But even the smallest poultry farms are subject to regulation in Spain, and breaking it can mean facing fines of thousands of euros, depending on the offence.

The Royal Decree 637/2021 of 27 July states the basic rules for the management of poultry farms. Initially, this legislation only applied to new farms, with the exception of those established prior to the entry into force of the decree. Not following the rules demanded by the State may result in a payment of a fine that can reach 3.000 euros.

Everyone who has chickens at home is obliged to register the birds, regardless of their use. In particular, “the owners of self-consumption farms will be obliged to make a prior notification to be included in the general register of livestock farms.” However, unlike large farms, self-consumption farms do not need prior authorisation to be set up. The register, however, may vary according to the autonomous community. In Madrid, for example, farms with no more than 30 laying hens do not have to register.