Chicken Laws by County in New Hampshire

Raising backyard chickens in New Hampshire is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh eggs, connect with nature, and practice sustainable living. But before you start building your coop, it’s essential to understand this: there are no one-size-fits-all chicken laws in New Hampshire.

While the state supports agriculture and homesteading, chicken ownership is regulated locally, which means each city or town within a county sets its own rules. This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in New Hampshire to help you raise your flock legally and with peace of mind.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in New Hampshire?

Direct answer: Yes, backyard chickens are legal in New Hampshire, but the specifics—such as flock size, coop placement, rooster bans, and permit requirements—are set by local municipalities, not the state.

Here’s what most towns and counties typically regulate:

• Flock size limits, especially in dense residential areas

• Rooster restrictions due to noise concerns

• Minimum setbacks from property lines or dwellings

• Permitting processes, especially in urban/suburban areas

• Sanitation and containment rules to avoid attracting pests

Need help planning your coop according to local standards? Use this chicken coop calculator to make sure your flock has enough legal space.

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Chicken Laws by County in New Hampshire

Below is a breakdown of backyard chicken laws across key counties in New Hampshire. Remember, town ordinances may vary, so it’s always best to confirm with your town hall or zoning department.

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Hillsborough County

Direct answer: Chickens are permitted in most towns across Hillsborough County, but urban areas like Manchester have stricter rules.

Details:

• Manchester allows chickens in residential zones with up to 6 hens and no roosters. Permits and neighbor notifications may be required.

• Nashua permits backyard hens with a limit of 6, roosters prohibited, and a setback requirement of 20 feet.

• Smaller towns like Milford, Amherst, and Goffstown are generally chicken-friendly with minor restrictions or no permit requirements.

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Rockingham County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal throughout the county, but some towns regulate flock size and coop placement.

Details:

• Portsmouth allows hens in residential zones with a cap of 6 hens, no roosters, and minimum 25-foot setbacks.

• Derry and Salem have similar guidelines and may require coop inspections.

• Rural towns such as Raymond, Epping, and Hampstead tend to be more relaxed, especially on larger lots.

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Merrimack County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely allowed across the county, with minimal restrictions outside city limits.

Details:

• Concord permits hens in most zoning districts, with a limit of 5–6 hens and no roosters.

• Hooksett allows backyard flocks with setback requirements and sanitation enforcement.

• Rural areas like Loudon and Sutton rarely impose restrictions beyond general nuisance or health codes.

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Strafford County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed, but urban towns like Dover and Rochester enforce specific residential rules.

Details:

• Dover allows backyard chickens in most zones, with a limit of 6 hens, a required permit, and 20-foot coop setbacks.

• Rochester allows chickens but restricts roosters and enforces sanitation standards.

• Smaller towns like Lee and Durham are supportive of backyard farming with fewer limitations.

Looking to avoid trouble with coop spacing? Use the chicken coop calculator to measure and plan accurately.

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Cheshire County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal in nearly all areas, especially rural towns, but cities like Keene have clear rules.

Details:

• Keene permits chickens in residential zones with a limit of 5–6 hens, and roosters are not allowed.

• Coops must be clean, ventilated, and set back from property lines.

• Rural towns like Jaffrey, Rindge, and Swanzey have more lenient or no specific chicken ordinances.

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Belknap County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal, with restrictions depending on whether you live in an urban or rural setting.

Details:

• Laconia allows chickens in certain residential zones, often with limits like 4 hens per household.

• Coops must meet sanitation and distance standards (typically 15–25 feet from dwellings).

• Gilford and Meredith permit chickens with few restrictions, especially on lots over half an acre.

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Carroll County

Direct answer: Chickens are broadly permitted, especially in small towns and rural areas.

Details:

• Wolfeboro allows backyard flocks with a cap of 6 hens and coop setback requirements.

• Roosters are typically discouraged or banned in residential areas.

• Towns like Conway, Tamworth, and Ossipee are flexible with chicken ownership, particularly outside village zones.

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Grafton County

Direct answer: Most towns allow chickens, though rules vary slightly from one town to the next.

Details:

• Lebanon and Littleton allow backyard hens with a limit of 5–6, no roosters, and coop placement rules.

• Plymouth and Enfield may require neighbor notification or basic permitting.

• Rural areas typically follow basic nuisance laws and don’t limit flock size.

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Coös County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal with virtually no restrictions in most of this rural county.

Details:

• Berlin allows backyard chickens in residential zones, with minimal restrictions beyond cleanliness.

• Most towns like Lancaster, Colebrook, and Gorham have no formal ordinances restricting chickens.

• Flock size and coop placement are left to owner discretion unless complaints arise.

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Common Backyard Chicken Rules Across New Hampshire

Although rules vary by town, most areas follow these common standards:

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Tips to Stay Compliant with NH Chicken Laws

Follow these simple steps to stay on the right side of local law—and your neighbors:

• Contact your town’s planning or zoning board to confirm the current chicken ordinance.

• Avoid roosters unless you’re in a rural/agricultural zone with no close neighbors.

• Respect setbacks and keep your coop clean to avoid nuisance complaints.

• Use a chicken-safe coop design with proper ventilation, protection, and space.

• Check your coop size and placement using the chicken coop calculator to avoid building mistakes.

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Conclusion: New Hampshire Welcomes Chickens—Just Know the Local Rules

New Hampshire is a great state for backyard chicken keepers. Whether you’re in the Lakes Region, near the White Mountains, or closer to the Massachusetts border, most towns support small-scale poultry ownership.

Just remember—every town has its own rules. What works in Nashua might be illegal in Manchester. Do your research, plan your setup carefully, and raise your birds with confidence.

Ready to start your flock? Use the chicken coop calculator to plan the perfect coop and stay within legal limits.

Happy hens start with smart planning—and New Hampshire is a great place to do just that.