Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Connecticut? Most towns let you, but rules vary a lot. Some towns allow up to half a dozen hens; others allow more if your land is big or agricultural. Roosters are almost always banned unless you live on several acres. Many towns require a permit, setbacks, and coop maintenance rules. This guide explains the rules in key towns and broader areas in clear, simple language.
Bridgeport
- Permit required from the Health Department.
- Up to six hens allowed; roosters — only one per property.
- No limit on hens if they are “reasonable” for the size of your property.
- Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring homes and 10 ft from property lines.
- Must be predator‑proof, clean, and not sell eggs or meat from your flock.
Stamford
- Up to six hens are allowed in low‑density residential zones.
- Roosters are not allowed.
- Coops must sit at least 20–50 ft from neighboring residences (some reports mention 20 ft minimum, others up to 50 ft for larger flocks).
- No permit is usually required if kept properly, but zoning rules vary by neighborhood.
New Haven
- Up to six hens per property for personal use only.
- Roosters are banned.
- Coop must be at least 15 ft from neighboring homes and 5 ft from property lines.
- No permit required, but municipal health and nuisance codes apply.
Hamden
- Permit required from Planning & Zoning.
- Up to six hens allowed in zoned districts R‑1 through T‑3.5.
- Roosters are prohibited.
- Coops must stay in side or rear yards, at least 20 ft from property lines, up to about 6 ft tall.
Meriden
- Zoning permit required before keeping chickens.
- No fixed maximum number of hens—limited by what’s reasonable for the lot.
- Roosters not allowed.
- Follow coop setbacks and housing guidelines set in the zoning code.
Bristol
- Up to 12 chickens allowed in total (including ducks, geese, pigeons).
- No roosters allowed.
- Enclosure height must not exceed about 14 ft.
- Zoning permit is required.
East Hartford
- Permit required.
- On at least 0.25 acre, up to 3 hens allowed; up to 6 hens on 1 acre; up to 12 hens on 2 acres.
- Roosters are banned.
- Coops only in rear yard, at least 20 ft from property lines and dwellings.
Waterbury
- Minimum lot size: 1 acre.
- Up to 25 hens allowed.
- Roosters are prohibited.
- Zoning permit required.
Norwalk
- Up to 12 hens allowed.
- Roosters over four months old are banned.
- Coops must be at least 25 ft from nearby buildings.
- Coops must be clean and sanitary.
West Haven
- Up to 4 hens allowed in R‑1 and R‑2 zones.
- Roosters not allowed.
- Must have at least ¼ acre property.
- Coop and run up to 200 sq ft, at least 25 ft from street and 10 ft from any residence or property line.
- No heat lamps; coop must be sanitary; waste removed weekly.
Suffield
- Minimum lot size: ¼ acre.
- Up to six hens allowed per ¼ acre, plus five more hens for every additional ¼ acre (up to five acres).
- Roosters prohibited on properties under five acres.
- Coops must be in side or rear yard at least 75 ft from street, 25 ft from side/rear lot lines, and 50 ft from neighboring homes.
- Chickens must stay on your property and be housed in a coop with fence; attic predator alarms prohibited under five acres.
Winchester / Winsted (Litchfield County)
- Keeping chickens on smaller lots (under 3 acres) is allowed for up to 20 birds.
- Roosters are allowed.
- No permit required.
- Coops must be in an enclosure at least 20 ft from neighboring property.
General Rules in Many CT Towns
In many towns, the typical rules include:
- Most allow up to 4–6 hens in typical residential zones.
- Roosters are almost always banned.
- Permits often required, especially where setback or neighbor notification is mandated.
- Setbacks are common: 10–25 ft from property lines, and 20–50 ft from neighboring dwellings.
- Flocks must be for personal use only—no selling eggs or meat.
- Owners must prevent noise, odor, pests; keep coops clean and sanitary.
Voices from Residents
Hear what local folks have shared online:
“Chickens yes. Roosters no. We have six.”
— Stamford resident on Reddit about north Stamford regulations :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
“In many towns (like Colchester)… you can have hens no problem. A rooster only if you have more than 3 acres.”
— Rural‐town resident describing typical CT codes :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Summary Table
| Town | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit? | Setback / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | Up to 6 hens | One | Yes | 25 ft from neighbors, 10 ft lines |
| Stamford | Up to 6 hens | No | No generally | Coops 20–50 ft from neighbor dwelling |
| New Haven | Up to 6 hens | No | No | 15 ft from homes, 5 ft from lines |
| Hamden | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | 20 ft from lines; zoning districts apply |
| Meriden | No max (reasonable) | No | Yes | Subject to zoning |
| Bristol | Up to 12 birds total | No | Yes | Enclosure ≤14 ft high |
| East Hartford | 3–12 hens by lot size | No | Yes | Rear yard; ≥20 ft setbacks |
| Waterbury | Up to 25 hens (1 acre min) | No | Yes | Must meet lot size |
| Norwalk | Up to 12 hens | No (if over 4 mo) | Yes | 25 ft setbacks; sanitary coop |
| West Haven | Up to 4 hens | No | Yes | ¼ acre min, coop/run ≤200 sq ft, ≥25 ft street, ≥10 ft homes |
| Suffield | 6 + 5 per ¼ ac | No (<5 ac) | No | 75 ft street; 25 ft lines; 50 ft to neighbor |
| Winsted/Winchester | Up to 20 hens | Yes | No | 3 acre cutoff; coop ≥20 ft from property |
Tips to Keep It Legal
- Check your town’s zoning district and chicken ordinance online or call Planning & Zoning.
- If your land is under ¼ acre or in dense zones, hens may be limited or not allowed.
- Avoid roosters unless your property is large or agricultural.
- Follow setback rules strictly—they vary by town and flock size.
- Keep coops clean, predator‑proof, and odor‑free.
- Notify neighbors or apply permits if required; public hearings or variance may be needed in some towns.
Why Rules Matter
These rules exist to protect neighbors from noise, smell, and pests. Setbacks reduce annoyance and preserve home value. Permit requirements help towns review cleanliness and spacing. Overall, rules balance raising chickens with neighborhood peace and health safety.
Bottom Line
Many Connecticut towns allow hens in residential areas, typically 4–6 birds. Roosters are usually banned unless you have several acres. Setback rules, permits, and coop design vary. Rural and agricultural zones tend to be more flexible. If you share your specific town or address, I can look up the current up‑to‑date rules for you.