Yes, backyard chickens are generally permitted nationwide, but municipal ordinances and provincial health codes impose critical constraints. Argentina’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) regulates poultry biosecurity, while local governments mandate zoning, flock size, and coop standards to mitigate avian influenza risks. Recent 2026 SENASA guidelines emphasize mandatory registration for flocks exceeding 50 birds, even in urban areas.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Argentina
- Zoning and Permits: Municipalities like Buenos Aires and Córdoba require permits for urban coops, with strict limits on flock size (typically ≤20 hens) and mandatory setbacks from property lines. Violations may trigger fines under Ley 14.346 (Animal Protection Code).
- Biosecurity Protocols: SENASA’s Resolución 112/2026 mandates coop construction with wire mesh (≤1.27 cm gaps) to exclude wild birds, disinfection stations, and monthly health inspections for flocks near commercial farms.
- Disease Reporting: Owners must report suspected avian influenza or Newcastle disease to SENASA within 24 hours under Decreto 1585/1996, with penalties up to ARS 500,000 for non-compliance.
Provincial variations exist: Santa Fe prohibits roosters in residential zones, while Mendoza restricts coops to rear yards. Always cross-reference Código Alimentario Argentino (CAA) provisions on egg sales, which require sanitary registration for commercial distribution. Consult local agricultural offices (Dirección de Ganadería) for updated municipal bylaws.