Keeping chickens

Keeping chickens

There are no laws preventing you from keeping a few chickens in your garden.

You should check your property deeds or with your landlord first because there may be covenants or rules against keeping livestock on the property.

Registering a flock

As of 01 October 2024, it is a legal requirement for all poultry keepers in England and Wales to register their flock, even if they have only one bird. To register, you will need to provide information, including your contact details, the location where birds are kept and details of the birds (e.g. their species, the number of birds and for what purpose they are being kept).

Psittacines and passerines (budgerigars, parrots, canaries and similar species) do not need to be registered if they are only kept indoors or if they are only kept in a dedicated bird house without any outside access.

Keepers of fewer than 50 birds will need to visit: GOV.UK | Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds.

Keepers of 50 birds or more will need to visit: GOV.UK | Poultry and other captive birds: registration rules and forms.

Things to consider before getting chickens 

Noise

You need to make sure the noise from your chickens does not disturb your neighbours and cause a nuisance.

Hens are generally not very noisy. Some breeds are noisier than others and they tend to be loudest when laying.

You can help to avoid issues with noise by making sure the coop isn't too close to your neighbour's property.

Cockerels 

Most noise complaints about chickens come from the keeping of cockerels.

Cockerels crow from first light and this can disturb your neighbours early in the morning and throughout the day.

You do not need to keep a cockerel for hens to lay eggs.

If you do decide to keep a cockerel and it becomes a nuisance to your neighbours, we may get involved and ask you to control the noise.

Cleanliness and pests

Chicken coops can smell, especially in summer. It's important that you keep your chickens in a clean and hygienic environment.

Food and water left out or spilt can attract pests into your and your neighbours gardens.

Regularly clean up excess or spilt food. Check for any signs of pests and act if necessary. You can contact our pest control service for more information.

Welfare

Animal cruelty is against the law. You must make sure your chickens are looked after and their needs are met.

The RSPCA has information on how to keep chickens as pets.

Coops and runs

Depending on the size, coops and runs may require planning permission.

Selling eggs

If you want to sell your eggs commercially, you'll need to look at our food business pages.