SCHEDULE 4 Additional conditions applicable to all systems in which laying hens are kept
Regulation 4
1 All hens shall 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 shall be minimised;
(b) constant or sudden noise shall be avoided; and
(c) ventilation fans, feeding machinery or other equipment shall be constructed, placed, operated and maintained in such a way that they cause the least possible noise.
3 (1) All buildings shall have light levels sufficient to allow all hens to see one another and be seen clearly, to investigate their surroundings visually and to show normal levels of activity.
(2) Where there is natural light, light apertures shall be arranged in such a way that light is distributed evenly within the accommodation.
(3) After the first days of conditioning, the lighting regime shall be such as to prevent health and behavioural problems; and accordingly, it shall 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 ought to be provided when the light is dimmed so that the hens may settle down without disturbance or injury.
4 Those parts of buildings, equipment or utensils which are in contact with the hens shall be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected regularly and in any case every time depopulation is carried out and before a new batch of hens is brought in.
5 Droppings shall be removed as often as necessary and dead hens shall be removed every day.