Before you set up your coop, make sure you’re playing by the rules! Visit ChickenCoopCalculator.com — it’s more than just a calculator. It’s your partner in backyard chicken planning!
Backyard Chickens in New York: The Basics
In New York, whether you can raise chickens legally depends not on your county, but on your town or city laws. Some places love backyard hens, others—not so much. Here’s a rundown of key locations and their rules.
📍 Major Cities & Suburbs
New York City (All Boroughs)
You can keep hens (female chickens) but not roosters, ducks, or turkeys. No permits required—just avoid causing a nuisance. That means no noise, no smell, and definitely no predators showing up for chicken dinner.
Ithaca (Tompkins County)
Super regulated but possible! Up to 6 hens, no roosters. You must attend a Cornell Cooperative Extension seminar and pay a one-time $35 fee. And if three neighbors complain? The city might revoke your permit.
Brookhaven (Suffolk County)
Big win for chicken lovers! As of the latest rule, you can now keep 6 hens on small lots and up to 12 on larger ones (20,000+ sq ft). Roosters are still a no-go. Coop setback was reduced to just 10 feet—finally, some breathing room!
Huntington, Islip & More (Long Island)
- Huntington: 8 hens, clean coop daily.
- Islip: Up to 15 hens depending on rear yard size. Coop required.
New Rochelle & Peekskill (Westchester County)
Hens allowed—usually up to 6. Roosters? Nope. Coops must be 25 feet from homes, and you’ll likely need a permit.
Syracuse (Onondaga County)
6 hens allowed, roosters banned. Coops must be predator-proof, cleaned regularly, and placed in your backyard, 25 feet from property lines. A license is required.
Niagara Falls & Utica
Sorry! These cities do not currently allow backyard chickens.
Want to make sure your setup is legal and efficient? Head to ChickenCoopCalculator.com — it tailors your coop specs to your city’s climate and local laws.
🧾 Smaller Towns & Special Cases
Oneonta (Otsego County)
6 hens max, roosters banned. Permit required. Coops must be 6 feet from any property line.
Watertown (Jefferson County)
Up to 6 hens allowed, no roosters. Coop must be 20 feet from neighboring land.
West Seneca (Erie County)
Only for lots over 2 acres. You can keep 6 hens, but must apply, and coops must be 20 feet away from your neighbors’ homes.
Wilton (Saratoga County)
Proposed updates suggest up to 12 hens, coop rules, and a $20 permit fee. Keep an eye on town board meetings for final changes.
Canton (St. Lawrence County)
Village vs Town rules differ. Generally, you can keep hens with planning board approval, about $40 in fees, and a limit of 6 chickens.
Kinderhook (Columbia County)
New rules passed in 2022 allow chickens in “Hamlet” zones with a permit. Expect rules on number, setbacks, and no roosters.
📋 Quick Summary Table
| City/Town | Hens Allowed | Roosters | Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYC | Yes | No | No | Hens only, no nuisance |
| Ithaca | 6 | No | Yes | Seminar + $35 fee |
| Brookhaven | 6–12 | No | No | New setback rules |
| Watertown | 6 | No | Yes | Coop must be 20ft from neighbors |
| Utica | No | No | N/A | Chickens prohibited |
💡 Pro Tips
- Always double-check your exact town or village code—rules change.
- If your area requires a permit, start early—it can take weeks.
- Use setback rules to plan where your coop will sit on your property.
🚨 State Law Update
Assembly Bill 2025-A5139 may require all backyard coops to be registered if passed. The goal? Disease tracking, mostly. Watch this space.
Final Cluck: Do the Smart Thing
Before you build a coop, check your zoning and plan the right way. Don’t guess. Use ChickenCoopCalculator.com to see exactly how much space you need—and where your coop should go.
Your hens deserve a cozy, code-compliant home. 🐓