Are Chickens Allowed in New York City?

BySusan Medlin

Yes — hens (female chickens) are legal in New York City, but there are some important limitations. Roosters and other types of poultry or fowl (like ducks, geese, turkeys) are generally not allowed. If you plan to raise hens, you’ll need to make sure you don’t violate health code rules (especially around nuisance odors, pests, or neighbor complaints). Here’s a detailed breakdown so you know what’s permitted, what to watch out for, and how to do it right in the city.

What the Law Says

  • NYC Health Code, Article 161.19 allows keeping hens in all five boroughs.
  • Roosters are prohibited. Other fowl like ducks, geese, and turkeys are also disallowed.
  • You do not need a permit just to own hens. They are treated more like pets under city law rather than regulated livestock.
  • There is no numerical limit in the Health Code on how many hens you may keep — but that doesn’t mean unlimited chickens are practical or without risk.

Key Restrictions & Conditions

While hens are allowed, there are several conditions you must satisfy so that your chicken-keeping doesn’t trigger health or neighbor issues.

  • No roosters: Because of noise concerns, roosters are explicitly banned in New York City.
  • No other poultry or waterfowl: Ducks, geese, turkeys, etc., are not permitted under Article 161.19.
  • “Nuisance conditions” are prohibited: This includes things like strong odors, flies or pests, noise beyond what is reasonable. If your hens cause nuisance, neighbors may complain, and the Department of Health can act.
  • Coop and run standards: Though NYC doesn’t require a permit for keeping hens, you’ll need proper shelter, fencing, and structures that keep the chickens safe and prevent escape. The space should be adequate for the flock (coop + run) and you must keep the area clean.
  • Apartment buildings / shared housing: If you live in an apartment or building with shared outdoor space, landlord rules or building regulations may apply. Chickens must be kept on the premises and not allowed to roam.

What You Don’t Need to Do (Usually)

  • No license or permit is required just for owning hens. The health code does not include an official permit requirement for backyard hens.
  • No fixed limit under the Health Code for the number of hens—though practical limits (coops, neighbors, space) and nuisance law effectively cap what’s reasonable.

Practical Tips If You Want to Keep Hens in NYC

  • Build a well-designed coop and run: waterproof, predator-proof, good ventilation, easy to clean. Make sure chickens can’t escape or wander into neighbors’ yards.
  • Locate the coop thoughtfully: rear yard or side yard if allowed, not causing odor or visual disturbance. Fencing or barriers help.
  • Feed and water cleanly; store feed in rodent-proof containers; manage waste to avoid smell or pests.
  • Start with a small number of hens until you’re sure how things will go with neighbors. It’s easier to scale up than to deal with complaints.
  • Check your lease or building rules (if renting or in a co-op/apartment): landlord might have restrictions beyond city law.

Things That Might Be a Problem

  • Noise complaints (even hens make noise, but roosters are worse—and roosters are illegal).
  • Neighbors upset about smell, flies, rodents if the coop is poorly maintained.
  • Violations of health or nuisance codes could lead to fines or removal of the chickens.
  • Building and zoning rules (especially in dense or shared housing) may pose practical limits even if legally allowed.

Summary

So yes — keeping chickens (hens) is allowed in New York City under current law (NYC Health Code § 161.19). You just can’t have roosters or other poultry/fowl, and you must ensure your setup is clean, safe, and doesn’t become a nuisance. If you want, I can pull up the specific text of the Health Code, or help you check how your address might be affected (zoning, landlord, etc.).