Having birds is a wonderful experience, but owners do have responsibilites to both their pets and the community they live in.

General bird controls
Residents can keep domestic birds on their property as long as the birds do not become a nuisance to neighbours ,or a health hazard. A “Domestic Bird” includes any fowl, duck, goose, turkey, guinea fowl and (non-native) pigeon.

Permission You need written permission from Council to keep any other farm animals in urban areas. You may need permission from the Parks and Wildlife Commission to keep any native animals captive.

Chickens
Chickens have to be contained in a securely fenced yard or run which is no closer to a house than 12 metres. Council has no restriction on the number of chickens allowed on a property however three or four chickens will lay enough eggs for a family of four per week. Too many chickens may annoy neighbours with their smell and noise.

Roosters
Owning a rooster is somewhat different to owning a hen, as their temperament and role is quite different to that of the hen. Roosters cause problems in urban areas so there are some important facts you must know before you get one, including:
• hens do not need roosters to lay eggs;
• roosters mean chicks and what are you going to do with them?
• roosters can be aggressive and attack adults and children; and
• roosters crow at all hours of the day and night - this may annoy your neighbours and result in complaints.

So, unless you are keen on having chicks, tired and angry neighbours, and Council Officers knocking on your door to resolve complaints, don’t get a rooster.

Ducks and geese
Ducks and Geese need and love water. You must be prepared to clean their ponds at least every second day or you and your neighbours will be wondering where the mosquitoes and odours are coming from. Ducks and Geese can be very noisy and may become aggressive, which can result in complaints from neighbours.

Some helpful hints
Be warned that birds and mice go together - birds are very messy eaters, they drop seed all over the place and mice take full advantage of the free feed. You need to clean your aviaries or chicken runs three or four times a week. This will help keep food scraps away from free loaders and will have the added advantage of helping to keep your birds disease and parasite free. Use seed feeders instead of open plates or trays and secure your seed supply in airtight containers.

For more information or advice on keeping birds please contact Council on (08) 89500500 or visit the Council’s website: www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au