Re: free range regulations and interpretation

From: Jay (j_green156_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 07/28/04 

Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 09:33:49 +0100

"Caesar" <caesar.of.rome@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:HmJNc.299$%o1.108@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Jill" <news@REMOVETHISkintaline.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:41065f87$0$96037$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader03.plus.net...
> > 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 :~))))))))))
> >
> > --
> Our hens are huddled together at night on the perches. Given what
> accumulates underneath, the perches are probably vital.
>
Ours huddle together on the floor never having got the hang of perching.
I think that all these rules just help keep some people employed and feeling
they have a purpose in life.
Personally it simply makes me think I would like to have eggs from hens that
are healthy, well looked after and lead a stress free life. The question of
perches, length or position of perches then becomes a secondary
consideration which depends on the individual hens.
Many other European countries look on these EU rules as merely suggestion
which they are free to take up or reject as they wish. Why don't we do the
same.

Regards
Jay

Relevant Pages

  • Re: free range regulations and interpretation
    ... > aerial perches for their units or they cannot call them Free range. ... > they walk the sheds every hour as the birds come into lay ... At present birds huddle on the floor in groups at night ... floors as there must be draughts up under the houses which one would think ...
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  • free range regulations and interpretation
    ... In Scotland free range producers have been instructed to include 15cm of ... aerial perches for their units or they cannot call them Free range. ... 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 ...
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