Can you keep chickens in City of Salem, NJ?
No. Salem City bans keeping chickens, ducks, turkeys and other livestock anywhere inside the city limits.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not specified |
| Lot size | Not specified |
| Rule adopted | May 1997 |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The ban covers cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, potbellied pigs and other livestock.
- The only exceptions are livestock in transit and temporary permission from Common Council for educational, scientific or parade use.
- The article was adopted 5-19-1997 by Ordinance No. 97-4.
What about ducks?
No. Salem City bans keeping ducks, chickens, turkeys and other livestock anywhere inside the city limits.
§ 74-40: "No person or organization shall keep, or permit to be kept, within the city limits any cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, potbellied pigs or other livestock." Duck coops we build.
We build across Salem County
City of Salem doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Salem 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 Salem County towns
Compare them side by side in the Salem 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.