The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007

Regulation 5

SCHEDULE 5 Additional conditions applicable to all systems in which laying hens are kept

1.  All hens must be inspected by the owner or other person responsible for the hens at least once a day.

2.  In all systems in which laying hens are kept—

(a) the sound level must be minimised;

(b) constant or sudden noise must be avoided; and

(c) ventilation fans, feeding machinery and other equipment must be constructed, placed, operated and maintained in such a way that they cause the least possible noise.

3.—(1) All buildings must have light levels sufficient to allow hens to see other hens and be seen clearly, to investigate their surroundings visually and to show normal levels of activity.

(2) Where there is natural light, light apertures must be arranged in such a way that light is distributed evenly within the accommodation.

(3) After the first days of conditioning, the lighting regime must be such as to prevent health and behavioural problems and accordingly it must follow a 24-hour rhythm and include an adequate uninterrupted period of darkness lasting, by way of indication, about one third of the day.

(4) A period of twilight of sufficient duration should if possible be provided when the light is dimmed so that the hens may settle down without disturbance or injury.

4.—(1) Those parts of buildings, equipment or utensils which are in contact with the hens must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected regularly and, in any case, every time depopulation is carried out and before a new batch of hens is brought in.

(2) While the cages are occupied—

(a) the surfaces and all equipment must be kept satisfactorily clean;

(b) droppings must be removed; and

(c) dead hens must be removed every day.

5.  Cages must be suitably equipped to prevent hens escaping.

6.  Accommodation comprising two or more tiers of cages must have devices, or appropriate measures must be taken, to allow inspection of all tiers without difficulty and to facilitate the removal of hens.

7.  The design and dimensions of the cage door must be such that an adult hen can be removed without undergoing unnecessary suffering or sustaining injury.