Backyard Chickens in New York City, New York

What the New York City Health Code Says

New York City’s rule is in Health Code Section 161.19, Keeping of Livestock, Live Poultry and Rabbits. The reviewed section prohibits keeping a live rooster, duck, goose, or turkey in New York City except in limited situations such as authorized slaughterhouses or other specifically authorized cases.

Because hens are not included in that prohibition, female chickens are generally allowed in New York City. The city’s own urban agriculture guidance also treats hens as permitted while roosters and other fowl are not.

The same Health Code section says premises used for authorized sale of livestock, live rabbits, or poultry must be kept clean and free of animal nuisances. For live rabbit and poultry markets, coops or runways must be at least 25 feet from any building, but that market rule is not a simple backyard-hen setback for ordinary households.

What This Means in Plain English

New York City is unusually friendly to backyard hens compared with many dense cities. You can keep hens, but not roosters. Ducks, geese, and turkeys are also prohibited under the reviewed Health Code rule unless a narrow exception applies.

The reviewed rule does not list a simple citywide maximum hen count for ordinary household hens. That does not mean every flock size is wise. Sanitation, odor, noise, pests, landlord rules, building rules, and neighbor complaints can still create real problems.

Practical Considerations

Small Urban Spaces

Most New York City chicken keepers should plan for a very small flock. Rooftops, yards, courtyards, and community gardens can have building, lease, or garden-specific rules that are stricter than the Health Code.

No Roosters

Roosters are prohibited. Hens lay eggs without a rooster, so do not add one to a backyard flock.

Sanitation Matters

Dense neighborhoods make odor and pest prevention especially important. Use a secure coop, rodent-resistant feed storage, and a regular cleaning routine.

Getting Started

1. Confirm your building, lease, co-op, condo, community garden, or HOA rules.
2. Plan a small hen-only flock.
3. Use secure feed storage to avoid rodents.
4. Keep the coop clean and dry.
5. Do not keep roosters, ducks, geese, or turkeys unless a specific legal exception applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in New York City?

Yes. Female chickens, or hens, are generally allowed in New York City.

Are roosters allowed in New York City?

No. New York City Health Code Section 161.19 prohibits live roosters except for narrow listed exceptions.

How many hens can I have in New York City?

The reviewed Health Code section does not list a simple citywide maximum for ordinary household hens. Keep the flock small enough to avoid sanitation, noise, odor, and pest problems.