Can you keep hens on an allotment?

Possibly. The law in England and Wales is friendlier to hens than most people expect, but that isn't the same as a right to keep them on your plot. Check these points before you buy a coop.

This guide covers the rules only. For husbandry, welfare and health questions, talk to an experienced keeper or a vet.

England and Wales: the Allotments Act 1950

Section 12 of the Allotments Act 1950 says that, whatever a lease or tenancy says, it's lawful for the occupier of any land to keep hens or rabbits, as long as it isn't by way of trade or business. It also allows the buildings or structures reasonably needed for them.

There are limits. The Act doesn't allow hens or rabbits to be kept in a place or a way that harms health or causes a nuisance, or that conflicts with any other law.

So can my site say no?

Welsh Government guidance reads the Act carefully. It says the 1950 Act removed the old legal ban on hens and rabbits, but that doesn't give allotment holders a right to keep animals. Keeping any livestock is still subject to the landlord's permission, which should be in the tenancy agreement.

The same guidance points out that the Act covers hens, not cockerels.

VERIFY: check whether official guidance for England reads section 12 the same way as the Welsh Government guidance on landlord permission.

In practice: ask first, get the answer in writing, and check for rules on numbers, housing and where on the plot a run can go.

Scotland

The 1950 Act section applies to England and Wales. In Scotland, check your council's allotment regulations and your agreement. VERIFY: find the Scottish position on keeping hens on allotments, for example in council regulations made under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.

Northern Ireland

NI allotment law is separate: councils there have a power to provide allotments under the Allotments Act (Northern Ireland) 1932. VERIFY: find the NI position on keeping hens on allotments. Ask your council.

Registering your birds

Wherever you keep them, you'll probably need to register.

• England and Wales: you must register within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds at any premises, including birds kept as pets, even if you have fewer than 50. You then confirm your details every 12 months.
• Scotland: keepers register on the Scottish Kept Bird Register, whatever the number of birds.
• Northern Ireland: VERIFY: confirm the DAERA bird registration rules for Northern Ireland.

If you register the hens at the allotment's address, check with your site first.

Bird flu

During bird flu outbreaks, housing measures can legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity, whatever the type or size of flock. On an allotment, think about how you'd house your hens if that happened.

Questions to ask your site

• Are hens allowed, and do I need written permission?
• How many, and are cockerels banned?
• Are there rules on coops, runs, fencing and feed storage?
• Who looks after them if I'm away, and what happens if neighbours complain?

Welsh Government guidance lists predator protection, feed and grit, a well-designed coop, welfare, rodents, site security and the effect on other plot-holders as things to think about.

FAQs

Can my allotment ban chickens?

In England and Wales, the 1950 Act says a tenancy can't stop you keeping hens for your own use, unless they cause a nuisance or a health risk. But Welsh Government guidance says keeping livestock is still subject to the landlord's permission. Ask before you buy.

Can I keep a cockerel on my allotment?

The 1950 Act covers hens, not cockerels. Check your site rules.

Do I need to register three hens?

In England and Wales, yes. Keepers of fewer than 50 birds, including pets, must register within a month. Scotland also requires registration whatever the number.

Your next step

Ask your site secretary, in writing, whether hens are allowed and on what terms. Only then look at coops, and register your birds once they arrive.