ANNEX IIREQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE OF HIGHER STOCKING DENSITIES

Notification and documentation

The following requirements shall apply:

  1. 1.

    The owner or keeper shall communicate to the competent authority his intention to use a stocking density of more than 33 kg/m2 live weight.

    He shall indicate the exact figure and inform the competent authority of any change in the stocking density at least 15 days prior to the placement of the flock in the house.

    If requested by the competent authority, that notification shall be accompanied by a document summarising the information contained in the documentation required under point 2.

  2. 2.

    The owner or keeper shall maintain and have available in the house compiled documentation describing in detail the production systems. In particular it shall include information on technical details of the house and its equipment such as:

    1. (a)

      a plan of the house including the dimensions of the surfaces occupied by the chickens;

    2. (b)

      ventilation and, if relevant, cooling and heating system, including their location, a ventilation plan, detailing target air quality parameters, such as airflow, air speed and temperature;

    3. (c)

      feeding and watering systems and their location;

    4. (d)

      alarm systems and backup systems in the event of a failure of any automated or mechanical equipment essential for the health and well-being of the animals;

    5. (e)

      floor type and litter normally used.

The documentation shall be made available to the competent authority on request and shall be kept updated. In particular, technical inspections of the ventilation and alarm system shall be recorded.

The owner or keeper shall communicate to the competent authority any changes to the described house, equipment or procedures which are likely to influence the welfare of the birds without undue delay.