Yes — if you keep chickens (or any poultry or “captive birds”) in England or Wales, you do need to register. The rules changed recently and I’ll walk you through the process.
Why the change?
The reason for the new legislation is disease control. Keeping track of bird-keepers helps the authorities respond quickly to outbreaks of things like bird flu.
What the rules say
As of 1 October 2024 in England and Wales (and from 1 December 2024 in Scotland) anyone keeping any number of poultry or other captive birds must register.
If you keep fewer than 50 birds, there’s a simplified registration route (“less than 50” form) via the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) online service.
If you keep 50 or more, there is a different form.
You must register within one month of starting to keep birds at a premises.
Once registered, you are required to review your details once a year and notify any changes (address, number of birds, species, etc) within 30 days.
What you’ll need to register
Your contact details (name, address)
The location where the birds are kept
What species you keep (chickens, ducks, geese, etc) and number of birds
The reason you keep them (egg production, pet, meat, breeding)
If you already have a CPH (County Parish Holding) number, you’ll use that; if not, the registration will guide you.
How to register
For fewer than 50 birds: The online service via GOV.UK OR a form.
For 50 or more: Use the specific registration form. GOV.UK
What happens after you register
You’ll receive a confirmation.
If your details change (you move, you change the number of birds, you stop keeping them), you must tell APHA within 30 days. Business Companion+1
Every year you must check your details are still correct.
What if you don’t register?
It’s a legal requirement so failing to register could leave you in breach of the law and vulnerable in the event of a disease-outbreak.
My tip for you
If you haven’t done it already, go ahead and register as soon as you can — it takes only around 10 minutes for the “less than 50” route. If you receive confirmation you’re good; don’t worry if you’re still waiting for your CPH number. Also, keep a copy of your registration paperwork/confirmation somewhere safe (digital and hard-copy) so you can show you complied if ever needed.
