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Chicken Ownership Policy, Town of Boonton
From the Town of Boonton, N.J. -
The Town of Boonton Permits:
A maximum of five (5) chickens, zero (0) roosters, per property.
Rules & Regulations: No person owning, keeping, maintaining, or harboring a chicken shall permit, suffer, or allow a chicken to run at large upon any public streets or upon any private property except on premises where the owner has given permission.
Here are some general space guidelines for your chicken coop and the fully fenced chicken coop enclosure or run:
Standard Breed Chickens: 4sqft of coop space per bird; 8sqft of run space per bird.
A few features that need to be included in any chicken coop design:
Security – A sturdy structure that cannot be breached by predators. Built at least 6 inches off the ground to prohibit rodents from chewing into the coop from below. Use of half-inch hardware cloth wire instead of chicken wire for covering any openings. A solid door that can be closed and latched at night is important for your flock’s safety.
Ventilation– Windows that can open and a roof ridge vent are commonly used to provide ventilation. Good ventilation ensures that toxic ammonia fumes do not build up in the coop.
Nesting Boxes– Enough nesting boxes in a ratio of 1 for each 3 or 4 hens.
Perch/ Roost Bar – Using a 2 x 4 board installed so that the chickens are sitting on the 4-inch side. Chickens that have to perch on the edge of wire often develop foot injuries such as bumble foot or crooked toes. In addition, a thick sturdy tree branch, or other sturdy, non-slippery roost bar.
*NOTE: Keep chicken feed/food in sealed containers and clean up around the coop often, to prevent attracting insects, rodents and other wildlife on to your property and neighborhood.
Boonton Health Department, 100 Washington St, 2nd Floor, Boonton, NJ 07005 973.402.9410 ext.631
