Interested in keeping backyard chickens in New Hampshire? You’re in luck—most places allow hens—but rules vary a lot by town or city. There’s no statewide chicken code. That means each place sets its own rules on how many hens you can keep, whether roosters are allowed, where the coop sits, and if you need a permit. Below is an easy guide to what different counties and cities typically require.
Belknap County (Laconia & surroundings)
- Towns decide locally—county doesn’t set limits.
- Laconia permits chickens only in rural zoning (RR1, RR2, AI).
- Roosters are banned in town and many local areas.
- Coops usually require building or zoning permits, space per bird, and setbacks.
Cheshire County (Keene, Swanzey)
- Keene allows up to **6 hens**, no permit needed.
- Roosters are allowed only if lot is ≥ 5 acres.
- Coop must be secure, clean, and meet town setback rules.
Hillsborough County (Manchester & Nashua)
- Manchester: Up to **6 hens**, **no roosters**. Lot must be ≥½ acre. Coops must be in rear/side yard and ≥ 20 ft from property lines. No egg sales or slaughtering allowed.
- Nashua: Up to **6 hens**, roosters prohibited. Coop must be enclosed and sanitary; may require zoning compliance permit or site review.
Merrimack County (Concord area)
- Concord allows up to **5 hens** on lots under 1 acre. No roosters.
- Coops must be enclosed, secure, and setback ≥ 30 ft from lot lines.
- Must be kept only on single-family residential properties; no egg sales or breeding.
Rockingham County (Derry, Salem, Hampton)
- Derry: Up to **6 hens**, no roosters. Coop/run must be ≥ 20 ft from property lines. Cleanliness and containment rules apply.
- Salem: Typically allows hens with zoning permit (~$25); roosters only if not audible beyond your lot.
- Hampton: Up to **8 hens** allowed if lot ≥ 10,000 ft²; roosters banned. Coops must be ≥ 20 ft from lines, and egg sales must follow DHHS labeling rules.
Strafford County (Dover & Rochester)
- Dover: Up to **6 hens**, coops and runs must offer at least 3 sq ft inside and 20 sq ft outside per hen. Setbacks ≥ 20 ft from property lines. No roosters or slaughter, permit may be required.
- Rochester: Up to **10 hens**, no roosters. Coop must be ≥ 25 ft from lot lines unless neighbor consents. Permit may be required.
Coös & Sullivan Counties (Northern rural areas)
- No countywide rules—each town sets its own requirements.
- Smaller towns often allow hens without restriction in agricultural zoning.
- Roosters normally banned in residential zoned areas; allowed on larger lots or farms.
Other Towns & Smaller Municipalities
- Claremont: Rules unclear—roosters likely banned and permit may be needed.
- Lebanon: Up to 5 hens on ≤ 1 acre; up to 10 on ≤ 2 acres; roosters banned. Permit required.
- Concord, Dover, Nashua, Manchester, Keene, Rochester, Hampton all commonly allow hens, ban roosters, and require setbacks and coop standards.
Common Themes Across New Hampshire
- Roosters are almost always banned in residential areas unless your lot is large or zoned agricultural.
- Hen limits vary—usually **5–6**, though some towns allow up to 10.
- Most municipalities enforce **setbacks** of 20–30 ft from property lines or neighbor homes.
- Some towns require a **zoning or coop permit** (fees $25–75), others allow small flocks without one.
- Coops must be secure, sanitary, pest‑proof, and usually located in rear or side yards.
- No on-site slaughter or commercial egg sales in most residential laws; state DHHS permits required for selling eggs.
Tips to Stay Legal & Neighborly
- Check with your **town or city zoning office**—most NH counties do not regulate chickens directly.
- Follow coop setbacks and spacing guidelines carefully.
- Avoid roosters unless you live in permitted zone or on large lot.
- Keep your coop clean, feed stored securely, and compost or dispose of waste properly.
- Respect nuisance laws around odor and noise—neighbors can report violations.
- If your HOA exists, ensure their rules don’t prohibit chickens even if town allows them.
Why These Rules Matter
These laws help reduce neighborhood conflict—addressing noise, smell, pests, and wandering chickens. Setbacks and coop requirements help keep coops out of sight and secure. Permits and zoning help towns regulate where small-scale food production is allowed. Altogether, they enable responsible backyard flocks while protecting neighbors.
Final Takeaway
New Hampshire lets people keep backyard hens widely—but the rules differ a lot from place to place. Most towns allow **5 or 6 hens**, ban roosters, and require sanitation and setbacks. Some allow up to 10 hens with permits. Roxbury lots under 1 acre usually fall under these limits—rural zoning may allow more. If you share your specific **town or county**, or even your property address, I can help you find the exact local regulations that apply.
