Space needs of laying hens

Abstract

1. Videotapes of hens under various conditions were used to measure the amount of space used by hens performing common behaviour patterns.

2. When turning, hens used 540 to 1006 cm², when stretching wings 653 to 1118 cm², when wing flapping 860 to 1980 cm², when feather ruffling 676 to 1604 cm², when preening 814 to 1270 cm² and when ground scratching 540 to 1005 cm².

3. All these measurements are above the 450 cm² bird recommended as the minimum space allowance by current EC regulations, which therefore do not ensure adequate hen welfare.