Domestic chickens and the latest Defra guidance?
Discussion
In light of the latest DEFRA guidance on keeping chickens indoors, what's the requirement here?
Do I have to do it? Will I be fined if I dont? I have 6 hens that free range in our garden. They do not have a covered run which is what I understand is required.
Any thoughts/suggestions?
Do I have to do it? Will I be fined if I dont? I have 6 hens that free range in our garden. They do not have a covered run which is what I understand is required.
Any thoughts/suggestions?
From here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-f...
"Failure to comply with this Declaration may be an offence under section 72 or 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981."
So it makes it sound like you could be prosecuted if you are blatantly seen to be flaunting the guidelines.
I can see how they might police this on commercial farms but for your average good life types who keep a couple of chickens at home I can't really see how it can be enforced. It's not as if you even have to register the fact that you keep chickens unlike other livestock e.g. pigs, sheep, cows, goats etc. How are they to know which homes have chickens and which don't. That said if you value your birds then it would seem wise to take whatever precautions you practically can?
"Failure to comply with this Declaration may be an offence under section 72 or 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981."
So it makes it sound like you could be prosecuted if you are blatantly seen to be flaunting the guidelines.
I can see how they might police this on commercial farms but for your average good life types who keep a couple of chickens at home I can't really see how it can be enforced. It's not as if you even have to register the fact that you keep chickens unlike other livestock e.g. pigs, sheep, cows, goats etc. How are they to know which homes have chickens and which don't. That said if you value your birds then it would seem wise to take whatever precautions you practically can?
AndrewEH1 said:
Or just have a very tasty Christmas?
Well 4 out of 5 of the last hatch of the summer have turned out to be cockerels...Mine are inside most of the time at this time of year as I'm off to work early & back late, they're getting through a hell of a lot more food though now they're not able to find their own.
Must get the hole that the sparrows get in and out of blocked up.
Mine (hens, Geese and Ducks) are in their shed with a run off covered in netting. They are not happy. Much noisier than usual. And a couple of hens have figured out how to get in the roof and then on to the roof of my barn! It's hilarious to see them up there. But in that naughty child, can't help but laugh manner.
I'm glad the weather has been so cold though. I don't feel so guilty knowing they are sheltered.
I'm glad the weather has been so cold though. I don't feel so guilty knowing they are sheltered.
Extended to 28th Feb if I'm reading this right https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-flu-preve...
After spending out on a covered run, I've taken the opportunity to refresh their run (we keep them in a 20sq m open but fenced area, coop with run is inside this) and have seeded it with meadow pasture grass. They don't like it, but I'm going to keep them in for longer to allow the grass to take.
Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff