Where in New York can you keep chickens in your backyard? Many cities in the state of New York, including New York City, allow their residents to have backyard chickens. However, most of these cities allow hens only, not roosters. In New York City, for example, only hens are permitted in the five boroughs as pets. Roosters are illegal to keep as pets in New York City. In Hempstead town, NY, the keeping of backyard chickens is illegal, as well as in the cities of Utica and Schenectady. That said, below are some New York towns and cities in which keeping chickens in the backyard is legal.
1. Islip, NY
The town of Islip in Suffolk County, New York, allows its residents to have backyard chickens, provided that the chickens do not constitute a nuisance or create a hazard to public health. Islip ordinance requires that chickens be at all times kept in a coop in rear yards to prevent them from running at large. The city allows the keeping of up to 15 chickens per every 500 square feet of rear yard space. Furthermore, chickens must be confined to their owner's property at all times and must not make noises between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Islip chicken owners must clean regularly the area in which they keep their chickens at least once each day.
2. Buffalo, NY
In the city of Buffalo, Erie County, NY, five chickens, excluding roosters, are allowed per single-family dwelling or multifamily dwelling. However, Buffalo residents must obtain a $25 license from the City Clerk before keeping any chickens. But before a license is issued, all residents residing on property adjacent to that of the applicant must approve it.
Buffalo ordinance requires that chickens be restricted to the backyard and be kept as pets and for personal use only.
3. Town of Babylon, NY
The Town of Babylon in Suffolk County, NY, allows the keeping of chickens so long as they are securely enclosed in the backyard at all times. You can have up to 30 backyard chickens in the Town of Babylon if your chicken enclosure is placed 200 feet away from any nearby residential property.
4. Rochester City, NY
The City of Rochester in Monroe County, NY, requires that its residents obtain a license from the Chief of Police for a fee of $75 before keeping any backyard chickens. Raising chickens to sell is not allowed within the city of Rochester. Up to 30 chickens are allowed to be kept on properties of 240 square feet. Chicken coops must be kept in clean conditions at all times and be kept at least 25 feet away from any dwelling.
5. Huntington, NY
In the town of Huntington, residents are permitted to keep backyard chickens in such a manner that they don't constitute a nuisance. The number of chickens allowed per property in Huntington is 8. Roosters are not permitted in the town of Huntington. Chickens shall be confined at all times to their owner's property and chicken eggs must be for consumption only, not for sale.
6. Amherst, NY
A special permit is required to keep backyard chickens in the R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 districts of the town of Amherst. Chickens are to be kept for personal use only and breeding of chickens on-site is prohibited in the town of Amherst. A maximum of six chickens, excluding roosters, are allowed per residence. Furthermore, chickens must be kept in coops, which must be located at least fifteen feet away from any property line.
7. Smithtown, NY
Residents can have backyard chickens in Smithtown, Suffolk County, NY, provided the birds do not constitute a nuisance. The Town of Smithtown has no restrictions on the number of chickens a resident can keep in their backyard. However, chicken owners must not sell eggs, which must be for personal consumption only.
8. Albany, NY
Albany, the capital city of New York State, allows its residents to keep a maximum of six chickens (no roosters allowed), provided that their properties meet the size requirements. However, people who wish to keep backyard chickens in Albany must first obtain a license from the City Clerk's office for a fee of $25 before acquiring any chicken. Furthermore, Albany ordinance requires that hens be kept in a coop or within a fenced area at all times. Chicken coops must be located at least 25 feet away from an occupied residential dwelling on an adjoining lot.
Other New York Towns and Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens
- Town of Colonie, NY: 6 Chickens allowed
- New Rochelle, NY: 6 Chickens allowed
- Southampton, NY: Allows chickens
- Town of Hamburg, NY: 6 hens allowed
- White Plains, NY: 6 Chickens allowed
- Rensselaer, NY: Allows 6 chickens
- Niagara Falls, NY: Allows 5 chickens
- Binghamton, NY: 4 Chickens allowed
- Perinton, NY: 6 Hens allowed
- Henrietta: NY: Allows 6 chickens
- Poughkeepsie, NY: No more than 6 Hens allowed
Please note that this is not a complete list of towns and cities that allow backyard chickens in the state of New York.
