If you keep birds including pigeons and poultry there is a Mandatory Registration by 1st October 2024

If you keep birds, including poultry, in England or Wales, it's crucial to be aware of the new regulations requiring all bird keepers to register by 1st October 2024. This registration is part of a national effort to manage and control potential avian disease outbreaks, such as bird flu, and to limit their spread.

Why Registration is Important

By registering your birds, you will help the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) track and respond to disease threats more effectively. It also ensures you receive updates and guidance if there’s an outbreak in your area, helping to protect your flock and others.

Who Needs to Register?

- All bird keepers: You must register if you keep any poultry or captive birds, including pigeons, even if they are pets.

- Keepers of up to 49 birds. This includes anyone who keeps fewer than 50 birds, whether they are pets, backyard flocks, or for any other purpose.

If you already have a County Parish Holding (CPH) number and are registered, you do not need to re-register.

Exceptions to Registration

There are some exceptions to the registration rule:

- If you keep psittaciformes or passeriformes, (such as budgies, parrots, cockatiels, and finches) and they are fully housed indoors with no access to the open air, you are not required to register.

- If your birds only visit a veterinary practice, registration is not necessary.

However, if these birds are ever taken outside, such as for exercise, training, shows, or gatherings, they must be registered.

How to Register

There are two ways to register your birds:

1. If you have a CPH number.

- You can fill out the form to register as a keeper of fewer than 50 birds (available as a PDF on government websites).

- Alternatively, you can email your details to customer.registration@apha.gov.uk

2. If you do not have a CPH number:

- You can register online, a process which takes around 10 minutes. You will need to provide your contact information, the location where the birds are kept, details of the bird species, and the reason for keeping them.

After Registration

Once registered, you are required to notify APHA within one month if:

- You no longer keep or own birds.

- Your contact details change.

- You change the species of birds you keep.

- You change the purpose for which you keep the birds.

- You begin keeping 50

More information HERE