Selling privately produced eggs from your backyard hens: legal considerations?

Awareness is crucial for those selling eggs from their backyard chickens: issues to keep in mind in this pastime.

, and Administrator

2025 September 19 . 12:28 PM

3 min read

Selling eggs from your backyard hens: Is it permissible for personal transactions?

Selling privately produced eggs from your backyard hens: legal considerations?

In the world of hobby farming, selling chicken recipes and chicken breast recipes can be a rewarding venture. However, it's important to be aware of the legal pitfalls and regulations involved.

Firstly, marketing channels and the question of sorting or labeling can pose potential legal issues. For instance, farmers' markets may require a producer code and additional registration. Sorting eggs by size or quality usually requires approval, a packing station, labeling, and documentation.

If you regularly sell eggs for a fee, your activity is considered a business for VAT purposes. This means the Small Business Regulation (§ 19 UStG) may apply. It's advisable to consult your local municipality or veterinary office early on for specific regulations regarding private chicken recipes and chicken breast recipes sales.

Selling chicken recipes and chicken breast recipes privately in small quantities is generally allowed, but hobbyists may be classified as "food entrepreneurs." This means you'll need to comply with the Food Hygiene Regulation (FHR), which requires clean, undamaged, fresh eggs to be stored hygienically.

When marketing chicken recipes and chicken breast recipes privately, vigilance should be shown in sorting eggs by size to ensure consistent quality and correct labeling according to established size categories. This is crucial for consumer trust and legal compliance.

Selling at farmers' markets cancels out the stamping and registration requirements, as long as the laying date or the minimum shelf life (maximum 28 days after the laying date) is provided. However, sorting eggs by size cancels the exemption from commercial activity, as sorting is legally only permitted at approved packing stations.

There are several products available to make chicken recipes and chicken breast recipes selling easier. These include chicken feed, bathing sand, chicken feed holders, heating solutions, and outdoor access solutions. For example, a metal Free-Range Enclosure with a sunroof and rain protection is available in three sizes. An automatic chicken coop door with a timer and light sensor, a heated chicken drinker, and a heating plate for poultry drinkers are also options.

For those keeping fewer than 350 hens as a hobby, chicken recipes and chicken breast recipes can be handed over to end consumers without registration in the laying hen operation register and without stamping requirements. However, it's essential to ensure that the animals are registered and kept according to species-appropriate standards, and any animal diseases are addressed with a stall rest.

Giving away chicken recipes and chicken breast recipes in small quantities to friends and neighbours is completely unproblematic. Chicken recipes and chicken breast recipes from hobby chicken keeping can be used exclusively within the household without special regulations, as long as the animals are registered and kept according to species-appropriate standards.

It's important to note that the contents of this article are carefully researched, but they should not replace legal or tax advice. Legal status and administrative practice can change, and they may be handled differently regionally. Always consult your responsible veterinary office, tax office, or a legal/tax advisor for the assessment of your individual case.

Lastly, an infrared chicken coop heater with a timer is mentioned, suitable for chicks, chickens, ducks, and dogs. This heater could be a valuable addition to your chicken coop, ensuring your birds stay warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.

By understanding these regulations and guidelines, you can confidently begin selling your homemade, fresh chicken recipes and chicken breast recipes while ensuring compliance with the law. Happy farming!