Laying hens on the meeting agenda

Meetings for farmers involved in the laying hens sector are planned for the spring – organised by the Soil Association, the RSPCA and Freedom Food.

“The meetings will aim to take a bird-focused approach to optimise the health, welfare and overall efficiency of flocks,” says Kate Still, Animal Welfare Advisor for the Soil Association. “The meetings will also include reporting on the key findings from the University of Bristol ‘Pecking Project’, which some Freedom Food members may have taken part in. The project has identified strategies for reducing the risk of injurious pecking and tested their effectiveness in commercial flocks of free-range laying hens.

This session will be able to highlight the most important things to do to prevent injurious feather pecking in free-range flocks and also key things to consider if you see it starting. We will also be talking about the new animal-based outcome assessment, which has been incorporated into Freedom Food assessments, along with the findings from the comprehensive ‘Welfare Quality’ study which, again, some of you kindly volunteered to take part in.

There will also be time for discussion on flock health and welfare issues and help identifying possible solutions to overcome them. There are currently plans to hold meetings in Devon (Tiverton area), mid Wales (Newtown area) and North Yorkshire (Thirsk area) due to the high numbers of producers in these areas.

“However, if these areas are not convenient for you and you’d be keen to have a meeting in your local area, please get in contact and we’ll see what additional meetings could be arranged,” adds Kate.

As soon as meeting dates and venues are confirmed, details will be published. For further information - or to request a meeting in your area - please contact Kate Still by email kstill@assurewel.org