Before getting chickens, it's important to consider whether you have the time, resources, commitment, knowledge and facilities to care for them. These pages take you through what to think about when keeping pet chickens, including:
- What pet chickens should eat
- Where to keep chickens as pets
- Company for pet chickens
- Health and welfare of pet chickens
When to register with the Great Britain Poultry Register
From 1 October 2024 in England (and 1 September 2024 in Scotland), new measures require all bird keepers, no matter the flock size, to register their birds with the Great Britain Poultry Register. Defra requires you to do this in order to help the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency get in touch if there's a disease outbreak. This will ensure you receive disease alerts and guidance that will help you look after your birds' wellbeing. Always contact a vet if you're concerned about the health and welfare of your birds.