Can I keep chickens in Nashua, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Nashua allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (NRO § 190-311 / § 190-31.1 (Keeping of Chickens), Ord. O-18-019 (Dec. 11, 2018), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Roofed structure enclosed on all sides required; min 3 sqft floor space per chicken if run provided, 10 sqft if no run; each chicken needs min 10 sqft total. Max coop height 8 ft, run 8 ft. In side or rear yard only. Chickens secured in coop during non-daylight hours. No free-ranging. |
| Code section | NRO § 190-311 / § 190-31.1 (Keeping of Chickens), Ord. O-18-019 (Dec. 11, 2018) |
Nashua allows up to 6 female chickens (no roosters) as an accessory use on single- or two-family detached dwellings in most residential zones (R-9, R-A, R-B, R-C; not R-40 or R-30). Coops must be at least 20 feet from any property line, located in side or rear yards, and must fully enclose the chickens with a roofed structure. No egg sales or other commercial activity is permitted.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Nashua?
Yes, with conditions — Nashua allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (NRO § 190-311 / § 190-31.1 (Keeping of Chickens), Ord. O-18-019 (Dec. 11, 2018)).
How many chickens can I keep in Nashua?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Nashua?
No — roosters are prohibited in Nashua.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Nashua?
20 feet minimum. Roofed structure enclosed on all sides required; min 3 sqft floor space per chicken if run provided, 10 sqft if no run; each chicken needs min 10 sqft total. Max coop height 8 ft, run 8 ft. In side or rear yard only. Chickens secured in coop during non-daylight hours. No free-ranging.
What law covers backyard chickens in Nashua?
NRO § 190-311 / § 190-31.1 (Keeping of Chickens), Ord. O-18-019 (Dec. 11, 2018). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
NRO § 190-311 / § 190-31.1 (Keeping of Chickens), Ord. O-18-019 (Dec. 11, 2018) — read the official code
“Up to six (6) adult chickens may be kept on a lot. Only female chickens are allowed to be kept. Adult male or crowing male chickens (roosters) are prohibited. The coop and any run must be located in side or rear yards and cannot be located within 20 feet of a property line.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →