Understanding The Avian Flu Restrictions in the UK

How to Keep Your Chickens Happy and Healthy During Flockdown

Avian Flu restrictions in the UK change frequently, so the single most important thing any chicken keeper can do is check the current rules before acting. You can always see the latest official position on the government's bird flu situation page, and check whether any disease control zones affect your area using the DEFRA interactive map.

Where things stand now: the nationwide housing measures and Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) that were in force over the 2024–25 winter were lifted in spring/summer 2026, and Great Britain has since declared freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza. That means there is currently no mandatory housing order — but good biosecurity is still strongly advised, and rules can be reintroduced quickly if the risk rises again. This guide explains how flockdowns and AIPZs work so you're ready if restrictions return.

During any "flockdown," free-range birds must be moved indoors or into a fully covered run to keep them away from wild birds, the main source of infection. Alongside housing, keepers are expected to follow strict biosecurity: cleaning and disinfecting hands, clothing, footwear and equipment; limiting movement in and out of enclosures; storing feed and water where wild birds can't reach them; and keeping vermin under control. When an AIPZ is active, these measures are legally enforceable for allkeepers, regardless of flock size.

What the Main Avian Flu Restrictions Involve (When They're in Force)

When a flockdown or AIPZ is active, the main restrictions typically include:

• Housing Requirements – All poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors or in a fully covered run to reduce contact with wild birds, which are a primary source of infection.
• Biosecurity Measures – Bird keepers must take extra precautions, including:
  • Regularly clean and disinfect hands, clothing, footwear, and equipment before and after handling birds.
  • Minimising movement in and out of bird enclosures.
  • Storing feed and water in a way that prevents access by wild birds.
  • Keeping the area free from vermin to prevent contamination.

These rules are legally enforceable and apply to all poultry keepers, no matter the size of their flock. While the UK Health Security Agency has assessed the risk to humans as very low, it's important to stay vigilant. Any suspected cases of Avian Flu must be reported to DEFRA immediately, which you can do here. 

For the latest government updates and full guidance, visit the official website: GOV.UK.

What To Do If Your Chickens Show Signs of Bird Flu

Avian Flu spreads quickly, and early detection is key. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your flock, take action immediately:

• Swollen head, eyes, or neck
• Sudden loss of energy or appetite
• Blue discolouration of the comb and wattles
• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
• Diarrhoea
• Sudden and unexplained death

If your birds show any of these signs, report it to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). Do not move your birds, and avoid contact with other poultry keepers until you receive guidance on what to do next.

Keeping Your Chickens Happy and Healthy During Avian Flu Restrictions

All chicken keepers in Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) must follow the latest guidelines to protect their birds. Keeping chickens indoors or in a covered run is crucial to stopping the virus from spreading, but it can come with challenges.

Chickens love their routines. If they're used to free-ranging around the garden, they might get bored or even a little frustrated when suddenly confined to a smaller space. The good news is there are plenty of ways to keep them entertained, active, and stress-free while following the current guidelines. Extended confinement can lead to boredom and feather-pecking, so it's worth adding enrichment.

Making The Most Of A Large Run

If you have space for a covered run, this will give your chickens more room to move around while staying protected. Here are some simple ways to keep the space interesting:

Perches at Different Heights – Chickens love to hop up onto things. Adding tree branches, wooden planks, or even an old ladder gives them places to roost and explore.

Hanging Greens – Tie up bunches of leafy greens like cabbage, kale, or broccoli. This keeps them busy pecking while also providing extra nutrition.

Dust Bath Areas – A shallow tray filled with dry soil, sand, and a bit of wood ash helps chickens keep their feathers clean and mites at bay.

Scratching Zones – Scatter some poultry-safe grains or mealworms into a pile of straw to encourage natural foraging behaviour.

Take a look at all of our range of walk-in runs here, and if you use code chickenrun2025 until the 28th Feb you can get 5% off.

Boredom Busters for Chickens

Chickens are curious creatures, and without their usual space to roam, they'll need a few extra distractions. Here are some easy and affordable boredom busters:

Chicken-Safe Treat Balls – A sturdy, perforated ball filled with corn or seeds makes a great toy that encourages pecking and movement. Take a look at our chicken treat balls here.

Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces – Some hens enjoy looking at themselves, and a small, securely fastened mirror can provide entertainment.

Logs and Branches – Arranging logs or branches in different ways encourages climbing and exploration.

DIY Pecking Toys – A plastic bottle with holes poked in it, filled with mealworms or grain, makes a great interactive treat dispenser.

Pumpkins or Melons – Cut in half and left in the run, these make for a tasty, time-consuming snack.

PoleTree Chicken Perch - A quick and easy to install, ready made solution to create a stimulating and sociable staircase of perches. Take a look at our PoleTree chicken perches here.

For more boredom buster ideas for chickens, you take a look at this article:

Pipinchick for Happy and Healthy Chickens

Keeping chickens isn't just about eggs – it's about enjoying their quirky personalities and giving them the best care possible. Chickens are intelligent, social animals, and a little extra effort during these restrictions will help keep them happy and engaged. With a bit of creativity, their temporary indoor life can be just as enriching as their usual outdoor adventures. 

For more updates and tips on keeping your flock happy, you can follow Pipinchick on Instagram or Facebook. Take a look at our range of large chicken runs here. We also have all the poultry supplies you'll need to keep your chickens happy and healthy during Flockdown and beyond. 

Getting your birds ready for a spell indoors? Browse our Chicken House & Run Accessories to adapt your setup for extended confinement.