Backyard Chickens in Massachusetts
A note on HPAI / (Bird Flu)
(Shared from NOFA NY)
- The highly pathogenic strain, H5N1, has been circulating since February 2022
- Spreads from infected feces, surfaces, or through the air when birds are in close contact
- Can be transported by infected feed, clothing, equipment, wild birds, and rodents
- Waterfowl, both wild and domestic, act as primary carriers
- Once on the farm, it spreads rapidly
- Can infect all domestic poultry, including backyard flocks
- Symptoms include sudden death, lack of appetite, swelling of head/comb/eyelid, wattles, hocks, purple discoloration of wattles/comb/legs, diarrhea
- A biosecurity plan will help minimize the risk of your flock getting infected
Defend the Flock: Resources for small flocks (USDA)
For latest updates in Massachusetts, please visit the Poultry Program Page on mass.gov (MDAR)
If you see five or more sick or deceased wild birds, report them to the state.
If you see sick or deceased domestic poultry, report them to the state.
Why raise backyard chickens?
Raising your own chickens in urban or suburban neighborhoods is becoming more and more popular. Keeping backyard poultry offers a fresh, nutritious, and sustainable source of eggs or meat. It can also be a LOT of fun.
The additional benefits of poultry-raising are also attractive:
- A small flock of poultry can reduce the amount of organic food waste that ends up in the landfill. Chickens will happily gobble up your leftovers and spoiled foods.
- Children love interacting with chickens! It’s a great way to teach them about life cycles, animal behavior, and give them a chance to be involved in producing their own food.
- Poultry create a wonderful source of balanced organic fertility for your edible and ornamental gardens. You can either let your chickens roam (with prudence) in your garden or you can integrate their manure or bedding into your compost.
- What better way to make friends with your neighbors than by offering them some of your fresh eggs or meat?
“Crested Cream Legbar” Chickens
Why raise your chickens organically?
There are many benefits to raising your flock organically. Visit our Organic Poultry resource page to learn more.
Local Chicken Regulations
Do you know if your town or city allows poultry-keeping?
Take a look at our database of local chicken regulations (Last updated May 2020)
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in the above resource document is updated to the best of our knowledge, but may not be accurate. It’s important to verify your local zoning by-laws with city/town officials before you buy chickens or otherwise invest in raising backyard chickens!
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Resources for AdvocatesÂ
 Are you unsatisfied with your town’s current regulations? Many citizen activists have been successful in changing their town’s regulations. By doing some organizing, you can progress your town toward a more food secure and sovereign future. Here are few resources to get you started:
- Raising backyard poultry without ruffling too many feathers: how to comply with local regulations and bylaws and keep your neighbors happy, Kristen M. Ploetz, Esq.
Summarizes a variety of bylaws and regulations about backyard chickens with suggestions on how to handle complaints from neighbors - Talking points for keeping poultry
A one-page flyer for educating your community
Be Social!
Be Social!
Check out the “MA Backyard Chicken Owners” Facebook group for lots of great tips, tricks and advice. (Also a great way to improve morale when scrolling through your Facebook feed!)
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Additional Resources
Caring for Poultry
Hatching Chicks At Home (NOFA/Mass Newsletter, April 2021)
Setting Up Your Brooder and Caring for Juvenile Poultry (NOFA/Mass Newsletter, May 2021)
The Holistic Trinity | Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic + Diatomaceous Earth (Fresh Eggs Daily Blog)
Best Management Practices for Backyard Poultry Keepers (Mass.gov)
General informationÂ
Backyard Chickens.com
Includes forums and articles about raising chickens, incubating and hatching eggs, chicken diseases and injuries, and more.
MA Backyard Chicken Owners
A private group of Massachusetts backyard chicken owners and urban farmers to share information, experiences, tips, stories, ask questions, photos and more.
My Pet Chicken
A comprehensive resource for care and management of Backyard Chickens.
MDAR Poultry program
Includes valuable information for backyard poultry facilities, including management practices, health issues, and more.
The Cape Coop
An information-rich blog kept by a backyard gardener on the Cape, including an explanation of chicken regulations for towns on Cape Cod.
MOFGA Organic Chicken Basics
A simple but effective fact sheet on some by MOFGA.
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