Do chickens count as livestock?

9 replies

SuperBunny · 19/03/2009 02:33

The Deeds to my house say that I cannot keep livestock on the property. If my tenants (I live overseas) want to keep chickens, does that mean they are not allowed to?

OP posts:

dooneygirl · 19/03/2009 02:54

I'd say that they probably do count according to this search? Maybe? I think that pdf file 2nd from the bottom from the government would show that they do?

Original poster

SuperBunny · 19/03/2009 02:56

Bugger.

OP posts:

GentleOtter · 19/03/2009 06:55

How many would you have SuperBunny?
If it is only a couple of them then they are more likely to be seen as pets (although the feed can attract rats and sometimes foxes.)
DEFRA rules that you have to register if you have more than 50 chickens

Original poster

SuperBunny · 19/03/2009 18:23

Well, it certainly wouldn't be 50. Just 2 or 3, I expect - enough to get eggs and keep the chickens happy.

Thanks, Otter

OP posts:

Selenia · 02/04/2009 09:07

You always have to register chickens I know as I have a few myself

Best to call the council to see if 2 or 3 are seen as livestock or just pets. Luckily no restriction on my house.

Rats shouldn't be a problem if you keep feed in metal bins, clear it away at night and get a hen house of stilts so they can't dig their way in.

Eglu has expensive but fox proof runs and houses if foxes are an issue.

JeMenFous · 02/04/2009 18:35

You do not have to register if you have less than either 30 or 50, can't remember which .

I have 8 and they are not registered and I am not breaking the law

LauriefairycakeeatsCupid · 02/04/2009 18:37

you don't have to register up to 50. I asked the local authority and I live in a town centre and they don't care

You do need permission for cocks though.

Doodle2U · 02/04/2009 18:38

From Omlet website:-

Will we be breaking local bylaws?
You do not have to contact the council if you want to keep chickens. However, it is worth checking the deeds of your house, which can sometimes prohibit you from doing certain things in your garden - such as putting up sheds, green houses and keeping rabbits or chickens. Any by-laws and covenants are meant to protect your neighbourhood from the disturbance of cockerels crowing. As we only supply female chickens and not cockerels; the only noise you will hear is a gentle clucking as your chickens' search for worms and a satisfying cluck as an egg is laid. So we suggest you ask your neighbours if they would mind, explaining the lack of noise and perhaps a promise of a share of the eggs.

Selenia · 03/04/2009 11:52

Maybe different in Northern Ireland...I had to register my birds to import a few from Wales.

Flip