About the 2024 RBTA Poultry Census 1 May - 30 June

Getting involved

The information documents and forms you need are available on the 2024 Census page.  If you would prefer to have the Census documents emailed to you please send a request to rbtapoultrycensus2024@gmail.com. 

“As Patron of the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia I ask you all to complete the poultry census for this year.
Completing this will be the very best way to get a picture of poultry and waterfowl in Australia.  
Your details can be submitted anonymously. At the end when all details are collated any personal reference will be deleted.
I do hope that you can assist with this.”
Michael Peel, Patron, Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. Peel Ridge Stud.

About the Census

The Rare Breeds Trust of Australia collects data submitted voluntarily by Australian poultry breeders on their breeding age pure breed poultry. The last poultry census was conducted in 2021. The 2021 results are available at https://rarebreedstrust.com.au/public/pages/poultry . You can also see a summary in poster form at https://rarebreedstrust.com.au/public/pages/2021-poultry-watchlist.

The 2024 Census is being conducted over the period 1 May – 30 June 2024. 

Your involvement is important

The data collected provides a snapshot of what breeds are most at risk in this country. This enables relevant individuals and poultry associations to plan actions that promote uptake of rare breeds. Actions include promoting rare breed classes at poultry shows to increase awareness and knowledge of rare breeds. This helps with increasing take up of rare breeds by both breeders and backyard poultry keepers as a risk management action. Data on numbers also support decisions of poutry state and standards bodies about the need for judging guidelines and standards development.

Rare breeds are important for maintaining diversity in the face of increasing commercialisation and hybridisation of food-producing species. They are also important for maintaining diversity in breed characteristics such as heat or cold hardiness, setters and non-setters, etc. Poultry breeds represent breed heritages and the dedication of poultry breeders in creating breeds such as Australia’s own Australorp chicken or the Elizabeth duck.  

Privacy Statement

Link to the Privacy Statement for information about how the Trust stores and uses the data.