Poultry Dos and Don'ts summary

Kettering Allotments Society

Summary of Good Poultry Practice, Do’s and Don’ts

This is not the full list, but a convenient summary.

For any queries, consult the full Tenancy Agreement (rules), poultry policy, ask your

steward, poultry inspectors or the committee.

DOs

✔ Contact us if you have any concerns or require advice about your birds.

✔ Contact us before you decide to buy hens - permission is required.

✔ Read through our full poultry policy on our website.

✔ Make sure your hens have access to clean water and food.

✔ Food should only be given in a treadle feeder, water elevated to stop dirt and

faeces.

✔ All food is kept in a rat proof secure metal container.

✔ An emergency contact phone number is displayed on your coop or the number of a

Poultry Inspector, who has access to your emergency details.

✔ Have spare food and water available at all times (in case you are unable to get to

your plot and are relying on your emergency contact).

✔ Keep rat traps set with bait at all times and always have spare bait to control

vermin.

✔ Keep a minimum of three birds (max number 9)

✔ Make sure you are registered with Defra. Inform them yearly of your hen numbers.

✔ Make sure perches are the correct height and width.

✔ Check all chicken structures regularly for rat holes.

✔ Dispose of dead hens and rats correctly. Defra rules state always double bag and

place in your black general waste bin.

✔ Ensure your hens have access to grit & oystershell.

✔ Make sure hens have access to a dust bath.

✔ Keep all chicken structures in good condition, cleaned regularly.

✔ Take extra care of hens during any heatwaves (lack of water) and during winter

(frozen water)

✔ Make sure you bring fresh water on site for your birds when the communal water

troughs are shut off

✔ Make sure access to your chickens is easy for our Poultry Inspection Team by

providing a key or combination to access the coop.

✔ Check your hens regularly for signs of illness, and deal with promptly.

DON’Ts

✖ Burn or bury dead hens or rats.

✖ Leave your birds unattended for days. Either you or your emergency contact

should

visit your birds regularly. Make sure you have holiday cover in place.

✖ Wash any poultry items in the communal water troughs.

✖ Leave chickens in dirty damp beddings or runs.