Australian Capital Territory

Animal Welfare (Welfare of Poultry: Non-Commercial) Code of Practice 2010

Disallowable Instrument DI2010–89

made under the

Animal Welfare Act 1992, section 22 (Codes of practice)
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Poultry: Non-Commercial 2010 is made under section 22 of the Animal Welfare Act 1992.  The instrument records the Minister’s approval of the “Code of Practice for the Welfare of Poultry: Non-Commercial 2010” (the Code of Practice) which is attached to the instrument.

The instrument commences on the day after notification.

Section 2 explains how to responsibly own poultry taking in to consideration both their physical and emotional needs.

Section 3 covers the basic needs of poultry. 

Section 4 outlines the housing requirements for poultry, including minimum floor space allowances, methods of restraining and light requirements.

Section 5 gives the poultry owners a variety of habitat enrichment ideas to aid in the welfare of their birds.

Section 6 provides information on nutritional requirements with recommendations on supplementing commercial feeds with household kitchen waste.

Section 7 offers advice regarding housing hygiene.

Section 8 offers advice on purchasing birds and in rearing birds in the home.

Section 9 outlines health requirements including vaccinations, parasites and indication that a bird is unwell.

Section 10 covers considerations relevant to transport and handling of birds.  

Section 11 goes into greater detail regarding bird management including aggressive birds, flight restrictions, identification and other details. 

Section 12 covers the euthanasia and slaughter of poultry.