Allowed numbers

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:

• 1-2 birds/pigeons - no minimum land size
• 1-2 poultry - 350 m²
• 3-12 birds/poultry/pigeons - 700 m²
• 13-25 birds/poultry/pigeons - 1,000 m²
• 25+ birds/poultry/pigeons - permit required

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.

Bird, pigeon or poultry enclosures

All birds, poultry or pigeon species must be effectively contained within a suitable enclosure on your property. See local laws below for more information.

Local laws

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:

• All birds, poultry or pigeons must be effectively confined within an enclosure appropriate for the number, size and the breed.
• All enclosures must be at least one metre from boundary fence and five metres from any road or public land.
• The enclosure must be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week and effectively treated with an insecticide at least twice a year.
• The enclosure must be constructed and maintained to prevent vermin.
• Feed must be kept in a vermin-proof container.
• Adhere to the minimum distances from any residential building or premises.

Roaming birds and impounding

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:

• Report it online via MyIpswich, or
• Contact Council on (07) 3810 6666 with details of the bird, location etc.

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.

Caring for your animals in an emergency

It is important not to forget your animals during an emergency or disaster event. For more information see Caring for Animals in an Emergency. For a handy and downloadable checklist, check out the Pet Emergency Plan.

More information

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