CAGE-FREE SYSTEMS FOR LAYING HENS
Additional Guidance for Multi-tier Systems
Cage-free multi-tier or aviary systems were developed in Europe, around two decades ago, to enable
commercial farmers to maximise the use of available space in a cage free system, withoutcompromising the minimum welfare needs of the hens. They can be used in both barn and free range
systems, and are available in an ever increasing variety of designs and specifications, able to be
tailored to suit existing building dimensions, from a multitude of equipment manufacturers.
In light of the number of cage-free commitments made by leading food companies, more and moreproducers are seeking alternatives to their caged systems for laying hens, and are asking us andthemselves ‘what constitutes an acceptable cage free multi-tier system?’. Systems must be FIT FORPURPOSE and FIT FOR FUTURE – able to deliver meaningful improvements to the lives of hens, andstand the test of time of societal acceptability. With that in mind, Compassion’s preference of system
is for free range or the highly designed innovative systems such as Kipster and Rondeel, followed bybarn systems with verandas / wintergardens.
The conversion of caged systems to cage free multi-tier / aviary barn systems within existing buildings
is however going to feature significantly in the cage free movement - and since designs range fromhighly intensive multi-tiers to spacious aviaries - it is important to set minimum standards for key
criteria needed to deliver an acceptable level of welfare for the hen. Multi-storey buildings offer asolution when converting from multi-level caged systems. To minimise risk to bird health each storey
should be independent from another, including a separate air space with sufficient ventilation capacity
to maintain a good air quality for the flock size per storey. Movement of birds in and out of storeys
should be a smooth and organised process to reduce the risk of stress to birds.
Combination systems1 are NOT permitted, and includes any system that:

Allows hens to be permanently enclosed
Restricts movement within the tier via internal partitions

Compassion recommends spacious aviaries, based on science and best practice, including:

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9 hens/m2 and preferably 7 hens/m2 within the structure
Maximum of 15 hens/m2 at the floor area
Minimum head height between tiers of 50 cm
At least 2 meters between rows of aviary tiers
Easy access between tiers and ease of movement through each row (with the inclusion oframps, platforms and/or stepped systems)
Minimum of 15cm perch space per bird and preferably as much as 22cm
Enclosed nests with comfortable and soft floor; ideally tipping boxes excluding hens at nightto maintain good hygiene
Dry friable litter that promotes dustbathing, pecking and foraging; ideally more than 560cm2
litter available per hen
More than 4 different pecking substrates per 1000 hens

1Combi systems are multi-tiered structures that have robust doors and internal partitions that convert the unit

into a caged system when the doors are closed, and restrict movement through the tier irrespective of doors
open or closed. They also operate at high stocking density (~22 birds/m 2 floor area)

1‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019Matching systems for pullet rearing

See Annex 1 for detailed information on Compassion’s recommendations for a ‘better’ and ‘best’
multi-tier system. Due to the wide variety of systems on the market and the scale of variability inexisting buildings, there may be a mix of better and best features within your system. New systems
should always strive to match the best model.
For producers with existing combi-systems, at the very least, the doors should be taken off; partitions
should be removed (and structure strengthened); stocking density should be reduced, and movement
between the tiers should be assessed and improved. Installation of new combi-systems will be viewed
negatively, compromise the welfare of the hen, and present reputational risk and an unwise
investment in a system that may be outdated and outlawed well before the end of its commercial lifespan.

Introduction
Multi-tier systems can pose significant challenges to the hen depending on their design, specificationof key criteria and the familiarity of the hen to the system. When compared to flat deck systems, multitier systems require hens to navigate 3-dimensionally, which demands an element of ‘learnt ability’and can be both physically and mentally challenging. System design and the materials used are
therefore important for good physical outcomes, good nesting behaviour and free movement throughthe system. For instance, a recent study of free range flat deck and multi-tier systems showed a higher
incidence of keel bone fractures and keel bone deviations in multi-tier systems2. Rearing systems thatmatch those in lay are also important for hens to learn how to navigate the system safely, and theprovision of enrichment substrates is important for the expression of natural behaviour, particularly
scratching, pecking/foraging, and dustbathing.
This document outlines the main factors to consider when designing your multi system, in order tokeep the needs of the hen at the centre of all decision-making. The following factors are discussed:
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3-dimenional movement through the structure
Important behaviours such as nesting and perching
Environmental enrichment for dustbathing and foraging
Maintaining a good environment
Measuring welfare outcomes
Pullet rearing
Staff training

3-dimensional movement through system
In a good cage-free multi-tier system the hens’ needs (image 1) are provided across the different
physical levels of the system. The hens’ ability to move freely and safely throughout the levels istherefore essential to her welfare. When looking at the design of a multi-tier system, you must
consider its 3-dimensional nature and ensure hens have freedom to move in all directions (image 2),
with good access to feeders, drinkers, nest boxes and enrichment materials.

2

The welfare and economic benefits of multi-tier and flat deck free range systems BFREPA, 2018

http://www.bfrepa.co.uk/content/DigitalIssue/2181/56/

2‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

Image 1 - What a hen wants and needs

Image 2 - Illustration of the movement of hens within in a section of two rows of tiers in a layer shed.
1- Movement between the tiers (up and down); 2 – Movement within the tiers; 3 – Movement between
rows of tiers

3‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

Features of the system that can either limit or help the movement of the hens in the three dimensions
are as follows:
1 – Movement between levels:a. Ramps linking the levels vertically to enable free and safe movement all the way from thehighest perches and tiers, down to floor level. Ramps can be installed outside the tiers, fromthe floor to the upper tiers (image 3), or be integrated within the tiers, offering a connection
between each tier (image 4). Platforms can also be used for easy access between the tiers, aswell as between the rows (image 5). Platforms should have their corners and sharp edges
protected.

Image 3- Ramps outside the tiers

Image 4 - Ramps within the tiers

Image 5 – Platformsb. Any enclosure should be temporary for catching, vaccination and for hens to get used to thesystem once they move from the rearing house. Enclosing hens should not be needed if therearing system matches the laying house, as pullets learn from an early age to navigate the 3dimensional space safely, and are already familiar with the structure in their new house. The
system should never be designed with doors that can be permanently closed. When in the
open position, all doors should secure properly to not hinder the movement around thesystem or cause injury. Preferably, doors, however temporary, are not used – other flexible
measures should be considered.
c. The number of levels has a direct influence on the ability of the bird to navigate the system.
Increasing the number of tiers increases the complexity of the system. The RSPCA Assured
Standard recommends a maximum of 2 tiers or 3 levels if including the floor 3. It is also
important to keep in mind that the number of tiers should not compromise the ability toinspect the animals. If there are tiers above the operators’ eye level, measures should be
adopted to allow inspection of animals in the higher tiers, such as mobile platforms.
2 – Movement within the tier:a. Partitions within the tier should not be used. Division of tiers can prevent animals moving
within/along the tier, which the hen does to avoid crowded areas, or to look for an area withless competition for food or water. Shed partitions are standard practice and a requirement
to manage colony size within a larger flock.
b. Areas free of obstacles, such as perches, feeding and water lines must be present in each tierto allow free movement within every tier.

4‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

3 – Movement between rows of tiers:
a. Distance between tiers should be short enough to allow hens to jump safely from one row oftiers to another, or wide enough to ensure movement between rows is via the floor. RSPCA
Assured Standards recommend this distance be equal to or less than 80 cm to allow birds tojump safely between rows, or greater than 2 meters to prevent birds jumping between rows.3
If preventing birds jumping between rows, then it is important that movement up and down
the levels is maximised to aid movement between tiers from the floor. Distances larger than
80 cm are associated with an increased frequency of clumsy landings, misses and collisions
with furniture, as well as reduced movement between rows.
b. Perches within the tiers if wrongly placed can inhibit movement and lead to injurious pecking.
When perching, hens need sufficient head height to perch comfortably without having tostoop. To prevent vent pecking, birds that are perching should not have their vent at the levelof another bird’s head. Due to height restrictions a balance between a good head height anda good perch height can be difficult to achieve within a tier, therefore we recommend thathens be provided with other options to perch and roost, such as aerial perches located on thehigher tier or perches at the edges of the tiers. More research in multi-tier systems is needed
regarding the needs/ preferences of hens when perching, in particular perch height andplacement, best gripping solutions for the hen, and best material to reduce keel bone damage.
Sirovnik et al. (2018)4 found that feeding whilst standing on a perch instead of a platform canbe beneficial with reduced jostling, aggression and mortality. Soft perches are also beneficial
in reducing fractures (Stratmann et al., 2015)5.
c. Access to the range in free range multi-tier systems, should be provided on both sides of theshed. Pettersson et al. (2018)6 found that birds roosting on the far side of a multi-tier system(further from pop-holes leading to the range) were less likely to use the range the following
day.
Note: All these characteristics have been described separately due
to the structure of the document. Nevertheless, it is important tohighlight that the characteristics of a multi-tier system are notindependent from each other. For example, maintaining a balance
between space per animal, head height and number of levels is
extremely important to provide the hens with what they want andneed. When considering a lower stocking density, the system may
not need 4 levels (3 tiers plus the floor). However, four levels (withgood access between them) may provide more opportunity to create Image 6 – The important balance between
space/animal, number of levels and head
the functional space referred in this document, BUT may heightcompromise head height. (Image 6).
3
RSPCA welfare standards for laying hens (August, 2017)https://science.rspca.org.uk/ImageLocator/LocateAsset?asset=document&assetId=1232741072801&mode=prd4

Sirovnik, J., Stratmann, A., Gebhardt-Henrich, S. G., Würbel, H., & Toscano, M. J. (2018). Feeding fromperches in an aviary system reduces aggression and mortality in laying hens. Applied animal behaviour science,
202, 53-62.
5Stratmann, A., Fröhlich, E. K., Harlander-Matauschek, A., Schrader, L., Toscano, M. J., Würbel, H., & GebhardtHenrich, S. G. (2015). Soft perches in an aviary system reduce incidence of keel bone damage in laying
hens. PloS one, 10(3), e0122568.
6

Pettersson, I. C., Weeks, C. A., Norman, K. I., Knowles, T. G., & Nicol, C. J. (2018). Internal roosting location isassociated with differential use of the outdoor range by free-range laying hens. British poultry science, 59(2),135-140.

5‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

Other features to consider:-

Feed and water should be equally distributed throughout the tiers and rows to avoid
congestion and aggression, and allow for easy access for all hens-

Nests vary hugely between commercially-available multi-tier systems. Some designs
incorporate a tier exclusively dedicated to nests, nests located in a section of the house, a nest
in all tiers, or even nests at one end of the tier (images 6 to 9). Access and design of nest boxes,
wherever they are placed in the system is crucial. Due to a large number of birds movingaround the system - in particular around the nest box- there is a higher probability ofdisplacement as well as congestion at/in the nest box. Free travel/transit around and within
the nest is important. A solution to consider is the provision of ‘walkways’ around the nest.
Solid sides of the nest are also crucial to provide a safer environment for the hens whilst laying.
These should not be provided in risk smothering areas (e.g. edges of the colony). Finally, hens
prefer a comfortable floor in the laying area, such as AstroTurf®(Hughes, 1993).7-

Image 7 - Nest in one area of the system

Image 8 - One tier exclusively for nests

Image 9- Nest boxes in every tier

Image 10 – Individual integrated nest
boxes, with solid sides

Dustbathing and scratching usually take place on the floor. Access to the floor is therefore
very important and should include the area under the tiered structure as well as the alley
between tiers. The litter should be kept dry and friable (without increasing the dust levels toa detrimental point for bird and human health), and the material should be suitable for
dustbathing (e.g. wood shavings). Additional dustbathing boxes incorporating substrates suchas sand or peat can be provided at floor level.

7

Hughes, B. O. (1993). Choice between artificial turf and wire floor as nest sites in individually caged laying
hens. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 36(4), 327-335.

6‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019-

Enrichment substrates that stimulate and satisfy pecking / foraging behaviour, should beequally distributed for easy access along each tier. Pecking substrates such as straw bales,
sawdust bales, alfalfa blocks, have been shown to be effective. Using the right environmental
enrichment will also help to operate with intact beaks (see next section) and reduce the riskof feather pecking and cannibalism8.

-

Beak trimming causes acute and chronic pain, and should be phased it out if practiced. Several
countries such as Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and more recently
Germany have banned beak trimming. Designing and managing systems that allow hens tofulfil their foraging and dustbathing needs, and reduce the risk of feather pecking and theneed for beak trimming (see information sheet 4) are therefore important factors for thedelivery of good hen welfare. Beak smoothing enrichment devices such as the Pecking Pan
from Vencomatic Group, are recommended as an alternative to beak trimming. These devices
smooth the hook of the beak and are provided in addition to the feeding places. Beaksmoothing materials should never be incorporated within the feeding system and should be
provided separately to promote foraging behaviour.

-

Veranda - The addition of a veranda (enclosed outside area) is essential for barn systems toprovide activity areas for supplementary foraging and dustbathing opportunities. A veranda
also ensures birds get natural light to sunbathe; direct light is also important in fulfilling
dustbathing behaviour. Inclusion of a veranda is highly recommended. It is important to makethe veranda appealing by adding: dry and friable litter, roughage, scattered grain, green
fodder, such as freshly mown grass, drinking water, enrichment materials, perches andpartitions to hide behind.

-Light: Light management is crucial to a well-managed system. Some areas must be kept
brighter while others must be darker, but uniform brightness / diffuse lighting in those specificareas is important. Irregular light can lead to irregular behaviours, for example, excessive
brightness can stimulate aggression.
Activity areas – where feeding, drinking, scratching, dustbathing and socializing
occur – should be kept brighter than areas for rest or nesting.
Nest areas must be dark, as hens want to lay their eggs in a dark place. Areas inside
the house that are not bright enough can become attractive for egg laying, such as
the floor.
Lights must be placed inside the system to direct birds to food and water and placed
underneath the system to keep birds from laying floor eggs.
Lights can encourage birds to move up into the higher tiers and perches of an aviary
at night and descend down to nest boxes in the morning. Dimming the lights at theproper rate (and sequence) to create dawn and dusk lighting periods is important tothis principal.
Farmers must be careful to replace broken or non-uniform lights as soon as possible
to promote consistent lighting.9

8

https://www.compassioninfoodbusiness.com/media/6207575/improving-feather-cover-featherwel-a-guideto-reducing-the-risk-of-injurious-pecking-occuring-in-non-cage-laying-hens.pdf
9https://www.wattagnet.com/articles/30639-latest-cage-free-ventilation-lighting-and-litter-tactics

7‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

--

Ventilation - Ventilation and heating systems should provide a comfortable and uniform air
flow throughout the barn. It is important to provide enough empty space so the air can flow
through the system and to also ensure a dry and friable litter quality can be maintained.
Dust/ ammonia control - With the presence of litter and dustbathing activity the levels of dust
and ammonia can reach dangerous levels for the health of the hens as well as for the healthof the staff. Finding the right balance between keeping the litter dry to avoid production ofammonia, but not to dry that leads to very high dust levels, is important.

-Pullet Rearing. Due to the complexity of the system, hens need to know how to navigate itfrom the day they enter the layer farm. A synchronicity / matching of systems between rearing
and laying is highly beneficial for a smooth transition to the layer house. Access to perches
and platforms should be provided to birds as early as possible – e.g. from 7 or 10 days, sooner
than often provided commercially (Norman et al., in prep). Grid ramps are easier for young
chicks to negotiate than ladder type ramps (Pettersson et al., 2017)10 and learning to navigate
the 3-dimensional space at a young age, reduces the incidence of keel bone damage later inlife (Janczak & Ribber, 2015).11-

Engagement and training of staff. Movement to a cage-free system that has a flow of birds in
3 different dimensions, such as the multi-tier system, can be a challenge for the employees aswell. Staff should be exposed to this system early, preferably before the systems is put inplace, by visiting other sites and speaking to other producers with experience of thesesystems. It is also important for all the staff to understand the reasons for the change ofsystem, always with the animals’ perspective in mind. 12

Outcome measures
Finally, to make sure that the system is providing a good quality of life to the hens, animal welfare
outcomes should be measured and a plan for continuous improvement should be put in place.
Priorities are: feather cover at specific ages through the life cycle; incidence of keel bone fractures,and mortality by age and cause. For more info, please go to:https://www.compassioninfoodbusiness.com/resources/laying-hens/welfare-outcome-summarylaying-hens/

Different standards for multi-tier systems
There are various guidance and standards relating to multi-tier systems, as summarised in Annex 2
below.
In addition, see our booklet: ‘Higher welfare systems for laying hens - practical options’ for broader
information regarding cage-free systems for hens.

10

Pettersson, I. C., Weeks, C. A., Norman, K. I., & Nicol, C. J. (2017). The ability of laying pullets to negotiate
two ramp designs as measured by bird preference and behaviour. PeerJ, 5, e4069.
11
Janczak, A. M., & Riber, A. B. (2015). Review of rearing-related factors affecting the welfare of laying hens.
Poultry Science, 94(7), 1454-1469.
12
Egg producers discuss cage-free production challenges, King, D. (July, 2018). Egg Industry, volume 123
number 7 (pages 11-16)

8‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

Disclaimer
We will incorporate new scientific information regarding multi-tier systems for laying hens into
subsequent versions of this resource. Some of this research may alter our understanding of current
established practice. Last update: February 2019.

9‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

Annex 1

ANNEX 1 - Welfare Potential matrix for multi-tier barn systems
System:Convertible system

It is not possible to permanently confine birds

Colony size

System allows forpermanent confinementof birds
˃ 6000 hens

Max. of 6000 hens

Max. of 4000 hens

Stocking density(total usable area)

˃9 hens/m2 of useablespace≤ 9 hens/m2 of usable space≤7 hens/m2 of usable space

Stocking density
More than 18 hens/m2(floor area)(typically 22 birds/m2)
Movement between levels:

Maximum 18 hens/m2

Maximum of 15 hens/m2

Ramps, steps,
other devices that
may help
movement

No possibility of
installation or can be
retrofitted but only in amanner that causes
obstruction and/or injury
to birds
Aviary doors can be used
to permanently confine
birds

Can be added to system
without causing an
obstruction or hindering
bird movement. Systems
with stepped back levels arealso a suitable option.
Aviary doors are installed
but are only used for certain
management procedures
when necessary (e.g.
vaccination/catching). At allother times doors are safely
secured open

Internal stairways and/or external
ramps/platforms are an integral part ofsystem and are positioned in a manner
to avoid injury to birds. Systems withstepped back levels are also a suitableoption.
Aviary doors are not an integral part ofthe system and are not used other thanbetween the floor and the bottom tierwhen birds are first moved onto farm toprevent them accessing underneath thesystemNumber of tiers

Does not meet EU
legislation: system has
more than 3 tiers (4levels). System is above
head height and there isno method (e.g. raised
walkway/platform) for
inspection of higher tiers
Movement within levels

System has 3 tiers (4 levels).
If above head height there isa raised inspection
walkway/platform

System has 2 tiers (3 levels). The systemprovides functional areas and sufficientspace including sufficient head height
within tiers.

Partitions within
tiersPartitions within tiers
prevent free movement
along the length of the tier
Movement between rows of tiers

No partitions along the lengths of the tiers

Level height

Vertical distance of 50cm
between tiers/levels

Vertical distance of ˃50cm and ≤100 cm
between tiers/levels.

Distance between rows oftiers is less than 80cm toallow birds to jump between
rows of tiers without
injuring themselves throughmissed landings or collisions
themselves when moving
between rows of tiersDistance between rows of tiers is ˃ 2 m
to ensure birds move between tiers via
the floor and so prevent injuries frommissed landings and collisions. The
additional space reduces the intensity ofthe structure and is easier for operators
to move around the system.

Aviary doors

Distance between
rows of tiers

Meets EU legislation:
Vertical distance of atleast 45cm between
tiers/levels
Distance between rows oftiers is more than 80cm
but less than 2m. No steps
are taken to ensure easeof movement between
rows of tiers.

‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

Annex 1
Perches

Does not meet EU
legislation: No perches areprovided OR perches areprovided at less than
15cm/bird OR perches
provided are not usable

Meets EU legislation:
15cm/bird usable13 perching
space is provided

More perching space is provided (atleast 22 cm/bird). Perches within thetiers allow birds to stand in a
comfortable position and so birds below
cannot peck perching birds. Other
opportunities to perch outside thestructure at different heights areprovidedHens have functional areas where they
can comfortably perch at different timesof the day.

Placement of
perches within thetiers

Perches are placed within
the tiers in a manner thathens are stooping whenperching

Hens can perch within thetier, without stooping.

Does not meet EU
legislation: > 7 hens/nest
or for group nests <1m2 ofnest space per 120 hens
Nests are not enclosed
and flooring consists ofwire or plastic coated wire

Meets EU legislation: no1 nest box per 5 hens; more than 1m2
more than 7 hens/nest or
nest area per 120 hens if needed; nests
for group nests at least 1m2
tip at night to exclude hens & maintainof nest space per 120 hens
hygiene.
Nests are enclosed, the sides of the nests are solid, and comfortableflooring such as astro-turf is used. This excludes smothering risk areas,such as colony partitions.

Environmental
enrichment
including
dustbathing

Does not meet EU
legislation: Birds do nothave access to litter or<1/3 of the floor area islitter. No environmental
enrichment is provided

Litter14 is provided on atleast 1/3 of the floor areafrom day 0 at the layer farm.
2 Pecking substrates aresupplied for each 1000 hens.

Beak trimming

Beak trimming isundertaken
No veranda

Beak trimming is not undertaken and system is able to operate withgood feather cover and low levels of feather pecking
Well managed veranda that provides
functional space
Light levels are sufficient toallow all hens to see one
Natural light is provided and isanother and a minimum ofincorporated into the light management
20 lux. Birds are provided
programme with dawn and dusk periodwith a dark period of 8with 8 hours of darkness.
hours. A dawn and dusk
period is incorporated into
the light management
programme
The system provides pullets
Pullets are reared in an aviary systemwith an opportunity to learn that matches the laying system. It
how to navigate different
should provide access to tiers, perches,levels.
enrichment nest boxes and litter
Welfare outcomes that take into account not only physical wellbeing
but mental wellbeing and opportunity to express natural behaviour aremeasured at least once per production cycle and preferably at key
stages in the laying cycle. An improvement programme is in place.

Other features
Nests

Nest characteristics

VerandaLight

Does not meet EU
legislation: birds arereared in low lighting andprovided with a dark
period of <8hours

Pullet rearing

Rearing system does notprovide any opportunity
for training of birds. Birds
may be reared in cages
No welfare outcomes arecollected OR only welfare
outcomes regarding
physical wellbeing arecollected

Welfare Outcomesmeasurements

Litter is provided over the whole floorarea at least 560cm2 per hen Extra
opportunities for dustbathing areprovided from day 0 at the layer farm.
Minimum of 4 pecking substrates per1000 hens.

13

See RSPCA standards for criteria on usable perches
Litter should be dry and friable and allow for expression of natural behaviours, such as dustbathing andscratching.
14

11‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

SpaceAnnex 2 – Comparison tables of different European Standards and EU legislation for Laying hen welfare
Criteria

EU

Lion CodeRSPCA assured

KAT (standard and animal welfare checked -AWC)

Beter leven

Stocking density

9 birds/m2 (no limit to birds/m2 floor area).

9 birds/m2 (no limit to birds/m2 floor area).

9 birds/m2 (max 15 birds/m2 of floor surface)

9 birds/m2 (max 18 birds/m2 of floor surface). AWC: 7
birds/m2 ( max 14 birds/m2 of floor surface)

9 birds/m2 (no limit specified for birds/m2
floor area)

Maximum colony size

Not specified

4000 birds

4000 birds

6000 birds. AWC: 1500 birds

6000 birds

Maximum flock size

Not specified

32,000 birds

32,000 ( Free range - 16 000)

Not specified

Not specified

Minimum Feeding Space

Chain feeder 10 cm/birdLinear feeders providing 10cm. per bird (or 5cm. of
linear length with access to both sides of the trough).
In multi-tier systems, feeding space must be provided
at more than 1 tier level
4cm. of circular, feeding space must be provided foreach bird.
1 Nipples/10 birds. All drinkers must be spaced evenly
along the house. In multi-tier systems, drinkers must
be provided at more than 1 tier level.

Chain feeder 10 cm/bird

Chain feeder 10 cm/bird

Chain feeder 10 cm/birdWith feedpan 4cm/birdWith feedpan 4cm/birdWith feedpan 4cm/bird

1 Nipples or cup/10 birds
Linear through space – 2.5 cm/birdwith nipple or cup two drinking bowls for
up to 10 laying hens + additional drinking
bowl for each additional 10 laying hens

Bell/round drinker 1 cm/bird

1 bell drinker per 100 birds

Bell/round drinker 1 cm/bird.

With nipple or cup drinking bowls there must be two
drinking bowls for up to 10 laying hens and an additional
drinking bowl
for each additional 10 laying hens
Bell/round drinker 1 cm/bird

Minimum nest capacity

120 birds/m2 of nest

120 birds/m2 of nest

separate space for egg laying, the floor
components of which may not include wire meshthat can come into contact with the birds, for anindividual hen or for a group of hens (group nest)

Must be provided at not less than 1 per 5 hens if individual
boxes, or 1m2 of nesting substrate per 120 hens forgroup nesting. Must be enclosed and draught-free.
Encourages nesting behaviour minimises the risk of build-up
of parasites and disease is managed hygienically does notconsist of wire or plastic-coated wire that can come into
contact with the birds.

120 birds/m2 of nest.

Nest features

Individual nest boxes must provide not less than 1 box
per 5 birds. Communal boxes must provide not lessthan 1m² of nesting area per 120 birds.
Nest boxes must be provided with a floor substrate
which encourages nesting behaviour

Minimum perching space

15 cm/ bird

15 cm/ bird

15 cm/ bird of raised perches (set above the floor, slat, or tiersurface at a height that allows hens to rest without
disturbance from hens below) - Min 30 mm diameter

Min. dist. between perches
Min. dist. from the wall
Max. angle between perches

30 cm
20 cm

30 cm
20 cm

30 cm (in all directions)
20 cm
45%

Good perches without sharp edges

Perches can be incorporated into a slatted floor (Notapplicable in Scotland and N. Ireland).
Must have no sharp edges

Not less than 45 cm and not more than 60 cm or positioned
towards the end of the slats or sited on top tiers.
Good perches without sharp edges

Minimum Drinking Space

Nest

Feed and drink

With feedpan 4cm/bird

Plastic slat-connections may be calculated asperch length

Other perch features

Not above the litter area

Max. number of levels
allowedMin. space between the tiers
Manure belts
Max. total height allowed
Space between rows of tiersMin. width –usable area
Other considerations forcalculation of usable area

Integrated perches in slats may not be calculated as perch
Non-slip material. Not be mounted above the litter.
Positioned to prevent fouling of any bird below

Non-slip material. Entire foot should be able to rest on theperchIntegrated perches above the excrement pit must have aheight of at least 2 cm.

15 cm/ bird- at least 10 cm need to beelevated

With an oval or mushroom shape
Integrated perches (max 5 cm per hen)must have a height of at least 2 cm.

May not be attached above the litter area - 50% of themshould be installed at varying heights

4 levels including the floor

3 levels including the floor

3 levels including the floor

3 levels including the floor

45 cm

50 cm

45 cm

45 cm

Must have manure belt under the tierMust have manure belts under the tiersMust have manure belts under the tiersMust have manure belts under the tiers

30 cm
Max 14 degrees of slope
Headroom of at least 45 cm

2m - where hens can reach the floor directly
No less than 80 cm or more than 2 meters
30 cm
Max 8 degrees slope (14%)
Headroom of at least 50 cm

Nest areas must not be included
Light intensity
Duration of light

Max 16 hours per day

Natural light
Natural light features

Not mandatory
None

Litter area

250 cm2 per bird
Min. 1/3 house surface

Enrichment

The floor of the nest must consist of deformable material or
artificial grass mats (minimum height 0.5 cm); “deformable”
is material which can be manipulated by hens and does notleave the roll-away traces typical of cage rearing. Each hen
must be able to lay its eggs undisturbed.
15 cm/bird (recommended 25cm). AWC: 20cm/bird

Bell/round drinker 1 cm/bird

Not above the litter area and allow birds to stand in an uprightposition. If below solid surface- at least 45 cm below.

30 cm
max 8 degrees slope (14%)
Headroom of at least 45 cm
min 20 lux
Max 16 hours per day

250 cm2 per bird

min 20 lux
Max 16 hours per day - with dusk phase (min 0.5lux during
dark period)
Mandatory (for buildings after 2002).
Min. 20 lux. Apertures must correspond to at least 3% of theground area and ensure a uniform distribution of light.
Rows of windows with blackout option in the roof area arerecommended. AWC: Apertures must be equivalent to atleast 5% of the floor area.
250 cm2 per bird

Min. 1/3 of usable area. Maintained at 5 cm depth first 2
months of placement and 10 cm after.

Min. 1/3 house surface - each hen must have 250 cm²
available with the maximum 40 hens/m2

Min. 1/3 house surface - each hen musthave 250 cm² available with the maximum
40 hens/m2

Nest areas must not be included, egg belt can be included
min 20 lux - in the open areas of the house
Min period of 8 hours of light and min. period of 6 hours ofdarkness (except when natural period of darkness is shorter)Not mandatory

33% of total floor area available to the birds. Min.
depth of at least 5cm birds to be able to dust bathe.
Unrestricted access during bird’s light hours.

2 meters
30 cm
max 8 degrees slope (14%)
Headroom of at least 45 cm

LightMulti-tier specifics

Perches

Distance from slat to first
perch
Material and shape of theperches
Plastic-slat connections andintegrated perches

1 Nipple/10 birds

Mandatory
Mandatory (min 20 lux) - equallydistributed throughout the barn. Daylightpermeable surfaces should be at least 3% of
the floor area of the barn.
250 cm2 per bird

Environmental enrichment

None

2 items per 1000 birds, plus insoluble grit at least 1 a week.

Pecking stones or other materials should be provided

At least 1 pecking substrates per 1000 birds

VerandaNot mandatory

Not mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

Annex 3

Examples of good systems for laying hens

Figure 1. Vencomatic Bollegg Gallery system in use. Photo courtesy of Vencomatic Group

Figure 1- Vencomatic Bollegg Gallery system - https://www.vencomaticgroup.com/en/products/layers/housingsolutions/bolegg-gallery‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

Annex 1

Figure 3. Vencomatic Red-L system in use. Photo courtesy of Vencomatic Group

Figure 4. Vencomatic Red-L system- https://www.vencomaticgroup.com/en/products/layers/housing-solutions/red-l

14‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019

Annex 1

Figure 5. Nature Step System in use, with wide aisles. Photo courtesy of Glenrath Farms

Figure 6. Big Dutchman Natura step System- https://cdn.bigdutchman.com/fileadmin/content/egg/products/en/Eggproduction-aviary-systems-Natura-Step-Big-Dutchman-en.pdf

15‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for Future series’ – January 2019