Devon Chicken Keeping Laws: What You Need to Know
Interested in raising chickens in your Devon garden? Whether you’re in Exeter, Torbay, North Devon, or a rural village, it’s legal to keep chickens for personal use—but you must meet certain legal and welfare requirements. Here’s a practical guide to help you stay compliant and raise healthy, happy hens.
✅ Is It Legal to Keep Chickens in Devon?
Yes, keeping chickens at home is legal across Devon for non-commercial purposes. There’s no specific law that bans chickens in gardens, even in residential areas, as long as you follow animal welfare rules and don’t create a nuisance to your neighbours.
📋 Laws That Apply in Devon
- Animal Welfare Act 2006: Chickens must be cared for properly—this includes fresh food, clean water, safe shelter, and medical attention when needed.
- Environmental Protection Act 1990: You must prevent your chickens from becoming a public nuisance. That means no excessive noise, bad odours, or pest problems.
- DEFRA Poultry Register: Keeping 50+ poultry (including chickens, ducks, geese) requires mandatory registration. Smaller flocks can be registered voluntarily, which is helpful during avian flu outbreaks.
🏘 Check Local Council or Housing Rules
While it’s legal under national law, some local bylaws or housing agreements in Devon might place restrictions on keeping poultry. You should:
- Check with your local council’s environmental health department (e.g., East Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, etc.)
- Review your rental or lease agreement if you’re a tenant
- Look at property covenants if you live on a new-build estate or private road
📐 Do You Need Planning Permission?
No planning permission is usually required to keep chickens in your garden—provided the coop is for private use, movable, and not excessively large. However, planning permission might be needed if:
- You build a permanent structure
- You live in a listed property or conservation area
🐓 What About Roosters?
Roosters are not illegal, but they often cause problems in residential areas due to noise. If your neighbours complain, your local council can investigate under noise nuisance laws. To avoid conflict, most urban chicken keepers stick to hens only.
🦠 Avian Flu and Biosecurity Rules
During bird flu outbreaks, DEFRA may issue orders requiring poultry keepers in Devon to:
- Keep chickens indoors or under netting
- Disinfect boots and tools
- Prevent contact with wild birds
You can stay updated at the official DEFRA Avian Flu Information Page.
🥚 Can You Sell Eggs?
If you keep chickens just for personal use, you can share or sell surplus eggs locally without registering as a business. But if you intend to sell at scale or to shops, you may need:
- Registration with your local council as a food business
- Proper egg packaging and hygiene standards
- Compliance with UK egg marketing rules
📊 How Many Chickens Can You Keep?
There’s no legal limit on the number of chickens you can keep for personal use—but your setup must allow for safe, clean and humane living conditions.
Not sure how much space you need? Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to find out exactly how big your coop and run should be based on flock size. It’s a great way to plan before you start buying birds and building enclosures.
🧼 Good Practices for Chicken Keeping in Devon
- Clean the coop regularly to avoid attracting flies and rats
- Use fox-proof enclosures—especially in rural areas
- Provide proper lighting and ventilation inside the coop
- Collect eggs daily to keep the hens laying and the nest boxes clean
🔚 Conclusion
Keeping chickens in Devon is legal and manageable—as long as you follow basic welfare laws and respect your neighbours. Whether you’re in a city or a village, backyard chickens can be a fun and sustainable way to enjoy fresh eggs and connect with your food source.
Start your chicken-keeping journey the right way. Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to plan the perfect setup for your garden, avoid common mistakes, and ensure your flock thrives from day one.
Happy chicken keeping, Devon!
