Can I keep chickens in Manchester, CT?
Yes — Manchester allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Manchester Zoning Regulations (specific section unconfirmed; cited by UConn Extension Sept. 2025 as current regulation), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Hens kept in predator-proof enclosure with covered henhouse portion. Minimum 2 sq ft per hen in fenced enclosure. Not in front yard. Coop and enclosure at least 25 ft from any dwelling or occupied structure other than the owner. Coop kept clean and sanitary. No outdoor slaughter. No breeding or training for fighting. |
| Code section | Manchester Zoning Regulations (specific section unconfirmed; cited by UConn Extension Sept. 2025 as current regulation) |
Manchester permits up to 12 hens in residential zones. Roosters prohibited. Coop and enclosure must be at least 25 ft from any dwelling other than the owner and may not be in the front yard. Outdoor slaughter prohibited. Reflects current June 2025 zoning regulations.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Manchester?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Manchester (Manchester Zoning Regulations (specific section unconfirmed; cited by UConn Extension Sept. 2025 as current regulation)).
How many chickens can I keep in Manchester?
Up to 12 hens.
Are roosters allowed in Manchester?
No — roosters are prohibited in Manchester.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Manchester?
25 feet minimum. Hens kept in predator-proof enclosure with covered henhouse portion. Minimum 2 sq ft per hen in fenced enclosure. Not in front yard. Coop and enclosure at least 25 ft from any dwelling or occupied structure other than the owner. Coop kept clean and sanitary. No outdoor slaughter. No breeding or training for fighting.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Manchester?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Manchester's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Manchester?
Manchester Zoning Regulations (specific section unconfirmed; cited by UConn Extension Sept. 2025 as current regulation). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Manchester Zoning Regulations (specific section unconfirmed; cited by UConn Extension Sept. 2025 as current regulation) — read the official code
“Manchester: Permits keeping of up to 12 hens in coops or cages that are located at least 25 feet from any dwelling or occupied structure other than the owner dwelling and not in the front yard. The town also has requirements for minimum coop area, outdoor enclosure, and prohibits roosters and outdoor slaughtering of chickens. (Source: Manchester Zoning Regulations)” 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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