Backyard chickens in Rochester, New York

Yes, chickens are legal in the City of Rochester, NY, but they are regulated as "fowl" under Chapter 30, Article I of the City Code (Permitted Animals). No person may keep chickens or other fowl in the City without first obtaining a license issued by the Rochester Chief of Police (§ 30-12). Fowl may be kept only on the licensee's premises, must have adequate space, and are subject to a citywide cap of 30 fowl in any 240-square-foot open area (§ 30-19C). Male fowl (roosters) over four months old must be removed if the Chief of Police determines, after a complaint, that the bird is a nuisance (§ 30-19D). Coops and runways must be kept clean and sanitary, are subject to inspection at any time, and must be located at least 25 feet from any dwelling or building used for continuous daily human occupation (§ 30-19E, G, H).

Rochester sits on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and experiences cold, snowy winters (lake-effect snow) with average annual minimum temperatures between -10°F and 0°F, alongside warm, humid summers. Coops should be well-insulated and ventilated to handle sub-zero cold spells and heavy snowfall.

Rochester-area chicken keepers commonly report raccoons, foxes (both red and gray), and hawks as the most persistent threats to backyard flocks, with weasels, opossums, and skunks also capable of raiding coops. Secure coops with hardware cloth rather than standard chicken wire, and ensure runs are covered to deter aerial predators like hawks.