Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Maine, but compliance with municipal and state regulations is mandatory. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) permits small flocks under 50 birds, while local ordinances often impose additional restrictions on coop placement, flock size, and sanitation.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Maine
- Flock Size Limits: State guidelines cap backyard flocks at 50 birds, though municipalities may impose stricter limits (e.g., Portland allows up to 6 hens). Verify local zoning codes via town offices or the Maine Municipal Association’s 2024 ordinance database.
- Coop and Run Specifications: Structures must be predator-proof, well-ventilated, and sited at least 20 feet from neighboring dwellings in most rural areas. Urban zones (e.g., Bangor) may require setbacks up to 50 feet and aesthetic screening.
- Sanitation and Nuisance Protocols: Regular waste removal and odor control are mandated under the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC). Violations may trigger inspections by the DACF’s Animal Health Division or local health departments.
Municipalities like Augusta and Lewiston have updated their 2026 compliance manuals to align with state biosecurity standards, emphasizing vaccination records for flocks exceeding 20 birds. Failure to adhere to these provisions risks fines or forced flock culling under the Maine Revised Statutes Title 7, §1751. Consult the DACF’s Livestock Health portal for breed restrictions and mandatory reporting of avian influenza outbreaks.