PET Birds

POULTRY, AVIARY BIRDS AND PIGEONS

In 2022, the City created a new local law to manage animals - City's Health Local Law 2022. This includes provisions for housing birds, limitations on numbers, dealing with nuisance birds and feeding of birds. 

If you would like to keep birds on your property, below are the requirements.

If you concerned about a neighbour's birds creating a public health issue, please contact us. 

Conditions on Keeping Poultry and Aviary Birds

Poultry means any domestic fowl or chicken, bantam, duck, goose, guinea fowl, pheasant, turkey, peafowl and other birds kept for the production of eggs or meat for domestic consumption.

Property owners keeping poultry or aviary birds must ensure that:

  • they provide a properly constructed and securely fastened enclosure/structure to house the birds
  • the enclosure/structure is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition
  • bird feed is stored in pest-proof containers
  • the enclosure/structure is located at least 1m from any property boundary and at least 5m from a residential building (unless approved by the City)

Conditions for keeping pigeons and doves

Property owners keeping pigeons and doves must ensure that:

  • they are kept in a properly constructed and securely fastened enclosure/structure that is located at least 1m away from any property boundary and in a yard of at least 30m2 of unobstructed space
  • the enclosure/structure is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition
  • they are not kept within 15m of another premises where people are employed or where food is stored, prepared, manufactured or sold

Bird flu (Avian influenza)

Bird flu is a type of virus that mainly affects birds. It can also affect other animals and, on rare occasions, humans.

A highly pathogenic strain known as H5 avian influenza or H5 bird flu has been affecting wild birds, poultry and wild and domestic mammals across the world.

Australia confirmed its first case of H5 bird flu in a migratory seabird near Esperance on 20 June 2026.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) leads the coordinated response to bird flu working closely with the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC). In Western Australia the lead agency is the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

We all have a role to play in protecting native birds in our urban environment.

What you can do

Infected animals might look very sick - or show no signs at all. Sometimes birds can die suddenly without warning. If you do come across a bird that looks sick or has died, follow these steps:

AVOID

Avoid direct contact with birds or wildlife that are sick or have died unexpectedly.

RECORD

If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, note the number of dead birds or animals, species, location, date and time.

REPORT

For less than 5 sick or dead birds or wildlife – contact Wildcare Hotline on 9474 9055.

For more than 5 sick or dead birds, unusual signs of disease or mass deaths in wildlife – contact the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888 (select WA option).

What if I have pet birds or poultry

Keep Wild Birds Away

  • Keep your birds separated from wild birds wherever possible.
  • Make sure wild birds cannot access your birds' feed, water or enclosures.
  • Remove or cover ponds and other areas that may attract wild birds.

Keep Things Clean

  • Clean food and water containers regularly.
  • Keep enclosures clean and free from bird droppings.
  • Thoroughly clean concrete floors, walls and aviary wire with soapy water. Apply disinfectant after cleaning.
  • Wash your hands before and after handling your birds.
  • Clean your footwear and clothing, especially after visiting places where other birds are kept.

Isolate New or Sick Birds

  • Keep new or sick birds separate from your flock for at least 30 days.

Keep Other Animals Out

  • Prevent cats, dogs and other animals from entering bird enclosures.

Know the Signs 

Watch for:

  • Birds that appear sick, tired or fluffed up.
  • Reduced appetite or drinking.
  • Diarrhoea or unexplained deaths.
  • Coughing, sneezing, watery eyes or nasal discharge.
  • Difficulty walking, weakness or unusual head movements.
  • Swelling of the head or legs, or a blue tinge to the comb, wattle or legs.
  • Fewer eggs, or eggs with soft or misshapen shells.

How to report

If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them. If there are multiple dead birds or other animals, take photos or a video.

Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information and reporting options, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.

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