Stocking density
Regulations insist that each farm must provide at least an acre of field for every 1000 hens and flocks are free to roam over the pasture during the daytime.
Regulations insist that each farm must provide at least an acre of field for every 1000 hens and flocks are free to roam over the pasture during the daytime.
Because they originate from jungle fowl they enjoy overhead shade and that means they may be reluctant to go outside in bright, sunny weather, although many farmers are now planting trees to give their hens shelter and a feeling of security whilst outdoors. Of course if it is cold, wet or windy, they can choose to stay in the warmth of the chicken house.
The free range poultry sector prides itself on high bird welfare standards and stocking density plays an important role in ensuring this is maintained. Regulatory bodies such as DEFRA and the Lion Code lay out strict stocking density regulations to ensure there is a benchmark for the welfare of the animals being housed. These figures are enforced to prevent sites from over stocking birds. It is crucial that stocking density guidelines are adhered to, as in heavily stocked poultry unwanted traits such as pecking and fighting can appear and birds’ welfare needs will be compromised. Where stocking densities are too high there will be an increased competition for nest boxes, feed space and water lines, and birds will not be able to express their normal behaviour leading to increased stress levels. In addition to this affecting the overall health and welfare of the birds, this will also have a negative impact on production.
The Code of Practice for Lion Code Eggs states that ‘The stocking density shall comply with the scheme standards in all houses and range area’. The maximum stocking density permissible within the housing areas (including covered verandas) is 9 birds per m2 of useable area. In addition to this there are more specific guidelines for space requirements within the house, they are:
1m2 of nest space per 120 hens
2.5m2 per hen of covered litter area
At least 15cm of perch space per hen
When new or existing sites are being considered for free range poultry production factors such as flock size and pasture quality must be considered. Fewer birds will be able to be housed on poorer and wet ground due to rapid poaching of the land. Ranges must comply with legislative requirements for stocking densities. This may vary slightly depending on whether the site is organic or not, but DEFRA states that ‘ranges should have a maximum stocking density of 2,500 birds per hectare’ (or 4m2 a bird). In addition to this there must be at least 8m2 of external shading such as trees or field shelters per 1,000 birds.
