KETTERING ALLOTMENTS
SOCIETY
Poultry Policy:
Keeping poultry on allotments is 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not adhered to, permission to keep poultry will be withdrawn.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)
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