Can you keep chickens in Borough of River Edge, NJ?
No. Since 2023 River Edge has banned keeping hens, roosters and all other domestic fowl, and existing flocks had to be removed.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available |
| Coop setback | Not applicable |
| Lot size | Not applicable |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- Adopted 9-14-2023 by Ord. No. 23-14. Domestic fowl is defined to include chickens (roosters and hens), ducks, quail, geese, turkeys and pigeons.
- Anyone already keeping fowl had to give them up within 60 days of adoption.
- Breeding, raising, selling and slaughtering fowl are also banned, and fowl may not be buried in the borough.
- Fines run $250 to $1,000 per offense, per day.
What about ducks?
No. River Edge's 2023 ban on domestic fowl defines them to include ducks, so ducks can't be kept.
§§ 122-23, 122-24: "chickens (roosters and hens), ducks, quail, geese, swans, doves, turkeys, pigeons, pheasant pea fowl, guinea fowl, ostriches, peacocks and emus" Duck coops we build.
We build across Bergen County
Borough of River Edge 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.