Poultry Policy

KETTERING ALLOTMENTS SOCIETY

Poultry Policy:

Keeping poultry on allotments was permitted, so long as the Society's rules and these guidelines are followed. If these are not adhered to, permission to keep poultry will be withdrawn.

This policy applies to all sites run by Kettering Allotments and the only poultry permitted are chickens, ducks and geese. 

A maximum of 9 birds is permitted for all new poultry from 2023.

(A few tenants have more than 9 birds introduced before the above maximum was first introduced in 2022)

No new geese were allowed from 2024.

The new lease that the Society agreed with Kettering Town Council banned all poultry. An exemption was negotiated with the Council for existing Poultry. Therefore no new poultry have been allowed since 2025. As exisiting birds die from old age or disease the remaining poultry on our sites will naturally reduce to zero. Cockerels are not permitted on sites close to houses. Neighbours have complained to the Councila and environmental health.

GOOD POULTRY PRACTICE  

These guidelines have been produced to provide a basic guide as to standards expected of members who keep poultry on their allotments.

CONTAINMENT

It is essential that the birds are securely contained within the allotment. Secure containment includes preventing birds from escaping by flying out as well as preventing rats, foxes or other predators getting in. Unwelcome human interference needs to be considered too. The advice of your field steward should be followed as she/he will have experience of the local conditions on your field.

RATS

As mentioned above, the structures must be built to prevent rats from entering or living there. It is recommended that all structures be lined with strong wire mesh too fine for a rat to squeeze through. Poultry food should be stored securely on the plot, in strong metal containers that rats cannot bite through. Only enough food that can be eaten by poultry in 40 minutes should be left out, as any surplus will be wasted - you are feeding the rats not your poultry. Any signs of rats should be reported to your field steward or the secretary and effective measures taken by you to eliminate them - poison, traps etc. 

HOUSING 

In addition to effective containment, housing is also key in ensuring the welfare of your birds and should allow natural behaviour.

*The henhouse should be minimum size of 2 sq feet per bird, with a fully enclosed shelter that provides protection from predators.

* Outdoor run, minimum of 4 sq feet per bird

* with the above in mind, a maximum of 9 birds are allowed (exemptions apply to those who installed poultry prior to 2022 when this policy was updated)

* the National Allotments (NSALG) recommend no more than 3 birds per allotment

* Clean dry bedding, best are wood shavings or straw

* Warmth in winter months and shade in the summer

* Perches for sleeping on.

* Nest boxes for laying eggs

* You should provide them with plenty of space to dig , dust themselves and flap their wings.

BOTH HOUSING AND RUNS SHOULD BE REGULARLY MAINTAINED TO A GOOD TIDY STANDARD.

FEED 

Your chickens should have access to 

•    Clean fresh water daily.

•    120 grams of layer pellets and corn daily which is an appropriate diet that is nutritional

•    Insoluble grit to aid digestion. 

•    Food stuff must be kept clean and dry and properly protected from rodents, ideally by removing it from the plot each day.

HEALTH

It is your responsibility to monitor and maintain a flock free from distress, pain, injury and disease  

We expect members to maintain high standards of welfare for their birds in a clean and tidy housing. In this way, everyone can enjoy the presence of poultry

Concerns may be reported to field stewards who will offer advice to poultry keepers. In some cases the RSPCA may be contacted to address welfare concerns.

Observe HM Government restrictions/lockdowns for any outbreaks of influenza (bird 'flu) 

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH YOUR TENANCY AGREEMENT RULES OR MEET THE MINIMUM STANDARDS IN THESE GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN TERMINATION OF YOUR ALLOTMENT TENANCY 

Further guidance - see this leaflet from the NSALG (Click here for link).

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