michelle.pawz Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 In my deeds its say i am not permitted to keep any live stock other then domestic animals. I am taking when they mean livestock other than domestic they are talking about farm animals such as sheep and goats and not chickens? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mictogirl Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I'd call your council quickly to double check. Our deeds had a very similar wording (though specifically said we couldn't keep pigeons!). When I called the council they said they regarded chickens as domestic animals rather than livestock, even though they're kept outside. Hope that helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mazzarina Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Possibly chickens too - it's a bit nebulous. I'm not a lawyer, but just to share my experience: Our house deeds have a clause about not keeping livestock such as chickens without the permission of the transferror- ie. the company who built our house in 1970. That company doesn't exist any more, so I can't get permission from them; when we bought our house, my solicitor suggested (as far as I remember) that as a result she didn't think it would be a problem to have chickens. I asked both adjoining neighbours for permission before getting our girls, and give them eggs every so often - always a good idea! There's also a clause in our deeds about not having outbuildings such as sheds or greenhouses, but everyone in our row has them. So I wouldn't write off the possibility of having chickens: it's just as well to be careful about the exact wording of your deeds, have a think about whether the clause may be enforceable, and make sure your neighbours don't object. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 If they have names, are treated as pets and you only have a handful as opposed to a flock. they aren't really livestock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoebe Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 As Mazzarina said, the real key is who is going to enforce the covenant. Its not "illegal" if its in a covenant, but the person who put it there, (?original developer) can enforce compliance with it by taking to you to court. Think of it as a promise, which has to be made to someone, rather than to the world at large. If there is no-one to enforce the convenant, you are unlikely to have problems with it. Good point about the neighbours, though, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chillicat Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hi I had exactly the same wording in my deeds. I called the council and they said that chickens were fine, but you'd better check and write down the name of the person you speak to. Didn't discuss with the neighbours tho'......don't get on with the ones on the left, but now and again will supply the ones on the right with eggs, for which they are very grateful. Best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle.pawz Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 Thanks for your advise guys, as i said i am not getting them just yet as i need my garden sorted first & i want to know as much as i can about them before taking 2 on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve. Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Thanks for your advise guys, as i said i am not getting them just yet as i need my garden sorted first & i want to know as much as i can about them before taking 2 on. Please get at least 3 because if one dies they'll still be able to keep each other company. Oh, and by getting 2 you'll want 3 in a few months. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 If they have names, are treated as pets and you only have a handful as opposed to a flock. they aren't really livestock. And how many chooks make a flock??????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 I don't think there is a definition of a flock. But as a rule of thumb, when I went over six I suddenly felt I had a lot of hens, and when I went over ten I felt I had an awful lot of hens. So I would say up to six is a very reasonable number if you are worried. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 I agree with Gallina, keep your flock small 4-6 hens would be fine. Our house deeds specifically say no chickens or pigeons (but doesnt mention livestock ) We decided to go ahead as our house is about 25 years old, and it also states no vans, caravans or boats on driveways in our deeds and the cul-de-sac is full of them. Anyway, we took the plunge and 3 years later no complaints. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle.pawz Posted January 31, 2009 Author Share Posted January 31, 2009 Thanks i think i will go for 3, i now just need to sort the garden and contact the council to see if they object. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle.pawz Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 Hi guys after emailing my local council i have had excellent news and they have no objections to me keeping chickens. This is the reply in case anyone else was thinking of checking with local council for themselves. Good afternoon michelle – as you have informed me that your house is your own there are no laws to stop you keeping a few chickens in your back garden providing they do not cause a nuisance to the neighbours it is part of my job to visit places where livestock are kept on a regular basis in order to observe animal welfare matters I must add that due to recent problems with avian flue if anyone keeps more than 50 birds they must by law register with defra I could advise you on that procedure I would also be pleased if you could let me know when you get them as I could add you to my list of visits – look forward to hearing from you – (contact detailed deleted) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisevans1001 Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Not sure I'd bother replying to that. No need to be visited by officials regularly. Let them find out their own way if at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle.pawz Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 That's what i thought but glad to know they have no objections. With the work i do i am in contact with the RSPCA regularly at my home address and i'm sure they would say if i was doing anything wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 That is good news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
