Document type: article published in Poultry World
Author: Tony Mcdougal
Preview: Anger over the planned introduction of veranda and daylight provisions for free-range and barn laying birds have prompted the UK's largest animal welfare charity to pause implementation of its new welfare standards. In response to feedback from members and the wider industry, RSPCA Assured has agreed to delay implementation of its latest plans for 3 months, meaning members can continue to use the current version of the standards, published in 2017, until 1 August 2024. The combination of providing both verandas and natural daylight is designed to significantly improve bird welfare, according to the charity, as it will help reduce feather pecking and keel bone fractures - 2 of the most challenging welfare issues for hens in egg production. Natural daylight also provides an appropriate visual environment for free-range birds when range access is restricted, for example, during a housing order. (...)
The amendments included extending the timeline for natural daylight by 1 year to 1 January 2031, and removing the veranda requirement for refurbished and new member free-range systems. While verandas were never required for existing free-range members, the RSPCA will be conducting a thorough review into the practicalities of achieving this in the future.
