Raised Laying Units
This GFA policy document, published in September 2005, expands on the general requirements within the GFA Code of Practice as they relate to laying gamebirds kept in raised units:
Backgound
The production of pheasant eggs from birds kept in raised units has become commonplace throughout continental Europe and in recent years has been adopted by several UK game farmers . The attractions of these units include clean eggs, economies of scale and ease of disease management.
Whilst the use of raised laying units for pheasant egg production is new to game farming in the UK, raised pair boxes have been the method of choice for partridge egg production for several decades. There are some similarities between the systems but also many differences, arising mostly from the differing ecologies and behaviour of the two species concerned.
The GFA has taken these differences into account and the following policy, issued in September 2005, was arrived at after 18 months of discussions with vets, representatives from Defra and other organizations; farm visits, and surveys of the results of using different laying systems.
GFA Policy
The GFA continues to believe that well-run, traditional outdoor egg laying systems are the preferred route for fertile pheasant egg production in the UK, because they are tried and tested.
Wherever raised laying units are used, whether for pheasants or partridges, the GFA requires that they should be managed and enriched at least to the standards set out below for each species. Game farmers using raised laying units who wish to retain the support of the GFA must, from the 2006 laying season onwards, ensure that they are meeting these standards.
Results using raised laying units can be very good but as with all livestock systems, if things do go wrong the animal welfare consequences may be serious. Top quality management is therefore an absolute necessity when raised laying units are used. Anyone contemplating using them must undertake extensive research to ensure that early mistakes are not made. Initial trials with a small number of birds are strongly recommended.
In view of the fact that raised units are a relatively new technology, at least for pheasant egg production in the UK, this GFA policy is subject to continuous review. It may change if new evidence comes to light and it will in any event be re-examined following an EU decision on the future of enriched units for housing laying poultry, now expected in 2009. The Association welcomes feedback from members and others on this subject.
GFA STANDARDS for MANAGEMENT and ENRICHMENT:
1. RAISED PHEASANT LAYING UNITS
Management
As with all livestock systems, the management of raised laying units must always be of an exceptionally high standard, and in accordance with the GFA's Code of Practice. All staff must be given appropriate training and veterinary advice followed. The management must also comply with any further requirement on raised units that the GFA may from time to time produce. Management should aim at constant improvement and development. Good record keeping is an essential aid to this process.
Public Sensitivity:
Public sensitivity must always be taken into account when contemplating, designing, locating and using raised laying units.
Size and stocking density:
Pheasant laying units shall have a minimum floor area of 0.33 square meters per bird enclosed (= 3 birds maximum per square metre).
Height:
Laying units shall have a minimum height of 45 cm floor to roof, over at least 50% of floor area
Shelter:
Laying units shall have a minimum of 30% of floor area to be sheltered from above and on three sides
Floor:
The unit floor may be weld-mesh of an appropriate gauge but not less than 25% of the total floor area must be of a different, welfare-friendly surface such as ‘astroturf' of a type designed for poultry unit enrichment, sand or wood.
Roof:
The roofing material must be soft netting, apart from the sheltered area which must be roofed with an appropriate weatherproof material.
Nesting Area:
Each unit must have a nesting area comprising a separate compartment with a weatherproof roof and welfare-friendly flooring as above. Design must take account of the need for thorough inspection and ease of catching, and also of ventilation and temperature considerations.
Perch:
There must be a suitably designed raised perch, such that all the pheasants within the unit can comfortably roost upon it at the same time.
Litter:
Each unit must be supplied with litter such that pecking and scratching are possible. ‘Litter' means any friable material enabling the birds to satisfy their behavioural needs.
Feed:
Sufficient feed must be readily available to all the birds and always be of a type appropriate to their dietary needs.
Water:
Sufficient clean water must be readily available to all the birds. There should be a minimum of two drinking nipples per unit.
Claw Shortening Device:
Each unit shall have an effective claw-shortening device, such as a limestone block or a panel coated with abrasive paint.
Catching:
Units must be designed to enable easy catching of birds.
Anti Pecking Devices:
A plastic anti-pecking device may be fitted to each pheasant in order to reduce potential welfare problems but any such device must be in accordance with the GFA Code of Practice.
Lighting:
If artificial lighting is used it must be introduced gradually and there must be a minimum continuous night-time dark period of six hours in every 24 hour period.
Introduction of Birds:
On introduction to the units, all birds must be fit, free from parasites and in good condition. Veterinary advice should be sought in relation to any vaccination or other prophylactic treatment.
Moving Cock Birds:
Cock birds may be moved between pens to ensure fertilization but this should be done as little as possible and catching and handling carried out with particular care.
Occupancy Outside the Laying Period:
At the end of the laying period, all pheasants must be removed from the units. No pheasant shall spend more than one laying season, to a maximum of six months, in a raised laying unit.
Inspection:
Daily inspection is a legal requirement and every bird must be looked at. Inspection should be carried out on foot, early in the day and by a fully trained person. Any sick or unfit birds must be treated or removed. Culled birds and deadstock must be disposed of in accordance with the law. Regular inspection of the system by a vet is also strongly recommended. Users of raised laying units should be open about their activities and also welcome inspection by customers and independent third parties.
2. RAISED PARTRIDGE LAYING UNITS
Management:
As with all livestock systems, the management of raised laying units must always be of an exceptionally high standard, and in accordance with the GFA's Code of Practice. All staff must be given appropriate training and veterinary advice followed. The management must also comply with any further requirement on raised units that the GFA may from time to time produce. Management should aim at constant improvement and development. Good record keeping is an essential aid to this process.
Public Sensitivity:
Public sensitivity must always be taken into account when contemplating, designing, locating and using raised laying units.
Size, stocking density and duration of occupation:
Partridge laying units shall have a minimum floor area of 0.37 square metres. The maximum stocking rate for this area is one cock and one hen (redlegs or greys). Birds shall only be kept in such units for preparation and laying, to a maximum of six months in any one year. Egg-producers wishing to retain partridge pairs in raised units for longer periods must allow them access to larger units with a minimum floor area of 0.65 square metres.
Height:
Minimum of 30 cm floor to roof.
Shelter:
Minimum of 30% of floor area to be sheltered from above and on three sides.
Floor:
The unit floor may be weld-mesh of an appropriate gauge but not less than 25% of the total floor area must be of a different, welfare-friendly surface such as ‘astroturf' of a type designed for poultry unit enrichment, sand or wood.
Roof:
The roofing material must be soft netting, apart from the sheltered area which must be roofed with an appropriate weatherproof material.
Nesting Area:
Each unit must have a nesting area comprising a separate compartment with a weatherproof roof and welfare-friendly flooring as above. Design must take account of the need for thorough inspection and ease of catching, and also of ventilation and temperature considerations.
Litter:
Each unit must be supplied with litter such that dusting, pecking and scratching are possible. ‘Litter' means any friable material enabling the birds to satisfy their behavioural needs.
Feed:
Sufficient feed must be readily available to both birds and always be of a type appropriate to their dietary needs.
Water:
Sufficient clean water must be readily available.
Wooden Pecking Board:
Each unit must incorporate within its design a wooden board at which the birds can peck if they wish.
Claw Shortening Device:
Each unit shall have an effective claw-shortening device, such as a limestone block or a panel coated with abrasive paint.
Catching:
Units must be designed to enable easy catching of birds.
Anti Pecking Devices:
An anti-pecking device may be fitted to partridges in exceptional circumstances if necessary but any such device must be in accordance with the GFA Code of Practice and be removed once the need for it has passed.
Lighting:
If artificial lighting is used it must be introduced gradually and there must be a minimum continuous night-time dark period of six hours in every 24 hour period.
Introduction of Birds:
On introduction to the units, all birds must be fit, free from parasites and in good condition. Veterinary advice should be sought in relation to any vaccination or other prophylactic treatment.
Inspection:
Daily inspection is a legal requirement and every bird must be looked at. Inspection should be carried out on foot, early in the day and by a fully trained person. Any sick or unfit birds must be treated or removed. Culled birds and deadstock must be disposed of in accordance with the law. Regular inspection of the system by a vet is also strongly recommended. Users of raised laying units should be open about their activities and welcome inspection by customers and independent third parties.