Rural Payments and Services

The Scottish Kept Bird Register (SKBR) has now been launched. It has been developed in support of the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2024, which requires all bird keepers – even those who keep only a single bird – to officially register their bird location(s).

A link to the system and the associated helpline number and email address can be found at www.gov.scot/register-your-birds

In Scotland, keepers have between 1 September and 1 December 2024 to register the location of their birds. Those previously registered on the GB Poultry Register will be required to re-register on the SKBR between these dates.

The registration requirement does not apply to birds on the premises that belong to the order psittaciformes (parrot family, including budgerigars) or passeriformes (perching birds, including jays and finches), which are:

• fully housed indoors with no outdoor access, or
• housed outdoors in a fully enclosed structure

However, any birds that are taken outdoors at any time, for example to be exercised, trained, or taken to bird gatherings and/or shows, must be registered.

Taking an exempt bird to visit a veterinary practice does not trigger the need for registration.

By registering their birds, keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as on any local notifiable avian disease outbreaks and important information on biosecurity rules to help protect themselves and their flocks.

Further information on the registration of birds can be found on gov.scot, gov.uk and gov.wales.