Can I keep hens on an allotment?

In England and Wales, section 12 of the Allotments Act 1950 protects keeping hens otherwise than as a trade or business, but not where their keeping is prejudicial to health, creates a nuisance or conflicts with other law. Site procedures and current animal-health requirements still matter.

Check the scope before relying on the rule

The legislation page marks section 12 for England and Wales. Do not assume it states the position in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Ask the allotment manager what application, welfare standard, flock limit, inspection or structure approval applies at the site.

The statutory wording also allows structures reasonably necessary for the hens, but that is not a blank cheque for any building. Position, construction and use must remain reasonable and comply with other applicable requirements.

Plan continuing care

Before applying, make a realistic plan for daily care, secure housing, feed storage, vermin control, manure and absence cover. Check current official animal-health measures at the time you keep birds because disease controls can change.