The number of birds, poultry or pigeons you can keep is determined by the size of your property. If you have more birds than the land area requirement, you will need to apply for a permit.
Minimum land area requirements:
As an example: if your property is 800 m² you can keep up to 12 birds, poultry or pigeons. 1 hectare = 10,000 m².
Note: if you want to keep a rooster on land other than rural (regardless of size) you must also apply for a permit.
All birds, poultry or pigeon species must be effectively contained within a suitable enclosure on your property. See local laws below for more information.
All bird, poultry or pigeon owners in Ipswich must comply with the following minimum standards in accordance with Local Law No. 6 (Animal Management) 2013, regardless of whether they require a permit or not:
Birds must be confined to the owner's property at all times - birds are not allowed to roam. If there is a roaming bird in your area, contact the bird owner first to resolve the issue. To request Council to investigate a roaming bird:
While Council does not offer a collection service for roaming birds, they may be brought to the Ipswich Pound and Animal Management Centre as long as the bird was found in the Ipswich Council area and the customer lives in the Ipswich Council area
If your bird is located in the Ipswich pound, you should visit the pound and speak to the staff. In most cases, the bird owner will be charged fees prior to the release of the bird from the pound.
If the bird owner is unable to visit the pound and would like their representative to collect the bird on their behalf, a letter of authority or similar authorisation by the bird owner is necessary to release the bird.
Bird owners may choose to surrender their animal to the Ipswich Pound as long as the owner lives in the Ipswich City Council area. Charges may apply.
Council on (07) 3810 6666
Birds Poultry Pigeons Fact Sheet (PDF, 619 kb)
Birds Poultry Pigeons - Permit Application Kit (PDF, 189.2 KB)
Find information on Lost Animals
Council's Fees and Charges