Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Hungary, but subject to municipal and veterinary oversight. The 2023 Animal Health Act and local ordinances govern flock sizes, coop standards, and registration requirements. Non-compliance risks fines or mandatory culling under epizootic regulations.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Hungary
- Flock size limits: Municipal governments set maximums (typically 5–20 hens per household), with Budapest districts enforcing stricter caps (e.g., 10 hens in District XII). Roosters are often banned due to noise ordinances.
- Veterinary registration: All flocks must be registered with the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH) via the Állat-egészségügyi Információs Rendszer (ÁEIR) within 30 days of acquisition. Failure to register incurs penalties up to 500,000 HUF (€1,250).
- Biosecurity and coop standards: Coops require minimum 1 m² per bird, elevated flooring to prevent flooding, and 15 cm perch space per hen. The 2026 amendment to Decree 4/2016 mandates mandatory disinfection protocols for flocks near poultry farms to curb avian influenza spread.
Additional restrictions apply in protected zones (e.g., Natura 2000 areas) or during high-risk periods (e.g., HPAI outbreaks), where housing orders may be enforced. Always consult municipal authorities and NÉBIH’s Zoonózis Osztály for jurisdiction-specific rules.