Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 No. 156

Regulation 4

SCHEDULE 3N.I.Additional conditions that apply to the keeping of laying hens in enriched cages

1. All cage systems shall be enriched to comply with the requirements of this Schedule.N.I.

2. Laying hens shall have—N.I.

(a)at least 750 cm² of cage area per hen, 600 cm² of which shall be usable; the height of the cage other than that above the usable area shall be at least 20 cm at every point and the minimum total area for any cage shall be 2000 cm² ;

(b)access to a nest;

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

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

3. A feed trough which can be used without restriction shall be provided. Its length shall be at least 12 cm multiplied by the number of hens in the cage.N.I.

4. Each cage shall have a drinking system appropriate to the size of the group; where nipple drinkers are provided, at least two nipple drinkers or two cups shall be within the reach of each hen.N.I.

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

6. Cages shall be fitted with suitable claw-shortening devices.N.I.

7. While the cages are occupied the surfaces and all equipment shall be kept satisfactorily clean.N.I.

8. Cages shall be suitably equipped to prevent hens escaping.N.I.

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

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