Raising chickens in New Hampshire is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh eggs and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. The state has a strong agricultural heritage, and chicken keeping is a growing trend among both rural and suburban residents. Before you start your own flock, it’s important to know the local laws that regulate backyard chickens, as rules can vary by town. One chicken breed with deep roots in the state is the New Hampshire Red—a hardy and productive bird developed right here. Whether you’re drawn to this iconic breed or just excited to raise chickens of your own, understanding the regulations will help you get started with confidence. Let’s dive into what you need to know about keeping chickens in New Hampshire!
Is It Legal To Have Chickens In Your Backyard in New Hampshire?
Yes! Raising backyard chickens is legal in New Hampshire, but the specific rules depend on your town or city. Many areas allow residents to keep chickens, especially in rural and suburban communities, though there may be restrictions on flock size, coop placement, and whether roosters are permitted. Before getting started, check with your local municipality to ensure you follow the right guidelines. With the proper setup, you’ll be on your way to enjoying fresh eggs and happy hens in no time!
Do You Need A Permit For Chickens In New Hampshire?
It all depends on where you live! Some towns in New Hampshire require a permit for backyard chickens, while others have more flexible rules. If your area has specific zoning laws, you may need a permit based on the number of chickens you keep or where you place your coop. We’ve gathered each county’s regulations and contact information so you can quickly find the details you need. With the right setup and any necessary permits in place, you’ll be ready to enjoy fresh eggs and happy hens in no time!
How Many Chickens Can I Have In New Hampshire?
The number of chickens you can have in New Hampshire depends on your local town or city regulations. Some areas set limits based on property size, while others allow as many hens as you can responsibly care for. Urban and suburban communities may have stricter rules, often capping the number of chickens allowed and restricting roosters due to noise concerns. We put together a page that helps you find the right coop based on how many chickens you have, making it super easy to choose the perfect one. With the right setup and a clear understanding of local rules, you’ll be well on your way to building the perfect backyard flock!
Laws For Keeping Backyard Chickens In New Hampshire By County
Below is a list of New Hampshire counties and their backyard chicken-keeping regulations. Click on your county to jump straight to the rules for your area!
Does Belknap County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Belknap County leaves regulations for backyard chickens to their cities and towns. The county seat, Laconia, allows chickens only in specific districts. Chickens are allowed in RR1 (Residential Rural), RR2 (Residential Rural Corridor), and AI (Airport Industrial). Find your district with this Zoning Map. Roosters are prohibited in Laconia and many other cities and towns in Belknap County. Contact your local town office or the Belknap County website for more information.
Does Carroll County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Ossipee, Carroll County’s county seat, allows backyard chickens. Coops must be big enough to allow a minimum of three square feet of space per chicken. There must live within one acre of space, and a building permit may be required. For more information, contact the Ossipee Zoning Enforcement.
Does Cheshire County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
There is no specific information about Cheshire County allowing backyard chickens. Fortunately, their county seat, Keene, has clear regulations on keeping chickens. Keene allows up to six chickens with no permit required. Roosters are allowed, but are only recommended for lots larger than five acres. To get more information, visit Keene’s Agricultural Commission.
Does Coös County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
There are no specific county-wide regulations available for backyard chickens in Coös County. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to check with the county’s Planning Board.
Does Grafton County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Grafton County does not have county-wide regulations for backyard chickens. To ensure compliance with local rules, check with your town’s planning department or the county’s website for specific guidelines.
Does Hillsborough County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Hillsborough County does not have county-wide regulations for backyard chickens. Instead, regulations are determined by individual municipalities. As the county seats, both Manchester and Nashua permit residents to keep chickens. For more county information, visit Hillsborough County website.
Does Merrimack County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Merrimack leaves chicken regulations to its county seat, Concord. Concord’s chicken regulations allow five fowl per lot of a minimum of two acres. Chickens must be kept in a secure enclosure. For more information, read the code for the city of Concord.
Does Rockingham County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Rockingham County does not oversee backyard chicken regulations, as they vary by town. For accurate information, reach out to your local planning department or Rockingham County Planning Commission.
Does Strafford County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Strafford County does not have county-wide regulations for backyard chickens, but its county seat, Dover, does. In Dover, residents can keep up to six chickens but no roosters. Coops must provide at least three square feet per chicken, with a fenced enclosure of at least 20 square feet per bird. All coops and enclosures must be at least 20 feet from property lines. For more information, view the City of Dover’s code.
Does Sullivan County, NH, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Sullivan County does not have county-wide rules for backyard chickens. Local regulations vary by town, check with your planning department or the county’s website for specific requirements.
Chicken Laws For Cities In New Hampshire
Does Derry, NH, Allow Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Derry, NH. Residents with at least one acre of land can keep chickens without a set limit, as long as they meet shelter and noise requirements. Coops must be at least 20 feet from property lines. For full details, check Derry’s code.
Does Hampton, NH, Allow Chickens?
Yes! Backyard chickens are allowed in Hampton, NH. Up to eight chickens are allowed, but they must be approved by a building inspector. Chickens must be in coops approved by the building department. For more information, contact their Building Department.
Does Hudson, NH, Allow Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Hudson, NH, but specific regulations must be followed. Chickens must be kept in a fenced enclosure, waste must be properly managed, and noise levels should be controlled. For further details, reach out to Hudson’s Planning Board.
Does Lebanon, NH, Allow Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Lebanon, NH, but with regulations. A zoning permit is required, and chickens must be kept in a coop. The number of hens allowed depends on lot size: up to 5 hens on one acre, 10 hens on two acres, and 15 hens plus 2 additional hens per acre for larger properties. Roosters are only permitted on lots over 5 acres. For more information, visit their chicken regulation page.
Does Manchester, NH, Allow Chickens?
Yes! Manchester, NH allows backyard chickens. Six chickens are allowed and must be kept in side or rear yard, 20 feet from property lines. A permit is required. For more details, visit Manchester Planning Commission.
Does Nashua, NH, Allow Chickens?
Yes, Nashua, NH allows backyard chickens. A maximum of six chickens are allowed, and they must be kept in the side or rear yard, at least 20 feet from property lines. A permit is required, and the selling of chicken eggs is prohibited. For more information, consult Nashua’s city code.
Does Salem, NH Allow Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Salem, NH. Up to six hens are allowed, and roosters are prohibited. Coops must be 25 feet from property lines, and require a permit if greater than 200 square feet. Find more information in the town’s code.
Does Rochester, NH, Allow Chickens?
Yes! Rochester, NH allows backyard chickens. Up to 10 chickens are allowed and must be 20 feet from property lines. Roosters are not allowed in Rochester. To learn more, read the city’s code.
Other FAQs About Keeping Backyard Chickens in NH
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range In My Backyard?
Allowing your chickens to free-range in your backyard is a great way to let them enjoy the outdoors, but it all depends on where you live in New Hampshire. Some areas are more lenient, letting chickens roam freely as long as they stay on your property, while others might require you to keep them contained in a secure area, like a fenced-in run, to prevent them from wandering off or causing issues with neighbors. Free-ranging can be a wonderful experience for your chickens—just make sure to check the guidelines first!
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard In New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, having a rooster in your backyard depends on where you live. While some towns allow roosters, many restrict them due to noise concerns, especially in more populated areas. If you live in a rural area, you may have more flexibility, but urban and suburban communities often have noise ordinances that limit or prohibit roosters. To find out if a rooster is allowed in your area, it’s best to check with your local town office or zoning board.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs In New Hampshire?
Yes! You can sell chicken eggs in New Hampshire. A license is not needed from the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture unless you have more than 3,000 hens. Farms with more than 3,000 hends must register under the USDA’s Egg Products Inspection Act. For more information, read the guidelines for selling shell eggs or contact the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food.
Ready to Begin Your Backyard Chicken Adventure?
In New Hampshire, local regulations for backyard chickens can vary, including specific requirements for coops and enclosures. The Hen House Collection offers a range of coops built to meet these standards, featuring a variety of coop sizes, predator-resistant doors, optimal ventilation, and easy cleaning. If your town has unique requirements, we can design a custom coop to ensure you’re in full compliance.
Thinking of raising chickens? The Hen House Collection is here to help, offering expert advice on everything from selecting the right breeds to choosing a coop that works for both your flock and local regulations.
