Backyard Chicken Laws in Maine: What Every Flock Owner Must Know

Published On: May 30, 2026

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Maine as of 2026. A 2025 state law explicitly prohibits municipalities from banning backyard chickens on residential property, making Maine one of the most flock-friendly states. However, there are specific requirements for coop size, flock size, and animal welfare that you must follow.

Statewide Legal Requirements (2026)

Requirement	What the Law Requires
Maximum flock size	36 chickens (or more if local ordinance allows higher)
Roosters allowed?	No — only hens (female birds) are defined as “chickens” under state law
Coop distance from property line	At least 15 feet from any property line
Indoor coop space	Minimum 4 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop
Outdoor space	Minimum 10 sq. ft. per chicken in secure run
Coop construction	Must be predator-proof with secure mesh wire, door with latch
Trespassing	Chickens must not roam onto neighbors’ property
Nuisance control	Must prevent noise/odor disturbances and attract predators/rodents

Key State Law: 7 MRSA §219-D

Maine’s law (enacted in 2025) states:

“A county or municipality may not adopt a regulation or ordinance that prohibits a person from keeping chickens on that person’s residential property.”
“Chicken” = female domesticated bird raised for meat or eggs (does not include roosters)
Towns can still regulate health and safety but cannot ban chickens entirely

What About Roosters?

Roosters are NOT allowed under state law for residential properties. The law defines “chicken” as a female bird only, meaning mature male chickens (roosters) cannot be kept for residential flocks.

Local Ordinances & Permits

Aspect	Details
Permit required?	Some towns require permits (check locally)
Stricter rules allowed?	Towns can set stricter rules (e.g., smaller limits, setbacks) but cannot ban
Right to Food	Maine’s 2021 constitutional “Right to Food” amendment may provide additional protection for backyard poultry

Bottom Line

Maine now has statewide protection for backyard chicken keepers. You can legally keep up to 36 hens (no roosters) on residential property as long as you meet coop requirements: 15-foot setbacks, 4 sq. ft. indoor space per bird, 10 sq. ft. outdoor run, predator-proofing, and nuisance control. Your local town may have additional regulations, but they cannot ban you from keeping chickens entirely.

SOURCES :

https://allowedhere.com/legality/backyard-chickens/maine/
https://www.restore.org/maineenvironews/2025/5/24/backyard-chicken-bill-making-its-way-through-maine-state-house

Maria

Maria is a professional content writer at MyHometownPost.com, specializing in Oklahoma local news, U.S. laws and policy updates, and global current events. With a keen eye for detail and commitment to accuracy, she delivers timely, engaging, and informative stories that keep readers well-informed about important developments locally and worldwide.