Is Backyard Chickens Legal in Massachusetts? (2026)
Yes — Backyard Chickens are legal in Massachusetts as of 2026.
Law changed in 2023: There have been no significant statewide legislative changes since 2023. Local bylaws are the primary source of regulation and are subject to change by town meetings.
Quick Answer
Backyard Chickens are legal in Massachusetts. There have been no significant statewide legislative changes since 2023.
What the Law Says
Massachusetts has no state law on backyard chickens. Local boards of health and zoning bylaws regulate the keeping of chickens, with rules varying by town.
— MGL c. 129, § 26B
| 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 |
There have been no significant statewide legislative changes since 2023. Local bylaws are the primary source of regulation and are subject to change by town meetings.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement is handled by local boards of health, with many towns like Watertown and Ashland requiring permits and inspections. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) oversees statewide poultry health and egg grading regulations.
A common mistake is failing to obtain a required local permit from the board of health. Another is not adhering to local ordinances that often ban roosters and set specific limits on the number of hens based on lot size.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Massachusetts. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Backyard Chickens are legal in Massachusetts. You can keeping backyard chickens without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Massachusetts 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. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Can you keep backyard chickens in Massachusetts?
Interactive Tools
See your overall risk score for Massachusetts based on all your activities.
Get Risk Score →See how Backyard Chickens laws change if you relocate from Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in Massachusetts — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.