[Fat Old Bird]

Hi there, thinking about getting some chickens for the garden but before I shell out (sorry!) for a coop and bits of kit, are there any rules with local authorities that need abiding by? I live in Bexhill, East Sussex and we are backing onto woodlands so are semi rural, I suppose. But, Bexhill being what it is, Im fairly sure someone will complain (or write to the paper, knowing this town) unless I follow the rules.

any ideas or advice?

Thanks for reading! 

[treacleminer]

It will depend on if your property is your own or rented.  If your own, were there any covenants in place when you bought it preventing keeping poultry? if rented what does your tenancy agreement say?
If you get cockerals - not needed for egg production! - you do open the doors to complaints about noise levels, and also be aware that not everyone's neighbours are as tolerant as mine are about hens having a wander about and digging up their gardens so secure fencing is a must.  Otherwise go for it 

[joyfull]

also don't give any neighbours chance to complain - if they see a rat they will blame you and your chickens even though the rats were probably there before. So good husbandry is a must also a few eggs as a bribe to close neighbours is a good idea 

[jt5824]

Hello, I called my local council once I'd checked my deeds. Obviously councils will vary but mine were fine and no formal permissions/ licences were needed. They did suggest however I pay my neighbours a visit to advise them of my plans.

[mumofstig]

This topic was discussed fairly recently

So have a look here

[Fat Old Bird]

Thanks for all your advice.