Chicken Laws by County in Connecticut

Backyard chickens are becoming a staple in Connecticut’s suburban neighborhoods and rural landscapes alike. Whether you’re aiming for fresh eggs or a more sustainable lifestyle, it’s essential to understand that chicken laws vary not only by county but also by individual towns.

This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Connecticut, helping you navigate local zoning rules, flock limits, and coop requirements so you can start your backyard flock legally and responsibly.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Connecticut?

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Connecticut, but the rules depend on your city or town’s local ordinances, not the county or state. Connecticut doesn’t have county governments like some other states. Instead, each town and municipality governs chicken laws independently.

This means you’ll need to check with your local zoning department or town hall for the most accurate information.

Before you begin, use this chicken coop calculator to determine how much space your chickens will need to meet health standards and local regulations.

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How Chicken Laws Work in Connecticut

In Connecticut, chicken laws are based on three main factors:

1. Zoning regulations (residential, agricultural, rural residential)

2. Lot size (some towns set minimum land requirements)

3. Local ordinances and health codes

Your property’s zoning and lot size are usually the biggest determining factors in whether you can keep chickens and how many.

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Chicken Laws by County and Major Towns in Connecticut

Connecticut is divided into 8 counties, but regulations are enforced town by town. Here’s a breakdown of chicken-keeping laws in the most populated and chicken-friendly areas.

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Fairfield County

Towns like Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Danbury

• Stamford allows backyard chickens in residential zones:

  • No roosters

  • Must be 20 feet from property lines

  • Cleanliness and fencing required

• Norwalk permits up to 6 hens on most lots

• Danbury allows chickens, but only in R-2 and R-3 residential zones

  • Roosters are not allowed

  • Minimum lot size requirements may apply

Many towns in Fairfield County limit the number of chickens to 6–10 hens, and coops must be at least 25 feet from neighboring dwellings.

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New Haven County

Including New Haven, Waterbury, and Milford

• New Haven allows chickens with some limitations:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • Roosters are not permitted

  • Coop must be clean, enclosed, and not a nuisance

• Milford allows chickens on larger lots:

  • Zoning may restrict chickens in high-density housing zones

• Waterbury allows chickens in certain zones with site plan approval or permit

New Haven County towns tend to follow a similar pattern: hens yes, roosters no, and strict coop placement requirements.

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Hartford County

Including Hartford, West Hartford, and Bristol

• West Hartford permits up to 6 hens, but:

  • Roosters are not allowed

  • Coop must be in rear yard, 10 feet from property lines

  • Chickens must be enclosed at all times

• Bristol allows chickens with a permit; specific lot size minimums apply

• Hartford does not currently allow backyard chickens in many residential zones

Always call your local planning office—rules can change with zoning updates.

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Litchfield County

• Torrington and smaller towns often allow chickens in rural and residential-agricultural zones

• Roosters are generally allowed in rural areas but banned in towns and denser neighborhoods

• Coop placement must typically be 30–50 feet from neighboring homes

• No limit on hens in agricultural zones

Litchfield is one of the most chicken-friendly counties due to its rural nature.

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New London County

Including Norwich, New London, and Groton

• Norwich allows chickens in residential-agricultural zones, with a limit of 6–8 hens

• Roosters are typically not permitted in urban zones

• Coop setbacks: usually 25+ feet from property lines

• Groton permits backyard chickens, but check specific neighborhood zoning

This coastal county sees tighter restrictions in denser townships but more flexibility in suburban areas.

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Middlesex County

• Backyard chickens are allowed in most towns like Middletown and Old Saybrook

• Zoning varies: some towns require a minimum of ½ acre or more

• Roosters are banned in almost all suburban zones

• Coop regulations often include:

  • Rear-yard placement

  • 20+ foot setbacks

  • Secure enclosures to prevent escape or predator intrusion

Middlesex towns may also require noise and odor management practices to prevent neighbor disputes.

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Tolland County

• Mostly rural towns, so chicken keeping is generally allowed with few restrictions

• Roosters are allowed in many zones

• No universal hen limit, but some towns may restrict flocks in non-agricultural zones

• Coops must be well-maintained, predator-proof, and odor-controlled

Perfect for families looking to raise chickens with more freedom.

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Windham County

• Very chicken-friendly thanks to its agricultural zoning

• Roosters allowed in most towns

• Flock limits are usually not enforced in rural zones

• Coop placement is required to respect neighbors’ property lines, often with 30+ foot setbacks

This is one of the easiest counties to raise chickens in, especially for residents with large lots.

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Common Chicken Laws Across Connecticut Towns

While the details differ, here are the general regulations most towns enforce:

Want to build a coop that meets both legal and animal welfare standards? Use this chicken coop calculator to figure out exactly how much space your flock needs.

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Urban vs. Rural Chicken Keeping in Connecticut

Urban/Suburban Areas:

• Hen limits and rooster bans

• Lot size restrictions

• Stricter setback requirements

• Potential for HOA restrictions

• Permits or site plan approvals may be needed

Rural/Agricultural Areas:

• Roosters often allowed

• Larger flocks permitted

• Minimal restrictions on coop placement

• Fewer or no permit requirements

Where you live in Connecticut makes a huge difference in what’s allowed—always check your town’s zoning code.

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How to Find Out Your Town’s Chicken Laws

Since Connecticut towns govern themselves, you need to:

1. Look up your town’s zoning map to confirm your property’s classification

2. Search the municipal code on your town’s official website

3. Call your town clerk or planning department for a direct answer

4. Check HOA or neighborhood covenants for any additional restrictions

And before you build your coop, be sure to calculate how much coop space your chickens need so you’re compliant and your chickens are comfortable.

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Planning a Legal, Compliant Chicken Coop

No matter where in Connecticut you live, your coop should be:

• Spacious: 4 sq. ft. per hen inside, 8–10 sq. ft. in the run

• Secure: Predator-proof fencing and roofing

• Sanitary: Cleaned regularly, free of odor or pests

• Legal: Meets your town’s specific setback and placement requirements

The easiest way to ensure you’re within the law? Use this chicken coop calculator to create a plan tailored to your town’s rules and your flock size.

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Conclusion

Raising backyard chickens in Connecticut is rewarding—but only if you do it legally. While counties don’t govern chicken laws directly, every town does, and those laws can vary more than you might expect.

From New Haven to Norwich and Stamford to Stafford, understanding your town’s specific chicken laws is the key to avoiding fines, complaints, or forced flock removal.

Ready to start your flock? Use this chicken coop calculator to plan your space, stay compliant, and create a safe, healthy home for your chickens.

Backyard chickens aren’t just a hobby—they’re a commitment. Make sure you start off right.