpingtons: Hardy, friendly, and excellent for backyard flocks.
- Wyandottes: Cold-hardy, adaptable, and reliable layers.
Make sure to provide a well-insulated, draft-free coop with plenty of bedding and fresh water to help your chickens stay healthy through the colder months. Click the button below to learn more about the different chicken breeds!
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in New York?
Yes, you can sell chicken eggs in New York, but you must follow specific regulations:
- Eggs need to be labeled with the grade, size, count, and producer’s information
- Eggs must also be stored at or below 45°F
Be sure to follow sanitation standards. For more information, visit this page that goes over chicken egg regulations.
Chicken Laws For Cities in New York
Below is a list of cities in New York with information about local regulations for keeping backyard chickens. Click on any city name to be taken directly to the specific section that covers its chicken-keeping laws!
Does Albany, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Albany, NY.
- Up to six female chickens are permitted
- Roosters are not allowed in the city
- Coops must be greater than 150 square feet in total area
- A license from the City Clerk is required.
For more information, visit the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Amherst, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Amherst, NY, allows up to six backyard chickens. Specific regulations depend on the district you’re located in, but standard regulations are:
- Roosters are prohibited in the town
- Chickens must be raised for noncommercial purposes, and breeding is not allowed
For more information, read the Amherst Code of Ordinances.
Does Auburn, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Auburn, NY, allows backyard chickens.
- A maximum of four chickens are allowed as an accessory use to a single-unit detached dwelling
- Lots must be more than 6,000 square feet
- For each additional 2,000 square feet, one additional chicken is allowed
- Coops must be at least 10 feet from property lines
For more information, visit the Auburn Municipal Code.
Does Babylon, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Babylon, NY, but under specific regulations. Chickens must be 100 feet of all property, including neighbors. It is also important to clean their coops regularly to avoid rodents. For more information, read the town’s Code of Ordinances or reach out to Planning & Development.
Does Binghamton, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Binghamton allows chickens as long as they are contained in an area and not running at large. For more information on requirements, visit the Code of Ordinances page.
Does Brookhaven, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Brookhaven, NY. Regulations include:
- Up to six chickens are allowed in areas under 20,000 square feet
- For lots over 20,000 square feet, up to twelve chickens are allowed
- Coops must be 10 feet from all property lines
- Roosters are not allowed in the town
For more information, read the Residential Chicken Code.
Does Buffalo, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Buffalo, NY, allows five hens in the city.
- Roosters are not allowed
- Hens are only allowed on single-family or multifamily dwellings
- Hens are allowed for personal use only, eggs or meat cannot be sold
- A license from the City Clerk is required
Read the Code of Ordinances for more information on licensing and chicken coop setbacks.
Does Cheektowaga, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is not specifically stated if Cheektowaga, NY, allows backyard chickens. There are regulations on maintaining them, and chickens may need special approval to keep. For more information, reach out to the town’s Planning Department.
Does Colonie, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in your backyard in Colonie, NY.
- Up to six chickens are allowed
- Chickens must be raised for personal use only
- Chickens are only allowed on single-family residences
- Coops must be larger than 20 square feet and 15 feet from property lines. A building permit is required for coop construction
To learn more about Colonie regulations, read the Code of Ordinances.
Does Freeport, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Freeport, NY allows up to two chickens. Roosters are not allowed within the village. For more information, read their Code of Ordinances or reach out to the Village Clerk.
Does Glen Cove, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Glen Cove, NY, allows chickens, but a permit is required. To learn more about next steps, you can read the city’s Code of Ordinances or apply for a permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Does Greece, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Greece, NY, but only if they are raised on a farm. To get chickens on your property, you will need to contact the town’s Planning Board.
Does Greenburgh, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear if Greenburgh, NY, allows chickens. Chickens must not be a nuisance if on a property. To learn if chickens are allowed on your property, contact the Greenburgh Planning Department.
Does Hempstead, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Keeping chickens in Hempstead, NY, requires special approval from the Board of Appeals. Contact the Board of Appeals for more information on the next steps.
Does Huntington, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Huntington, NY, allows backyard chickens.
- Up to eight chickens are allowed
- Roosters are not allowed
- Coops must be cleaned once each day and kept in sanitary condition
Read their Code of Ordinances for more information on backyard chickens in the town.
Does Irondequoit, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chicken keeping in Irondequoit, NY, requires special approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Contact the Irondequoit Zoning Board of Appeals for more information.
Does Islip, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Islip, NY, with the following regulations:
- Up to 15 chickens are allowed for every 500 square feet of rear yard space
- Chickens must be in a coop at all times
- Chickens must not be a nuisance to neighbors or create a hazard to public health
For more information, read the town’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Ithaca, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Ithaca, NY, allows backyard chickens. If you’re interested in keeping chickens in Ithaca, you must follow these rules:
- Six female chickens are allowed on lots with 2,000 or more square feet
- Roosters are not allowed due to noise
- Chicken owners must attend a Chicken Keeping Seminar
- Pay a chicken keeping registration fee
For information on next steps, you can visit the Chicken Keeping Registration page.
Does Jamestown, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear if chickens are allowed in all parts of Jamestown, NY. Chickens are not permitted in single-family residential districts. To find out if chickens are allowed in your area, reach out to the Jamestown Planning Department.
Does Johnson City, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Johnson City, NY, but under specific regulations. Chickens can be kept in agricultural districts and only on lots over three acres. Up to two chickens are allowed, and an additional chicken is permitted for each additional acre. Read the Code of Ordinances for more information.
Does Kingston, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chickens are allowed in Kingston, NY, as long as they are securely kept in a fenced enclosure. The fence should not exceed eight feet in height and must contain four square feet per fowl. The enclosure must be 25 feet from property lines. For more information, contact the Kingston Planning Department or read the Code of Ordinances.
Does Levittown, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Levittown, NY, does not have specific regulations and follows the rules of the Town of Hempstead. Hempstead requires special approval from the Board of Appeals. Contact the Hempstead Board of Appeals for more information.
Does New Rochelle, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in New Rochelle, NY, with the following regulations:
- Up to six chickens are allowed on lots less than two acres
- Roosters are prohibited
- Chickens must be kept in a coop
For more information, contact the Planning Board.
Does New York City, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! New York City allows chickens, but they are limited to female chickens only. This regulation also applies to Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. For more information, contact City Planning.
Does Niagara Falls, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, backyard chickens are not allowed in Niagara Falls. For more information, visit the Niagara Falls Planning Department.
Does North Tonawanda, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! North Tonawanda, NY, allows backyard chickens with the following regulations:
- Up to five chickens are permitted in each single-family or multifamily dwelling
- Roosters are not allowed
- A permit is required from the City Clerk
For more information, read the Code of Ordinances.
Does Nyack, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Roosters are not allowed in Nyack, and keeping roosters on your property can result in a fine.
For regulations on chickens, reach out to the Nyack Planning Department.
Does Oneonta, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Oneonta, NY.
- Up to six hens are allowed
- Coops must be at least six feet from property lines
- A permit is required to keep chickens
- Roosters are prohibited
For additional information, including light, sanitation, and permit information, read the Code of Ordinances.
Does Ossining, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
A permit is required to keep backyard chickens in Ossining, NY. For more information, reach out to the Planning Department.
Does Peekskill, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Peekskill, NY, allows backyard chickens with the following regulations:
- Up to four hens are allowed
- Roosters are prohibited
- Coops must be 25 feet from any residential structures
- A permit is required
For more information regarding coop size, permit, and other chicken-keeping requirements, read the Code of Ordinances.
Does Poughkeepsie, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Poughkeepsie, NY. Chickens are only allowed on residential properties, and an application process is required. Visit the Planning & Zoning Division for more information.
Does Ramapo, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, up to ten chickens are allowed in Ramapo, NY. For more information, reach out to the Planning Board.
Does Rochester, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Rochester, NY. No more than 30 chickens are allowed in an open area of 240 square feet. Roosters are not allowed over four months of age. Coops must be 25 feet away from property lines. A license is required to keep chickens. For more information, read the Code of Ordinances.
Does Rome, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear if chickens are allowed in Rome, NY. For more information, reach out to the Planning Board.
Does Saratoga Springs, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chickens are allowed in Saratoga Springs as long as they are not running at large. Roosters are prohibited. For more information, contact the Saratoga Springs Office of Planning.
Does Schenectady, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chickens are only allowed in Schenectady, NY, by exception that the office of Corporation Counsel must approve. Reach out to Corporation Counsel for more information.
Does Smithtown, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Keeping chickens is allowed in Smithtown, NY, so long as the chickens do not cause a nuisance or create a hazard to public health. Read the Code of Ordinances or contact the Planning Department for more information.
Does Spring Valley, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, Spring Valley, NY, does not allow backyard chickens. For more information, reach out to their Planning Board.
Does Syracuse, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Syracuse, NY, with the following regulations:
- Up to six hens are allowed per property
- Roosters are not permitted
- Hens must be kept in a coop that is predator-proof, clean, in the rear yard 25 feet from property lines, and less than 120 feet in size
For additional information, reach out to the Planning and Sustainability Department.
Does Utica, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, chickens are not allowed in Utica, NY. For any questions, you can reach out to the Planning Board.
Does Valley Stream, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
In order to keep chickens in Utica, NY, you must get approval from the Board of Trustees. For next steps, reach out to the Board of Trustees.
Does Watertown, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Watertown, NY, with the following restrictions:
- Up to two chickens are allowed per 1,000 square feet of land
- In R and NMU districts, up to six chickens are allowed
- Roosters are prohibited
- Coops must be 20 feet away from neighboring lands
For more information, read the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Does West Seneca, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in West Seneca, NY, with these requirements:
- Up to six chickens are allowed on lots that are greater than two acres
- Roosters are prohibited
- An application must be submitted to the Code Enforcement Office
- Coops must be 20 feet from neighboring properties
For next steps, reach out to the Code Enforcement Office
Does White Plains, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, White Plains, NY, allows backyard chickens. The regulations are
- Up to six chickens are allowed unless your lot is over 5,000 square feet
- Coops must be twenty feet from all property lines and must be located in the backyard
- Coops must be predator-proof
For more information, read the Code of Ordinances.
Does Yonkers, NY, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chickens are currently not allowed in Yonkers, NY. For more information, reach out to the Planning & Development Department.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in New York By County
Counties in New York do not typically create or enforce specific regulations for keeping backyard chickens. Instead, these rules are set by individual cities, towns, or municipalities within each county. If you’re looking for chicken-keeping laws, please refer to the city chart here to find regulations that apply to your exact location.
Start Your Backyard Flock in New York with Confidence!
Raising chickens in New York is an exciting journey, but understanding the state’s unique regulations and weather is key to success. That’s where we come in. Our Amish-crafted chicken coops are designed with New York’s cold winters and local regulations in mind, offering secure, insulated structures that protect your flock from harsh conditions and predators.
If your area has specific rules, we can create a coop that fits your exact needs. From selecting the best breeds to building a safe, comfortable home for your hens, we’ll support you every step of the way. Start your chicken-keeping adventure today!
