Can I keep chickens in Hamden, CT?
Yes — Hamden allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Sec. 626.4.1 - Keeping of Hens, Zoning Regulations Art. VI (eff. August 15, 2010; updated 2022), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Hens confined to rear or side yard only. Coop no greater than 6 ft in height, impermeable to rodents and predators, minimum 2 sq ft per hen. Fenced outdoor run required. Hens kept inside coop from sunset to sunrise. Coop must be clean, odor-free, and well-ventilated. Hens may not roam freely outside unless adult is supervising. |
| Code section | Sec. 626.4.1 - Keeping of Hens, Zoning Regulations Art. VI (eff. August 15, 2010; updated 2022) |
Hamden permits up to 6 hens (no roosters) as a permitted use in all residential zones requiring a Zoning Permit. Hens must be in the rear or side yard with the coop at least 25 ft from any neighboring dwelling. Coops must be under 6 ft tall, predator-proof, and provide at least 2 sq ft per bird with a required outdoor run.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hamden?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Hamden (Sec. 626.4.1 - Keeping of Hens, Zoning Regulations Art. VI (eff. August 15, 2010; updated 2022)).
How many chickens can I keep in Hamden?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Hamden?
Yes — Hamden requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Hamden?
No — roosters are prohibited in Hamden.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Hamden?
25 feet minimum. Hens confined to rear or side yard only. Coop no greater than 6 ft in height, impermeable to rodents and predators, minimum 2 sq ft per hen. Fenced outdoor run required. Hens kept inside coop from sunset to sunrise. Coop must be clean, odor-free, and well-ventilated. Hens may not roam freely outside unless adult is supervising.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hamden?
Sec. 626.4.1 - Keeping of Hens, Zoning Regulations Art. VI (eff. August 15, 2010; updated 2022). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Sec. 626.4.1 - Keeping of Hens, Zoning Regulations Art. VI (eff. August 15, 2010; updated 2022) — read the official code
“Hamden up to six hens roosters are not allowed coops or cages are 25 feet from any neighboring dwellings and are not located in a front yard provides at least 2 square feet per hen Amended July 27 2010 Effective August 15 2010” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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