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SCHEDULE 3ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS THAT APPLY TO THE KEEPING OF LAYING HENS

PART 4Additional conditions applicable for keeping laying hens in enriched cages

11.  All cage systems (other than those referred to in Part 3) must be enriched to comply with the requirements of this Schedule.

Accommodation

12.  Laying hens must have—

(a)at least 750cm2 of cage area per hen, 600cm2 of which shall be usable area; the height of the cage other than that above the usable area shall be at least 20cm at every point and no cage shall have a total area that is less than 2000cm2;

(b)a nest;

(c)litter such that pecking and scratching are possible; and

(d)appropriate perches allowing at least 15cm per hen.

Feed

13.  A feed trough which may be used without restriction must be provided and its length must be at least 12cm multiplied by the number of hens in the cage.

Water

14.  Each cage must have a drinking system appropriate to the size of the group and where nipple drinkers are provided, at least 2 nipple drinkers or 2 drinking cups must be within the reach of each hen.

Inspection

15.  To facilitate inspection, installation and depopulation of hens there must be a minimum aisle width of 90cm between tiers of cages and a space of at least 35cm must be allowed between the floor of the building and the bottom tier of cages.

Ethological needs

16.  Cages must be fitted with suitable claw-shortening devices.