Find out when and how to register your flock of poultry, and which species must be registered.
You must register poultry flocks of 50 or more birds that you own or are responsible for. They don’t have to all be the same species. This applies even if your premises are only stocked for part of the year.
You should register your poultry within one month of their arrival at your premises.
If you have fewer than 50 birds you do not need to register. You are, however, encouraged to register voluntarily so that Defra can contact you quickly if there is an outbreak of disease.
How to register
There are guidance notes to help you complete the form.
Welsh versions of the registration form and guidance notes are also available.
Ask for a registration form through the GB Poultry Register Helpline on 0800 634 1112. Lines are open 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday.
Post the completed form to:
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Cardiff Specialist Service Centre
Poultry Data Team
66 Ty Glas Road
A copy of the completed registration form and a confirmation letter will be sent for you to check.
Information you must provide
You must provide the following information:
- your name
- your premises address
- your County Parish Holding (CPH) number, if you have one
- the number of poultry usually on the premises
- the type of poultry housing
- why you are rearing poultry
You will also be asked risk assessment questions, for example:
- if the poultry have access to the open air
- if there are any bodies of water close by that may attract wild birds
If you have a large flock of poultry you may have to apply separately to the Environment Agency or Scottish Environment Protection Agency for an environmental permit.
Which species of poultry to register
The following species of poultry must be registered:
- chickens (including bantams)
- pigeons (reared for meat)
- guinea fowl
- emus, rheas and cassowaries