Can you keep chickens in Borough of Little Ferry, NJ?
No, not on a normal residential lot. Little Ferry's Board of Health code names chickens and poultry as excluded animals unless the property is at least 5 acres and zoned for agricultural use.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Not permitted |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not specified |
| Lot size | Min. 5 acres, and the land must be zoned for agricultural use |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The excluded list names chickens, poultry, guinea hens, ducks and turkeys along with goats, swine, horses and cattle.
- Animals already kept when the 1981 ordinance passed were grandfathered only if registered with the Board of Health Secretary within 30 days.
- Enforcement runs through the Health Officer, Police Department and Construction Official.
- Penalties reach $500 or 90 days in the county jail.
What about ducks?
No, not on a normal residential lot. Little Ferry's Board of Health code names ducks among excluded animals unless the property is at least 5 acres and zoned for agriculture.
§ BH1-2: "Animals specifically to be excluded from the Borough include chickens, ducks, turkeys, monkeys, snakes, skunks, mink, foxes, pigeons, poultry" Duck coops we build.
We build across Bergen County
Borough of Little Ferry doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Bergen County and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.
Chicken rules in nearby Bergen County towns
Compare them side by side in the Bergen County table.
Ready to keep your flock safe?
Tell us about your animals and your land. We'll design a coop built to last, on-site, just for you.