NEBR · help
Help & Guidance
Find clear guidance on NEBR registration, bird records and your account.
18 questions
About NEBR
What is NEBR?
The National Exotic Bird Register is an independent UK register for exotic birds. It brings a bird’s permanent identity, registration details and lifetime history together. It is not a government register.
Registering a Bird
How do I register my bird?
Create a NEBR account, confirm your email address and complete your keeper profile. Select Register a Bird, enter your bird’s species or hybrid classification and other details, then review the quotation and declaration. Complete the required registration steps and any payment to finish.
Buying / Selling / Transfers
Does NEBR registration prove ownership?
No. NEBR records the information reported to the register. Registration by itself does not establish legal ownership. Keep relevant purchase, transfer and other supporting evidence securely.
Bird Identification & Bird ID
Does the NEBR Bird ID change?
No. A bird keeps the same permanent NEBR Bird ID through changes of keeper and after a death is recorded. The number remains part of its historical record and is not reused.
Buying / Selling / Transfers
How do I transfer a registered bird?
If you are authorised to transfer the bird, start from Bird Details or Transfers in your account. The receiving keeper must complete the required acceptance, registration and any payment before NEBR finalises the change. Starting a transfer request does not complete it.
Lost, Stolen & Found Birds
What should I do if my bird is lost or stolen?
Sign in and select Report Lost or Stolen for the bird concerned. Enter the details and confirm your report. You can view the report in your account and record a recovery when the bird is found. Reporting a loss or theft does not change ownership.
Lost, Stolen & Found Birds
I found a bird — what should I do?
Read the Found a Bird guidance and contact NEBR if the bird may have an NEBR record. Online found-bird reporting is not yet available. Finding a bird does not establish ownership or give access to the keeper’s private information.
Documents & Records
Are my bird documents and photos public?
No. Supporting documents and identification photographs are private and accessible only to authorised users. Uploaded files undergo the required security checks and review. An upload does not mean NEBR has independently verified the information it contains.
Pedigree & COI
What do pedigree and COI information mean?
Pedigree information is based on recorded parentage, which may be keeper-declared rather than independently verified. The coefficient of inbreeding (COI) is calculated from the ancestry available. Missing or unknown ancestors limit the result, so always read it alongside the ancestry coverage and verification notes.
Reporting a Death
What happens to the record when a bird dies?
An authorised keeper can report a death through their account. Once recorded, the bird is marked Deceased and receives a Registered Death Reference. Its permanent Bird ID and private historical record are retained, while transfers and routine changes are restricted. This records a reported death; it is not a medical certificate. Registered Death Certificates are not currently issued. Contact NEBR if a correction is needed.
Breeders
Does selecting Licensed Breeder mean NEBR has verified my licence?
No. The account category describes your activity; it does not confirm that NEBR has checked your licence or approved access to breeder services. Any licence review or breeder approval is a separate process. Amateur breeding describes hobby or non-commercial breeding, subject to applicable law.
Rescues & Charities
Does a Rescue / Charity account type give special authority?
No. Choosing Rescue / Charity describes your organisation’s activity. It does not confirm charity status, establish ownership or automatically enable rescue services. Any required verification and approval are separate.
Veterinary Practices
Does a Veterinary Practice account type give privileged access?
No. Selecting Veterinary Practice does not verify or accredit the practice, or allow access to another keeper’s private records. Professional approval and any additional access require a separate process.
Pet Shops
Does a Pet Shop account type grant extra permissions?
No. The Pet Shop category describes your business. It does not provide NEBR accreditation or additional access. Registration, payment, transfer and privacy requirements still apply.
Account & Security
How do I verify my email address?
Follow the secure link in your NEBR verification email. Your profile will show when verification is complete. If you need another email, use Resend verification and allow time for it to arrive before requesting another.
Privacy & Data Protection
What can public verification reveal?
Public verification is designed to confirm selected registration details without revealing a keeper’s private identity, address, contact details, documents or photographs. Online public checks are not yet available.
Certificates & Cards
Are certificates and NFC cards available?
Issuing and delivery of certificates and NFC cards are not yet available. Eligibility depends on the registration and product selected. Registered Death Certificates are not currently issued.
Registering a Bird
Does NEBR replace CITES or other legal requirements?
No. NEBR registration is separate from applicable wildlife and CITES requirements. Check the relevant official guidance for your circumstances; NEBR registration is not a statutory permit or certificate.
Read official GOV.UK CITES guidance