Urban chicken keeping in New Hampshire has become a popular and viable practice for many homeowners. With the increasing interest in sustainable living and access to fresh, organic eggs, residents are embracing the idea of raising chickens in their backyard. However, it is essential to understand the regulatory framework surrounding urban chicken keeping before diving into this endeavor. In New Hampshire, several cities and towns have specific ordinances that dictate the number of chickens allowed, coop size and placement, as well as noise and odor regulations.
Additionally, proper care for these birds must be taken into account by providing a secure coop with adequate space to roam freely during the day while protecting them from predators at night. Furthermore, regular feeding with a balanced diet along with appropriate health care should not be overlooked. Overall, Urban chicken keeping can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for residents in New Hampshire; however, it requires careful compliance with relevant regulations and responsible bird care practices.
Manchester, NH
In the City of Manchester, New Hampshire, residents are permitted to keep a maximum of six chickens on one acre of land for noncommercial purposes. It is required by law that chicken coops be situated at least 20 feet away from neighboring properties. This regulation ensures a harmonious coexistence between chicken owners and their neighbors, promoting a peaceful and pleasant environment within the community.
Nashua, NH
In Nashua, NH, residents are permitted to keep chickens in their backyards, provided that certain standards are met. A maximum of six adult chickens are allowed per lot, with the condition that only female chickens may be kept. Adult male chickens, or roosters, are strictly prohibited. The keeping of chickens is intended for personal use only, and any commercial activities such as selling eggs or engaging in chicken breeding are strictly forbidden.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the chickens, it is required that they be securely housed in a coop during nondaylight hours. The coop must provide a minimum of three square feet of floor space per chicken if a run is provided. In the absence of a run, a minimum of 10 square feet of floor space per chicken within the coop is mandatory. These structures must be situated in the side or rear yards of the property and must not be within 20 feet of any property line.
Concord, NH
In the city of Concord, New Hampshire, residents are permitted to maintain a maximum of five female chickens exclusively for personal use within their backyard premises. However, the sale of eggs, chicken breeding, or any other commercial activities associated with chicken keeping are strictly prohibited. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the regulations set forth by the city, which explicitly prohibit on-site slaughtering of chickens.
To ensure the well-being of the chickens and maintain a harmonious environment, henhouses and enclosures must meet certain requirements. These structures must provide adequate ventilation, be consistently maintained in a tidy and sanitary condition, and not be situated within 30 feet of any lot line.
Derry, NH
In the town of Derry, there is no minimum lot requirement for keeping chickens, as long as they are in compliance with the town's chicken-keeping ordinance. However, there are certain regulations that must be followed to ensure the well-being of the community.
To begin with, chicken pens, runs, or enclosures (excluding pastures) must be situated at least 20 feet away from any property line. This is to prevent any potential disturbances or conflicts with neighboring properties.
Furthermore, owners are required by law to handle chicken manure responsibly. Stockpiling manure in a manner that creates a nuisance or poses a health hazard is strictly prohibited. Instead, it must be stored at a minimum distance of 75 feet from wetlands, bodies of water, wells, drainage swales, and at least 150 feet away from adjacent houses.
Dover, NH
Citizens residing in Dover, Strafford County, New Hampshire, are permitted to keep a maximum of six chickens in their residential backyards for non-commercial purposes. However, roosters are not included in this allowance. To ensure the well-being of the chickens, it is required that chicken coops provide a minimum of three square feet of space per chicken. Additionally, fenced enclosures must offer a generous 20 square feet of space per chicken. Furthermore, it is mandatory for all coops and enclosures to be positioned at least 20 feet away from any neighboring property lines.
Rochester, NH
Keeping fewer than 10 chickens or ducks for noncommercial purposes is permitted within the residential-1 and -2 districts of the City of Rochester, New Hampshire. As per the City's Code, roosters are not allowed in these areas. Furthermore, henhouses must not be situated within 25 feet of any side or rear property line, unless the adjacent property owner grants consent for a reduced setback. It is crucial to adhere to these guidelines in order to maintain a harmonious neighborhood environment.
Moreover, it is essential to handle manure in accordance with the best management practices outlined by the City. This ensures that the handling of manure does not become a nuisance for neighbors.
Merrimack, NH
In the Town of Merrimack, NH, the local regulations allow for the keeping of chickens and other livestock. However, it is essential to respect the rights of your neighbors to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil living environment. Just as parents may display greater tolerance towards their children's conduct, it is expected that chicken owners demonstrate a similar understanding towards their flock's behavior, including their occasional crowing. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that the presence of roosters in a residential area can present certain difficulties.
Other New Hampshire Municipalities That Allow Backyard Chickens
- Londonderry, NH - 6 Chickens per one half acre
- Hudson, NH - Only hens are allowed
- Keene, NH - Up to 6 chickens per lot less than 1 acre
- Hampton, NH - Up to 8 hens may be kept
- Windham, NH - Chickens are permitted in residential districts
- Lebanon, NH - 2 Hens per acre in residential districts
- Hooksett, NH - Chickens are allowed in the LDR, MDR, URD and HDR districts
- Somersworth, NH - A $10 permit is required to keep chickens
- Berlin, NH - Residents must obtain a chicken-keeping permit
