Can I keep chickens in Salisbury, MD?
Yes — Salisbury allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Title 6 Animals Ch. 6.05 §§ 6.05.040, 6.05.050, 6.05.060, 6.05.070, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Coop rules | Minimum 2 sq ft covered space plus 3 sq ft yard per hen; enclosure must not be closer than 5 ft to any residence or property line; must be fully enclosed on all sides and top |
| Code section | Title 6 Animals Ch. 6.05 §§ 6.05.040, 6.05.050, 6.05.060, 6.05.070 |
Salisbury allows up to 6 chickens (or ducks, or combination) per occupied single-family dwelling. No roosters are permitted. Keepers must register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture before housing birds, and enclosures must be at least 5 feet from any residence or property line.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Salisbury?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Salisbury (Title 6 Animals Ch. 6.05 §§ 6.05.040, 6.05.050, 6.05.060, 6.05.070).
How many chickens can I keep in Salisbury?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Salisbury?
Yes — Salisbury requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Salisbury?
No — roosters are prohibited in Salisbury.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Salisbury?
5 feet minimum. Minimum 2 sq ft covered space plus 3 sq ft yard per hen; enclosure must not be closer than 5 ft to any residence or property line; must be fully enclosed on all sides and top
What law covers backyard chickens in Salisbury?
Title 6 Animals Ch. 6.05 §§ 6.05.040, 6.05.050, 6.05.060, 6.05.070. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Title 6 Animals Ch. 6.05 §§ 6.05.040, 6.05.050, 6.05.060, 6.05.070 — read the official code
“A minimum of two (2) square feet of covered space and a minimum of three (3) square feet of yard space per chicken or duck shall be provided.” source
“The maximum number of chickens or ducks, or combination of the two, allowed is six per occupied single-family dwelling unit. No roosters are permitted.” source
“Prior to housing chickens and/or ducks on the property, the owner or operator of the urban chickens and/or ducks must be registered with the State of Maryland, Maryland Department of Agriculture.” source
“Enclosures, henhouses, duckhouses and pens may not be closer than five feet to any residence or property line.” 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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