NJ chicken rules · Monmouth County
Can you keep chickens in Township of Aberdeen, NJ?
Aberdeen classifies fowl as livestock and bars keeping livestock on anything but a qualifying 5-acre farm, and prohibits poultry farms outright in every zone, so backyard chickens aren't permitted.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Not permitted |
| Permit | No backyard-hen permit |
| Coop setback | Livestock shelters (on a farm) at least 50 ft from any lot line |
| Lot size | A "farm" needs 5+ acres, but poultry farms are prohibited in all zones anyway |
Good to know
- Zoning defines livestock to include fowl and prohibits keeping livestock on other than a farm in all districts.
- The animal-control chapter covers only dogs and cats.
- Online claims of an 8-hen Aberdeen allowance are from a same-name out-of-state town and don't apply here.
Source: Township of Aberdeen Code, Ch. 25 Land Development (eCode360), § 25-2.1; § 25-4.1 — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Township of Aberdeen clerk or zoning office before you build.
We build across Monmouth County
Township of Aberdeendoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout MonmouthCounty and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.
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