A major change is coming for all bird and poultry (chicken and quail) keepers. This applies to those in England and Wales from 1 October 2024. In Scotland, the change will take effect from 1 September 2024. Whether you’re raising a backyard flock or simply keeping a few chickens as pets, you’ll need to register your birds. This must be done with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This new law applies to everyone. It does not matter how many birds you own. It is part of a wider effort to control the spread of avian diseases like bird flu.
Failing to register on time could have serious legal implications. Thus, it’s important to understand who needs to register. You should know how to do it and why it matters. In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know. We will make sure you’re ready to follow the new regulations. You will also be capable of protecting your flock.
Mandatory Registration: Who Needs to Register?
As of 1 October 2024 in England and Wales, all bird keepers must register their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This includes chickens and quails. This includes registration by 1 September 2024 in Scotland. This new regulation applies to anyone who keeps birds. This includes those with a large commercial flock or just a few backyard chickens.
The law covers a wide range of bird types, including:
- Poultry: Chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other domesticated birds kept for meat or eggs.
- Captive Birds: Birds of prey, ornamental birds, and pigeons are included if kept outdoors(Countryside Alliance)(Battens).
Who is Exempt?
Not all bird keepers need to register. Birds like parrots, budgies, canaries are exempt from this rule. These exemptions apply to caged species kept entirely indoors with no outdoor access. However, if these birds ever leave your home—for example, to attend a vet or a show—you’ll need to register them(GOV.UK)(GOV.UK).
If you’re unsure whether your birds are included, the rule is simple. If your birds have any access to the outdoors, registration is mandatory. The same applies if they are kept in an aviary. Ensuring compliance is crucial, as failure to register by the deadline could result in legal action(Battens).
How to Register Your Birds
Registering your birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a straightforward process. This process helps protect your flock. It also helps you follow the new law. Depending on the size of your flock, the method of registration can vary slightly. All bird keepers must give essential details about their birds. Click the button below to register if you have less than 50 captive birds.
For Flocks of Fewer Than 50 Birds
If you keep fewer than 50 birds, you can easily register online. The process takes about 10 minutes and involves filling out a form with basic information about your flock, including:
- Your contact details
- The species and number of birds you keep
- The location where your birds are kept
- The purpose for which you keep the birds (e.g., eggs, meat, pets)
You do not need a County Parish Holding (CPH) number for this process(Countryside Alliance)(Battens). Simply visit the GOV.UK registration page and fill out the form online, or download and send a paper form if that’s more convenient(GOV.UK)(GOV.UK).
For Flocks of 50 or More Birds
If you have 50 or more birds, you are already obligated to register, and this process remains the same. You’ll need to have a CPH number. You will also need to fill out more detailed forms about your flock size and management practices (Countryside Alliance).
What You’ll Need to Give
Regardless of flock size, you’ll be asked to give:
- Your contact details and those of the flock owner (if different)
- Location details of where the birds are kept
- Species and number of birds you are registering
- The purpose for keeping the birds (e.g., for meat, eggs, or as pets)
After registration, you will get updates and guidance if there’s a disease outbreak, like bird flu, in your area(Battens).
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to register your birds by the 1 October 2024 deadline could have serious repercussions. The new law makes registration mandatory for all bird keepers in England and Wales. Registration is also required from 1 September 2024 in Scotland. Not complying with this necessity may result in legal penalties.
Legal Penalties
Bird keepers who do not register their flocks are breaking the law. This could lead to enforcement action, fines, or other legal consequences. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has the authority to impose penalties. Penalties can be applied to anyone who fails to follow the new registration rules (Countryside Alliance)(Battens). This measure is in place to protect public health and to prevent the spread of diseases like avian influenza.
Impact on Disease Control
Non-compliance also puts your birds—and others in your community—at greater risk. By failing to register, you may miss out on crucial disease outbreak alerts. You may also miss guidance on how to protect your flock during an outbreak. This is particularly important given the UK’s recent struggles with avian influenza, which has severely affected both commercial and backyard flocks(GOV.UK).
Additionally, unregistered birds could slow down the government’s ability to manage disease control zones, leading to prolonged restrictions and increased risks for other bird keepers in your area(GOV.UK).
Why Register? The Benefits of Compliance
Beyond simply following the law, you gain several important benefits by registering your birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). It protects both your flock and the wider bird-keeping community. Here’s why compliance is essential:
1. Early Disease Alerts
By registering, you’ll get direct notifications from APHA if there is an outbreak of avian diseases. These include bird flu or Newcastle disease. These alerts will include essential guidance on biosecurity measures and actions you need to take to protect your flock(GOV.UK)(Battens). In times of crisis, early information is key to preventing the spread of disease and safeguarding your birds.
2. Improved Disease Control
Registration allows the government to track bird populations more accurately and efficiently. This data helps to manage and lift disease control zones more quickly, reducing the time that bird keepers are affected by restrictions during outbreaks(
GOV.UK). By registering, you contribute to national efforts to stop the spread of avian diseases. This protects both commercial and small-scale bird keepers alike.
3. Support and Guidance
Registered bird keepers gain access to APHA’s latest biosecurity advice. This helps you implement the best practices to keep your birds healthy. This includes updates on disease risks in your area. It also provides specific measures to reduce the chances of your flock becoming infected(Battens).
4. Legal Peace of Mind
By complying with the registration law, you avoid the risk of fines or legal action. This peace of mind enables you to focus on caring for your birds without worrying about potential penalties(
5. Contributing to National Biosecurity
Your registration plays a vital role in the UK’s wider biosecurity strategy. The data collected helps inform government policy, ensures swift action during outbreaks, and supports long-term disease prevention efforts. By registering, you’re actively contributing to the health and safety of the bird-keeping community(
Call to Action: Stay Compliant and Protect Your Flock
If you haven’t already registered your birds, you should do so as soon as possible. This will help you comply with the new regulations. Registration is now a legal requirement. Staying up to date ensures that you receive important guidance during disease outbreaks. These outbreaks, like bird flu, could threaten your flock.
The initial deadline will have passed on the 1st October, you can still complete the registration process to avoid potential penalties. This ensures that your birds are properly protected. Visit the APHA bird registration page to start or update your registration today.
By staying compliant, you’re protecting your own birds. You’re also contributing to the UK’s wider efforts to control avian diseases. Regularly updating your details keeps you informed about any future changes or risks in your area. This ensures peace of mind and the safety of your flock.
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