Have You Registered Your Poultry Flock?

UK - Flocks of 50 or more poultry must be registered, the government reminds the owners. Find out when and how to register your flock of poultry, and which species must be registered.

18 June 2014

3 minute read

By: Jackie Linden

Europe

You must register poultry flocks of 50 or more birds that you own or are responsible for. They do not have to all be the same species. This applies even if your premises is only stocked for part of the year.

You should register your poultry within one month of their arrival at your premises.

If you have fewer than 50 birds you do not need to register. You are, however, encouraged to register voluntarily so that Defra can contact you quickly if there is an outbreak of disease.

How to register

By email: Complete the registration form and email it to [email protected]. You can use guidance notes to help you complete the form. Welsh versions of the registration form and guidance notes are also available.
By phone: Ask for a registration form through the GB Poultry Register Helpline on 0800 634 1112. Lines are open 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday.
By post: Post the completed form to: Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Cardiff Specialist Service Centre, Poultry Data Team, Government Buildings, 66 Ty Glas Road, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5ZB.

A copy of the completed registration form and a confirmation letter will be sent for you to check.

Information you must provide

You must provide the following information:

your name
your premises address
your County Parish Holding (CPH) number, if you have one
the number of poultry usually on the premises
the type of poultry housing
why you are rearing poultry

You will also be asked risk assessment questions, for example:

if the poultry have access to the open air
if there are any bodies of water close by that may attract wild birds.

If you have a large flock of poultry you may have to apply separately to the Environment Agency or Scottish Environment Protection Agency for an environmental permit.