Birds: licence to keep them in show cages for training (GL16)
Get a general licence to keep birds in show cages that don't meet size requirements.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This licence lets you keep birds in cages that do not meet legal minimum size requirements, as long as you’re training the birds for competitive exhibition.
Under this licence you can keep birds in cages that are at least:
- 25.4cm high
- 23.13cm wide
- 11.43cm deep
You cannot keep a bird in the cage for longer than one hour in any 24 hour period.
You do not need to apply for this licence but you must meet its conditions and follow its instructions.
Details
This licence lets you keep birds in cages that do not meet legal minimum size requirements, as long as you’re training the birds for competitive exhibition.
Under this licence you can keep birds in cages that are at least:
- 25.4cm high
- 23.13cm wide
- 11.43cm deep
You cannot keep a bird in the cage for longer than one hour in any 24 hour period.
You do not need to apply for this licence but you must meet its conditions and follow its instructions.
Updates to this page
Last updated 1 January
-
Updated this licence to cover the period 1 January to 31 December 2025. Reworded several sections to make the information clearer. Updated 'Avian influenza' information and advice note.
Update history
2026-01-01 00:01
Updated this licence to cover the period 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.
2025-01-01 00:01
Updated this licence to cover the period 1 January to 31 December 2025. Reworded several sections to make the information clearer. Updated ‘Avian influenza’ information and advice note.
2024-01-01 00:01
There is an update to this licence for 1 January 2024.
2023-01-01 00:15
Annual licence update, valid from 1 January 2023.