NEW Bird Registration Requirements

New rules on registering poultry/birds are coming into force this year and backyard birdkeepers will need to officially register their flock regardless of the number.

Previously, only people with more than 50 birds were required to register, but the new measures announced by Defra has reduced this to anyone with just one bird. Poultry keepers will be required to review their poultry register entry annually to ensure their details are up to date. In England, keepers are required to register their birds ahead of the legal deadline on 1 October 2024.

The measures have been introduced to help manage potential disease outbreaks, such as avian influenza, and limit any spread. Also, the information on the register will be used to identify all bird keepers in disease control zones, allowing for more effective surveillance, so that zones can be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity.

For more information on registering your birds, visit: Poultry and other captive birds: registration rules and forms - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)