Can I keep chickens in a town yard?
It depends on the locality and conditions: you can keep poultry, but with limits. Keeping animals and birds in a household is governed by Order 119/2014 (hygiene norms on the population's living environment). The maximum number of birds allowed per household is, as a rule, 50. In a household without running water, the limits are: max 50 birds and max 6 large animals; in those with running water, still 50 birds, but different thresholds for animals. In a block or flat, keeping chickens is not allowed. Note: some local councils can adopt stricter rules — in certain residential neighbourhoods the allowed number can be smaller or the practice can be banned entirely, especially in densely populated areas. You must also observe the distances from neighbours and the coop's hygiene conditions. In short: in a yard yes, up to ~50 birds and the local rules; in a block — no.
📋 The rules
- As a rule, max 50 birds per household
- Different rules depending on whether you have running water
- In a block/flat: keeping chickens is banned
- Distances from neighbours and coop hygiene conditions
- Some town halls: stricter limits or a ban
🔓 Exceptions
- Dense residential areas: can ban keeping birds entirely
- Sanitary-veterinary/biosecurity rules: to observe in addition
- Households without running water: other thresholds for large animals
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Not observing the allowed number of birds, the distances from neighbours or the coop upkeep conditions is fined, usually between 500 and 2,500 lei (sometimes more), especially if it causes discomfort to neighbours (smell, noise, unsanitary conditions). The rules are not identical across the country: they depend on the sanitary-veterinary norms, the type of locality and the biosecurity conditions, and town halls can impose their own limits. To stay compliant: check your town hall's local regulation, observe the maximum number of birds (around 50) and the distances from neighbours, keep the coop clean and odour-free, ensure the hygiene and biosecurity conditions and avoid any discomfort to neighbours. In a block, keeping chickens is never allowed.
📎 Official sources
- Order 119/2014 · hygiene and public-health norms →
- ANSVSA · keeping poultry →
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I keep chickens in a town yard?
Yes, generally, if you have a household with a yard and observe the rules. The maximum number of birds allowed per household is, as a rule, 50. You must observe the distances from neighbours and the coop's hygiene conditions. In a block or flat, keeping chickens isn't allowed.
How many chickens am I allowed?
As a rule, at most 50 birds per household, under the hygiene norms. The thresholds can differ depending on whether the household has running water, especially for large animals. In addition, some town halls can impose smaller limits in certain areas, through their own local regulations.
Can I keep chickens in a block?
No. Keeping chickens or other poultry isn't allowed in apartment blocks or flats. This practice is specific to households with a yard and land, where the distances from neighbours and hygiene conditions can be observed. In a block, keeping poultry is banned.
What fine do I risk for breaking the rules?
Not observing the allowed number, the distances from neighbours or the coop's hygiene conditions is fined, usually between 500 and 2,500 lei, sometimes more, especially if it causes discomfort to neighbours through smell, noise or unsanitary conditions. Check the local regulation for the exact sanctions.
Are the rules the same everywhere?
No. The rules on keeping poultry aren't identical across the country but depend on the sanitary-veterinary norms, the type of locality and the biosecurity conditions. Some local councils adopt stricter rules, and in certain dense residential areas the practice can be severely limited or banned entirely.
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