Chicken Laws by County in Massachusetts
Thinking about raising chickens in Massachusetts? You’re not alone. More folks than ever are turning to backyard chickens for fresh eggs, a more sustainable lifestyle, and a deeper connection to their food. But here’s the catch—chicken laws vary wildly from one county or town to the next.
This guide breaks down what you need to know, county by county, to keep your chickens legal and your neighbors happy.
Why Local Chicken Laws Matter
Chicken ownership isn’t just a rural pastime anymore—it’s thriving in the suburbs and even cities. But before you bring home a fluffy flock, you need to know your local regulations.
Many people make the mistake of assuming that chicken laws are the same statewide. In reality, Massachusetts chicken laws are usually handled at the municipal level—meaning your city or town within the county sets the rules.
These laws determine:
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Whether you can keep chickens at all
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How many hens or roosters are allowed
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The size and placement of your coop
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Permit requirements
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Zoning restrictions and setbacks
Ignoring these could result in fines—or worse, having to give up your flock.
Chicken Laws in Massachusetts by County
Let’s dig into the chicken-keeping regulations across key counties in Massachusetts. Keep in mind that rules vary by town, so always double-check with your local zoning board.
Barnstable County
Direct answer: Most towns in Barnstable County allow backyard chickens, but the number of birds and coop placement varies by zoning district.
Details:
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In Barnstable, chickens are allowed in residential zones with setbacks from property lines.
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Yarmouth requires a permit for more than 5 chickens.
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Roosters are often banned in residential areas due to noise complaints.
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A few Cape towns, like Chatham, only allow chickens in agricultural zones.
Berkshire County
Direct answer: Backyard chickens are generally permitted, especially in rural areas, but towns like Pittsfield may require permits.
Details:
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Pittsfield allows chickens with a simple application and inspection process.
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Towns like Great Barrington and Lenox are more relaxed but still enforce coop setbacks (often 10-25 feet from property lines).
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Roosters are discouraged in most residential areas.
Bristol County
Direct answer: Chicken laws vary widely; many towns allow hens but not roosters, and permits may be required for larger flocks.
Details:
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Taunton allows up to 6 hens, but a special permit is needed beyond that.
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Fall River bans roosters entirely and limits flocks in dense neighborhoods.
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In Dartmouth, you’ll need to follow agricultural zoning rules unless granted an exception.
Need help figuring out how much space your flock needs? Try the chicken coop calculator to get personalized space recommendations based on your flock size.
Essex County
Direct answer: Most towns in Essex County permit chickens with restrictions on coop placement and noise ordinances.
Details:
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In Salem and Peabody, chickens are allowed with strict coop regulations.
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Beverly allows backyard chickens, but roosters are not permitted in residential zones.
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Newburyport has an active chicken-keeping community and promotes best practices for coop hygiene and neighbor relations.
Franklin County
Direct answer: As a more rural area, Franklin County tends to be more permissive about backyard chickens.
Details:
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Most towns like Greenfield and Deerfield allow small flocks without needing permits.
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Roosters are generally permitted unless complaints arise.
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Coops must still meet basic setback and sanitation standards.
Hampden County
Direct answer: Urban towns like Springfield enforce stricter rules, while rural areas like Wilbraham are more flexible.
Details:
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Springfield requires a permit and limits chickens to specific zones.
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Westfield has a 6-hen limit and bans roosters.
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Ludlow and Wilbraham allow more birds and only require you to follow setback rules.
Hampshire County
Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal in most towns, but zoning regulations must be followed.
Details:
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Northampton allows chickens in most residential zones with a permit.
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Amherst requires setbacks of 20 feet or more.
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Hadley is more lenient and doesn’t cap flock sizes unless complaints occur.
Curious if your coop is too close to the property line? Use the chicken coop calculator to make sure your setup meets local requirements.
Middlesex County
Direct answer: Most towns allow chickens, but the specifics vary significantly, especially in suburban areas.
Details:
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Cambridge and Somerville have progressive backyard chicken ordinances.
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Newton and Framingham allow chickens with written neighbor consent.
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Lowell requires permits and bans roosters.
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Many towns allow 4-6 hens with proper coop spacing.
Norfolk County
Direct answer: Chickens are usually allowed, but towns like Quincy and Brookline have unique restrictions.
Details:
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Brookline allows chickens through a pilot program, capped at 6 hens.
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Quincy prohibits chickens in some zones—always check zoning maps.
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Norwood and Milton require coop inspections and neighbor notifications.
Plymouth County
Direct answer: Most towns permit backyard chickens with basic zoning compliance and coop regulations.
Details:
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Plymouth allows chickens in most zones with a maximum flock size of 6 unless you live on agricultural land.
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Brockton and Wareham limit or ban roosters and require you to register your flock.
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Duxbury promotes sustainable chicken-keeping but enforces setback rules.
Suffolk County
Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal in Boston and other urban areas—but expect strict rules.
Details:
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Boston allows chickens under Article 89 urban agriculture zoning, but not roosters.
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You’ll need to file a notification with the Boston Inspectional Services Department.
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Coops must be clean, pest-free, and positioned to avoid neighbor disturbance.
Worcester County
Direct answer: Rural towns allow chickens more freely, while urban zones require permits and compliance with noise and space rules.
Details:
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Worcester caps flock size at 6 hens and requires a permit.
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Leominster and Fitchburg have flexible zoning for chickens in suburban areas.
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Agricultural towns like Barre and Princeton rarely restrict backyard flocks.
Common Chicken-Keeping Requirements in Massachusetts
Even though laws vary, these common rules show up across most counties:
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No roosters in residential zones
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6-hen limit is common
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Minimum setback of 10 to 25 feet from property lines
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Clean, ventilated coops are required
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Permits may be needed for larger flocks
Want to make sure your coop size matches your town’s legal limits? Try the chicken coop calculator for an instant breakdown.
Tips to Stay Compliant with Local Chicken Laws
Avoid headaches by following these best practices:
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Call your zoning board before building or buying your coop.
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Keep neighbors happy with odor control and quiet breeds.
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Label eggs as “not for sale” if you’re not licensed to sell.
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Avoid roosters unless you live on agriculturally zoned land.
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Use a proper coop design to meet space and sanitation requirements.
Conclusion: Know Before You Grow
Raising chickens in Massachusetts can be incredibly rewarding—but only if you’re following the rules. Every county and town has its own take on what’s allowed, so do your homework before you get your first flock.
Whether you’re in Boston or the Berkshires, understanding local chicken laws is key to a successful and stress-free chicken-keeping experience.
Ready to build your coop? Calculate how much coop space your chicken needs to stay compliant and keep your hens happy.
Don’t just wing it—plan it right from the start
