Yes, keeping backyard chickens is legal in Belgium under specific conditions.
Belgium permits backyard poultry ownership but subjects it to regional and municipal regulations. The Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels-Capital Regions each enforce distinct rules, with Brussels imposing the strictest limits. Recent 2026 draft amendments in Flanders propose stricter biosecurity measures, including mandatory registration of flocks exceeding five birds. Violations may trigger penalties under regional animal welfare or public health ordinances.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Belgium
- Flemish Region: Maximum of 50 hens per household; mandatory registration for flocks over 20 birds via the Dierengezondheidszorg Vlaanderen (DGZ) database. Biosecurity protocols, such as fencing to exclude wild birds, are enforced under Vlaams Dierenwelzijnsdecreet (2021).
- Walloon Region: No strict numerical limit, but flocks must be registered with SPW Environnement if exceeding 50 birds. Local councils may impose additional zoning restrictions (e.g., minimum distance from neighboring properties).
- Brussels-Capital Region: Prohibits backyard chickens entirely in urban zones; rural areas permit up to 10 hens with prior municipal approval. The 2026 Ordonnance relative à la détention d’animaux tightens enforcement, requiring veterinary inspections for flocks over 5 birds.
Compliance hinges on regional decrees and municipal règlements communaux. Owners must adhere to EU avian influenza directives, including housing orders during outbreaks. Failure to comply risks fines up to €2,500 in Flanders or confiscation of birds under Walloon Code wallon du bien-être animal.