On the 30th September the RSPCA announced that, subject to the adoption by laying hen members of a number of additional standards, it will be increasing the maximum permitted outside range stocking density for free-range hens under the Freedom Food assurance scheme.

In recent years, the UK has seen an explosion in the popularity of free-range eggs – thanks in part to high profile campaigns by animal welfare organisations and celebrity chefs. However, this increase in consumer demand has led to fears that this cannot be fully met by UK producers. If there is a shortfall in British eggs, then experience dictates that imported eggs often produced to lower welfare standards would fill the gap.

As the vast majority of free-range laying hen units in the UK are Freedom Food approved, and therefore inspected to RSPCA welfare standards, it was vital that the RSPCA worked towards finding a solution. However, it was also important for the integrity of the scheme that the decision was based on both sound science and professional expertise. To achieve this, the Society has been working with the industry since early 2008 in order to make an informed decision. Numerous site visits have been undertaken alongside wide-ranging consultation with industry, producers, research scientists, vets and retailers with all aspects of the issue fully considered.

“As I am sure members will appreciate, this move is not a simple blanket measure” said Alice Clark, senior scientific officer with the RSPCA’s farm animal science department. “For an increase in outside range stocking density on free-range hen farms to be considered, we are calling for a number of new measures. These are all aimed at ensuring the land available to the birds is good quality and managed effectively to help safeguard the welfare of the birds.”

Extra requirements will include further provisions on the range,
such as:

• 5% of the total range area provided with natural cover
• Dedicated areas for behaviours such as perching and dustbathing
• Development of a range management plan
• Further attention to the area immediately outside popholes

“A producer must fulfil these additional requirements before they will be permitted to increase the range stocking density,” adds Alice. “From research and experience we know the quality of the range is extremely important to hen welfare,” added Alice Clark, “These additional standards, and any subsequent findings from the field and scientific research, will help to make sure the hens are enjoying the range area even further.”

This move will not affect the number of hens allowed indoors, or the maximum outside stocking density permitted at any one time (2,500 hens per hectare), when some areas may be fenced off to rest and rotate under good management. The difference will be the amount of land required to be available over the life of the flock, which in terms of stocking density will rise from 1,000 birds per hectare to 2,000.

The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) welcomed this decision. “We have been working with the RSPCA to reach an outcome, and we are pleased that this move means the industry will be able to meet the increased demand for British free range eggs,” said Mark Williams, BEIC Chief Executive.

Those members wishing to stock over 1,000 and up to 2,000 hens per hectare of range under Freedom Food, must contact Freedom Food to be re-assessed to the new standards, which are now in effect. For further information download a copy of the additional standards and guidance on the website www.rspca.org.uk/welfarestandards