The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: SumatraJohnny on June 15, 2011, 08:08:08 pm

Title: How many chickens?
Post by: SumatraJohnny on June 15, 2011, 08:08:08 pm

I've just counted my stock and was shocked to discover that I have 130 birds!  I have a flock of 16 layers and the rest are birds that I have hatched this year. Wellsumers, Cream Legbars, Marans, Sumatra Game Bantams, Silkies and a beautiful little Lemon Millefueile Dutch hen with four chicks. (her hubbie got got by the fox just before the eggs hatched).
My question is this. Do I need to register my birds now I have so many? I intend to reduce numbers to about 50 by the winter through selling birds and eating some.
The plan is to set up a small breeding pen of each of Wellies, Marans and Cream Legbars and maintain a laying flock of about 20 of the three mixed breeds. The Sumatras are going to have to go I'm afraid.
Any views or opinions welcome?
PS My missus has made me promise not to hatch any more this year after my dark brown Marans in the incubator are done!  It's a bit of an addiction isn't it?

Title: Re: How many chickens?
Post by: Hatty on June 15, 2011, 08:10:49 pm

I think I am right in saying you need to register if you have 50 birds 

:chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook: :chook:

Title: Re: How many chickens?
Post by: jaykay on June 15, 2011, 08:16:37 pm

I think it's 50 too  :D

Lol in the addictiveness of hatching eggs - I seem to be knee deep in small birds too  ;D

Title: Re: How many chickens?
Post by: CameronS on June 15, 2011, 08:34:04 pm

If you have 50 or more birds(any poultry including ducks, pheasants ext) you must register with defra - though you can refister any amount,  really easy to do, you get the choice of on-line or on paper

Title: Re: How many chickens?
Post by: SumatraJohnny on June 15, 2011, 09:21:37 pm

Registration it is then! Thank you for your help. Does anyone know if there is a cost attached?

Title: Re: How many chickens?
Post by: southwestpoultry on June 15, 2011, 10:21:33 pm

Hi Johnny,

No there is no charge at all, easiest to do it online, the form is a few pages long but simple to follow and can be updated whenever you have a significant change in amount of birds you have.
We usually update ours monthly.

Once the form has been completed and electronically signed you will receive a conformation letter and a print out of the information you entered for your records.

Regards
Robert & Sarah.

South West Poultry.
www.southwest-poultry.com (http://www.southwest-poultry.com)

Title: Re: How many chickens?
Post by: SumatraJohnny on June 15, 2011, 10:38:02 pm

Absolutely correct and thanks again everyone. I am now a fully official chickenologist. And you were so right Robert and Sarah it was dead easy, even for a technophobe like me!