Keeping chickens as pets

Before getting chickens, it's important to consider whether you have the time, resources, commitment, knowledge and facilities to care for them. These pages take you through what to think about when keeping pet chickens, including:

When to register with the Great Britain Poultry Register

If you're planning to keep 50 or more birds, you'll need to register with the Great Britain Poultry Register. Defra requires you to do this in order to help the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency get in touch if there's a disease outbreak. 

We highly recommend that you register no matter how many birds you have - even if it's just one or two - to make sure you receive disease alerts and guidance. Always contact a vet if you're concerned about the health and welfare of your chickens.

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