Before buying hens
(for England and Wales)
Enter your postcode in the field at the bottom of this page to see if your local authority trading standards service has the full leaflet version available on its website.
Poultry in the market may look attractive and appealing or you may just feel sorry for them, but think before you buy. Have you the knowledge to look after them properly? Do you know how to feed them? Do you know what age they are?
Hens must be provided with a vermin proof house, with good ventilation, a slatted or solid concrete/wooden floor. Adequate floor area must be provided. A solid floor house should be covered with litter; wheat straw or shavings may be used. Litter should be kept dry and friable.
If you keep 50 or more poultry at any one premises you must notify Defra. If you keep less than 50 poultry registration is voluntary.
