Is Backyard Chickens Legal in Maine? (2026)
Yes — Backyard Chickens are legal in Maine as of 2026.
Law changed in 2025: In 2025, a bill (LD 1655) was introduced to prevent municipalities from completely banning backyard chickens, signaling a potential shift toward statewide protection for chicken keepers.
Quick Answer
Backyard Chickens are legal in Maine. In 2025, a bill (LD 1655) was introduced to prevent municipalities from completely banning backyard chickens, signaling a potential shift toward statewide protection for chicken keepers.
What the Law Says
Maine has a 'Right to Food' amendment that can be interpreted to protect backyard chicken keeping, but local ordinances may still apply.
— 7 M.R.S. § 219-D
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State Regulations | Legal under state law; local ordinances vary widely |
| Local Ordinance Rules | Legal to sell chickens and supplies |
| Violation Penalties | Violations of local ordinances may result in fines or required removal of chickens. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
In 2025, a bill (LD 1655) was introduced to prevent municipalities from completely banning backyard chickens, signaling a potential shift toward statewide protection for chicken keepers.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement is handled at the local level, with towns like Brunswick and Belfast requiring licenses and setting specific rules. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry oversees statewide poultry health and sales.
A common mistake is failing to obtain a required local license. Another is not adhering to local ordinances that often ban roosters and limit the number of hens to around six.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Maine. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Backyard Chickens are legal in Maine. You can keeping backyard chickens without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Maine vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, keeping backyard chickens is fully legal in 41 states, restricted in 9, and illegal in 0. Maine falls in the LEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Backyard Chickens:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is keeping backyard chickens legal in Maine?
Can you keep backyard chickens in Maine?
Interactive Tools
See your overall risk score for Maine based on all your activities.
Get Risk Score →See how Backyard Chickens laws change if you relocate from Maine.
Relocation Analyzer →Check if Backyard Chickens laws change at state borders on your route.
Plan Your Trip →Get Backyard Chickens Legal Updates
Get notified when backyard chickens laws change in any state.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Comprehensive Maine Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in Maine — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.