Domestic chickens and the latest Defra guidance?

[5678]

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?

[5678]

Hmm not sure what to do then. We don't have a covered run for them. Never had the need. Maybe I'll have to try and knock one up this weekend.

[5678]

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.

[5678]

johnxjsc1985 said:

my pen is closed in and I put a Perspex roof on it when this Defra stuff came about.
All are laying now full production but I cant eat 42 eggs a week

I wish mine were laying at a good rate! My hybrids are 3 years old now and we're lucky to get 2 a day from 4 birds.