Requirements for keeping birds and poultry

​Provide shelter

Chickens should have access to an area of land greater than three square metres and include:

• an enclosed rainproof chicken coop for sleeping and laying eggs
• at least 30cm of roost or perch per chicken
• a minimum roof height of 60cm
• a surface for pecking and scratching
• a secluded nesting area.

Where to place your chicken coop

Set up the coop in a place that is least likely to cause a nuisance to neighbours.

Ensure that chickens are confined and that they cannot freely leave the property.

Keep chicken coops clean

To keep your chicken coop clean, you should:

• line nesting boxes and chicken coop floors with hay, wood chips (untreated), sawdust or shredded newspaper so that it can be easily removed when cleaned out
• regularly bag and remove waste (at least once a week).

Prevent infestations of vermin

Excess kai and bedding waste can attract flies, mice and rats to a property.

Once vermin find an accessible kai supply, they will continue to return, leaving excrement that can:

• contaminate chicken feed and water
• expose owners and neighbours to diseases.