Poultry
Farming information and guidance on Business Link
Plain English guides on all aspects of farming, from animal welfare to the Single Payment Scheme, can now be found at the dedicated farming section of the Business Link website
Smallholders information and guidance on Directgov
If you’re thinking of keeping pigs, chickens or bees in your garden, you’ll find support and practical advice at Directgov
If you farm or intend to farm poultry, there are rules and regulations that you must follow: this is in order to maintain quality and to ensure that your flock’s health and welfare is maintained, and that consumer health is protected. The poultry section covers the key issues surrounding the health and welfare, identification and movement of poultry, for farmers and smallholders alike.
If you keep 50 or more birds, you must register your flock with the GB Poultry Register. You can do this by calling 0800 634 1112 or online.
- Register your flock online
- Guidance for farmers on keeping poultry is available on the Business Link website
- Keeping poultry: advice for smallholders is available on Directgov
Transporting poultry
When moving animals, you must transport them in a way that won’t cause them injury or unnecessary suffering.
- Guidance for farmers on transporting poultry is available on the Business Link website
- Welfare advice for transporters of poultry
Welfare
The way we treat animals is an important reflection of the values of our society. This means we all have a stake in improving the national level of animal health and welfare.
- Review of the Animal Welfare Research Programme 2005 – 2010
- Latest animal welfare advice and legislation
- Welfare code for laying hens
- Guidance for farmers on poultry welfare is available on the Business Link website
Health and diseases
Poultry can be affected by a variety of diseases and parasites, some of which are endemic to certain types of bird. You will need to introduce and maintain a strict hygiene programme to keep diseases out of poultry. The two most serious diseases affecting poultry are Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).
- Newcastle Disease
- Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
- Guidance for farmers on poultry health is available on the Business Link website
Good hygiene practice can keep new disease away from your flock.