In spite of submissions to Defra (Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) by the Parrot Society UK on behalf of its members to try to prevent legislation to make registration of parrots compulsory, it has now become law as of 1st October 2024. In essence, if you keep fewer than 50 parrots or parakeets, even as pets, these must now be registered with APHA, if they have access to the open air. You do not need to register birds if they are both - fully housed in your home or another dwelling, and with no access to the open air. So a secure birdroom with no open flights would be fine. You do not need to register such a bird to transport it to a veterinary practice, but you will need to register your birds if - they are taken outdoors at any time, for example to be exercised, trained, or taken to bird gatherings or shows. So these would include parrots that are free-flown outdoors, or those taken out on harnesses. It clearly also includes any birds that are taken to our events at Stafford County Showground for sale, exchange, or exhibition!

Policing this new legislation will clearly be a nightmare for the already over-stretched APHA/Defra/Local Authority inspectors, so most bird-keepers will experience little problem. From those who have so far registered, it appears that species details are not required - so 'psittacines' is adequate. However, inspectors will find it easy to attend shows such as ours, where many people gather at one venue, so it is clear that we will have to make it a requirement of show entry that your parrots are correctly registered. Any failings on this point could very well result in these highly popular and useful events being closed down.

Full details are available on the Gov.UK website here - Register as a keeper of less than 50 birds