The following provides advice to organic poultry producers on what to do if the Government (Defra) issue an order to house or enclose all free-range poultry. Stocking density Shutting free-range birds in will obviously have an impact on welfare and will place restrictions on the number of birds that can be kept per house. The Soil Association’s requirement for laying hens is 6 birds/m2. A useful comparison for birds that are always kept indoors could be the barn system, which has a maximum stocking density of 9 birds/m2. While organic regulations clearly already meet these requirements, we know from the experiences of Dutch farmers who had to enclose their free-range birds that birds which are used to going outside need more space when they are confined indoors. Dutch farmers reported that their birds were clearly ‘bored’ and tended to gather at the pop holes – even though these were shut – and that incidences of feather pecking would then occur. On this basis, free-range organic birds will clearly need more space than the current housing allowance once they are shut in. However, the problem is judging how much additional space they will require. To some extent this will only be resolved by monitoring the behaviour of birds once they are enclosed. One suggestion for the amount of additional space required could be to double the birds’ existing housing space. It is interesting to note that, under the current free-range regulations, guinea fowls only need to be provided with a perchery rather than an outside run. This perchery has to be the same area as the ‘housing’ area. This essentially suggests that doubling the housing area could give sufficient space for free-range birds. The next question is how to provide this additional space. Additional housing One option to provide additional area in the event that birds are enclosed is to provide additional temporary housing. Suitable structures may include polytunnels, straw bales structures with tarpaulin cover or verandas constructed on the sides of existing poultry houses. The veranda should have a solid, waterproof roof although the sides could consist of netting or mesh. Any temporary accommodation should include some bedding or litter. Providing feed and water within the temporary structure – and especially scattering grain – will encourage birds to use it. You should confirm the suitability of any structure used with your vet and ensure that it meets the State Veterinary Service (SVS) requirements for any order to enclose the birds. For contact details of the SVS visit www.svs.gov.uk or call the food and farming department on 0117 914 2400. use it. Other farm buildings Another option could be the use of other farm buildings to house some poultry. These buildings must be assessed to ensure that they meet the birds needs – not only the basic floor space but also ease of provision of feed and water as well lighting – either natural or artificial. Ventilation The space required will vary with weather conditions. For example, there are likely to be greater problems during hot weather. The ventilation system will also be important. Many free-range houses are ventilated by having doors and pop holes open which will no longer be possible if birds must be enclosed. Alternative ventilation will therefore be necessary. In a worst case scenario some birds may need to be culled in order that others can be kept in suitable conditions. Environmental enrichment As the Dutch experience shows, free-range birds that are shut in will get bored and feather pecking can develop. Anything to enrich the environment will help, such as: Organic cauliflowers or other vegetables hung up in the house Bright objects suspended at pecking height Areas of straw where grains or grit can be spread for birds to pick through Straw bales or other items that the birds can perch on Lightweight plastic footballs or other toys that birds can interact with. Feed supply In the event of an outbreak of avian influenza the Government may decide to impose movement restrictions, which could affect farm-to-farm deliveries. If birds have to be moved inside producers should speak with their feed suppliers to discuss the volumes of feed required and the suitability of the ration in light of the changing conditions. For example, in some instances it may be useful to slow the growth of meat birds by changing the ration. However, this should not be attempted without consulting a nutritionist and your vet. Moving birds off farm early In some instances, it may be possible to slaughter table birds or hens coming to the end of lay earlier than planned. This could allow the use of their housing for the birds remaining on farm. However, if movement restrictions are introduced following an outbreak of avian influenza, producers may not be able to move stock off-farm to slaughter them. Methods of culling In a worst case scenario birds may have to be slaughtered on farm. This could be to reduce numbers in the houses to maintain the welfare of the remaining birds, or as part of an ordered cull in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza. This slaughter must be carried out in a humane way. The Soil Association standards state that neck dislocation can only be used to kill poultry in an emergency or as a back up. Suitable methods of slaughter might include: Use of argon gas (mobile units for use on farm have been developed) Hand held stunners, followed by appropriate method of killing. Note: a licence is required for use Captive bolt – specifically designed for poultry. For details of suppliers contact the food and farming department on 0117 914 2400 Maintaining organic status Organic producers should not be concerned about loss of organic status if they are required to remove birds from the range. If a Defra Order is given to either house or isolate birds such that they either have no access or reduced access to a free range area, the organic status of the birds or eggs would be maintained indefinitely. Producers should note that free-range status is only maintained for up to 12 weeks of housing, after this time birds or eggs could be marketed as organic but not organic free range. Please note: housed or confined organic birds will only retain their organic status where Defra have issued a specific Order. To avoid any risk to organic status please contact the food and farming department if you are concerned about avian influenza and wish to confine your birds but are not within a restricted zone. For up-to-date information call the Soil Association food and farming department on 0117 914 2400 at www.soilassociation.org/birdflu » download this information as a PDF [PDF, 99 KB] Published: 13/11/2007 » Back to advice for organic poultry farmers