Check local rules, registration and permits
Many countries and councils regulate which animals you may keep, how many, and whether you must register them. Check before you build anything.
How
- Ask your planning or zoning office whether livestock, poultry, bees or fish ponds are allowed on your land, and any limits on numbers or roosters.
- Check registration rules. Example (England): anyone keeping sheep, goats, pigs or cattle, even as pets, needs a county parish holding (CPH) number, and you can apply up to 6 weeks before animals arrive.
- Example (England and Wales): all poultry and other captive bird keepers must register within one month of keeping birds, with separate routes for under 50 and 50 or more birds.
- Example (Victoria, Australia): anyone keeping even one beehive must register with Agriculture Victoria. In the UK, bee registration on BeeBase is voluntary.
- Check rules on moving animals, identification (ear tags), and fish species you may stock. Keep copies of every registration.
Do these first
Sources
- Apply for a county parish holding (CPH) number. UK Government, GOV.UK, accessed 2026-11
- Poultry registration. UK Government, GOV.UK, accessed 2026-11
- Beekeeper registration and hive disposal. Agriculture Victoria (Australia), accessed 2026-11
- Honey bees: protecting them from pests and diseases. UK Government, GOV.UK, accessed 2026-11