Brooklyn residents may keep backyard hens, but roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats, and sheep are prohibited under NYC Health Code §161.01.
NYC Health Code §161.01 (Title 24 Rules of the City of New York) allows backyard hens as legal companion animals in Brooklyn. However, roosters are banned due to noise concerns. The Health Code prohibits keeping ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons (except in licensed coops), goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and other livestock on residential property. Coops must be kept clean, rodent-proof, and at least 25 feet from any dwelling or property line per Department of Health guidance. There is no cap on hen numbers, but complaints of odor or sanitation issues can trigger enforcement by DOHMH. Slaughtering animals on residential property is prohibited.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Kings County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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