Permission to keep hens?

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Ok I'm confused! Do I need to check the property deeds to keep a few hens in the back garden. I live in a detached house with neighbours both sides but with no one at the back. Hens will be at the bottom of the garden partly tucked behind our garage. I intend on checking the neighbours don't mind me getting them. But I keep reading conflicting advise about whether I'm actually allowed to have chickens. Allotments at the back have them and a house further up the estate has some too but I don't really know where to ask! So here I am!

[wonkylegs]

Some deeds have a covenant on them about keeping livestock (which would include chickens) - it can apply to new houses as well as old ones so you need to check the deeds. Covenants should have been highlighted when you bought the place but as it's such a common one you may not have noticed it.

[jaynebxl]

I read that such covenants are no longer enforceable due to some livestock law so pretty much anyone is allowed to keep hens now. Not sure if this is true though!

[Mrsmorton]

Covenants can only be enforced by the person who placed them so if you're in a new build on an estate then it may well be enforced to ensure the house prices are maintained.

If it was put on during the 19th C to prevent disease then you'll find no one is interested (as long as you're a good keeper, no noise, smell, rats etc).