Kept bird registers

Legislation regarding keeping birds has been introduced, requiring those who keep birds to register them with DEFRA /the Scottish Government /  DAERA.  This has been introduced to allow the respective authorities, in the event of a significant avian influenza outbreak, to establish those likely affected and to put in place contact arrangements.

If you keep one or more birds but less than 50, you must register immediately in England and Wales.  The complete guidance for England and Wales can be found at Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

In Scotland, you have until 1 December 2024 to register.  The guidance is more or less the same, and it can be found at - Scottish Kept Bird Register and Register your birds - Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The Northern Irish system is straightforward and involves completing a PDF form.  Guidance can be found at Bird registration form | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)

We queried whether this guidance applies to decoy birds in crow cages, such as Larsen traps.  Due to these types of traps not being fully enclosed, e.g. of a wire constriction and open to the air, such decoys are classed as kept birds, and you must register.  We have also been made aware that you do not have to register the exact location every time one is moved and that the general area will suffice with the Estate or Farm name being sufficient.

We understand that there have been significant challenges with the online registration system in England and Wales. As a workaround, you can download the PDF copy from the website and email it to customer.registration@apha.gov.uk.

There have been no reports of challenges with the Scottish system, and when we spoke to their office, they were extremely helpful.

If you have any queries or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact the office directly. We are here to support you through this process.