Skip to main content
Statutory guidance

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.

Updates to this page

From:
Natural England
Published:
31 December 2013
Last updated:
1 January 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated this licence to cover the period 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.

  2. 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.

  3. There is an update to this licence for 1 January 2024.

  4. Annual licence update, valid from 1 January 2023.

  5. Annual licence update, valid from 1 January 2022.

  6. Annual licence update.

  7. Accessible version of licence added - HTML.

  8. Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2019

  9. Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2018

  10. Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2017

  11. Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2016

  12. new version of GL16 valid 1 January to 31 December 2015

  13. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Licence to keep certain birds in show cages for training (GL16)

HTML

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.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Related content