free range regulations and interpretation

From: Jill (news_at_REMOVETHISkintaline.co.uk)
Date: 07/27/04 

Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 15:05:51 +0100

In Scotland free range producers have been instructed to include 15cm of
aerial perches for their units or they cannot call them Free range. Up until
now they have not had to. This is to comply with SEERAD's interpration of
the EU welfare rules

It has caused an interesting reaction from producers - the gist of which I
have added
I know what I think - but offered it out to others for opinions:~)) 

--
Rails are deemed to be a problem as it causes obstacles in the house - and
they walk the sheds every hour as the birds come into lay
Perches are being made up of galvanised tubing - doubt is expressed as to
whether the birds will use it as they do not use a rail in front of the
nestboxes. At present birds huddle on the floor in groups at night
Other objections to perches which are not required in England and Wales are
that they hinder bird movement, cause obstacles that injure birds if they
fly into them, be sites for red mite, and hinder people movement
They really do not think their birds will use the perches - saying that
their is no evidence the birds will. - similar to your problem Martyn
In England they have incorporated perches as slats in the floor
----
I wondered if any one had any comments :~))))))))))
--
regards
Jill Bowis
Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment,  Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Holidays in Scotland and Wales
http://www.kintaline.co.uk

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