[billathome65]

I was phoning around earlier putting my name down for allotments and I got talking to one lady and asked about keeping chickens. She told me that they don't allow live stock on their site as people keeping chickens etc have to be DEFRA registered. I asked if this applied to people who say had chickens in their back garden and she stated it was.

However it is my understanding that it only applies to people with over a certain number???

Is it true that even keeping a chicken or two at home requires you to contact DEFRA.

Not that I'm going too but it's good to know if I might have issues at some time.

Cheers Bill

[joyfull]

you only have to notify Defra if you have 50 or more birds in total (this can be just chickens or a mixture of chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, geese etc)

[billathome65]

Thanks Joyfull I thought you had to have a certain amount of chickens before notifying DEFRA But thought I would check the facts out on here.

As I am trying to get an allotment plot I didn't want to make it look like I was being argumentative with the lady.

Bill

[joyfull]

and under the allotments act they can't stop you from having hens (cockerels are a no no though), they may limit the amount and you will have to ensure that your animal husbandry is top notch to stop any worries they may have 

[billathome65]

The lady stated in their constitution they state no live stock. However she did suggest that it is not a problem asking them to reconsider this rule at the AGM meetings.

She seemed really helpful to tell you the truth.

Bill

[joyfull]

I'm sure the allotment act will outrank their constitution, however best wait until you get an allotment before ruffling any feathers  . Ask Yorkie or Aunt Sally they are well up on the allotment act 

[billathome65]

Will do thanks. 

Bill

[joyfull]

after reading how small your allotment is then perhaps you may not have room for chickens as well as plants Bill 

[billathome65]

after reading how small your allotment is then perhaps you may not have room for chickens as well as plants Bill 

It was just a general question I asked her really you know I like to know how far to push.  My names only just gone on the list so don't have a plot yet anyway. It was just the DEFRA statement that got me asking.

Thanks anyway

Bill

[joyfull]

glad to help and pleased that Aunty has confirmed what I suspected