The NFU is keen to understand how poultry producers are impacted by the new RSPCA Assured standards relating to natural daylight provision for laying hens.
Having sought clarity, RSPCA Assured has provided us with information on the requirements and calculations for this standard. This standard will be included in the February 2025 publication of standards, but will have an implementation date of 1 January 2031.
The NFU continues to engage with the RSCPA Assured on its new standards to ensure the best outcome for egg producers and animal welfare. For more information on how we're working on behalf of members, visit: RSPCA Assured standards for laying hens – latest update
Requirements
- Natural daylight must be provided by 21 weeks of age and for a minimum of eight hours per day.
- Natural daylight can be provided through popholes but provisions must be made to ensure light can still enter the house if range access must be restricted e.g. in the event of housing measures.
- Perspex can be added to the pophole openings to allow light through but prevent birds exiting the house.
- Natural daylight openings must be evenly distributed, for example if your popholes count as your natural daylight openings then these need to be evenly distributed along the length of the house. Please note – this does not mean that natural daylight must penetrate all areas of the house.
- There are some systems where the ventilation inlets provide sufficient natural daylight provisions.
Questions regarding these requirements should be directed to [email protected].
Useful calculations
How to calculate the % of natural daylight you already provide to your birds
The standard requires 3% of the total floor area of the house. Please note this is the floor area where the birds are kept and this will be different for flat deck and multi-tier systems as follows:
% Natural daylight provision = pophole area ÷ total floor area
How to calculate for multi-tier units
What you need:
- Pophole area (length x height)
- Floor area (this will be the litter area on your house information sheet)
How to calculate for flat deck units
What you need:
- Pophole area (length x height)
- Floor area (this will be the length and width of the area your birds are kept in)
Help and advice
If you have questions on this please contact the farming engagement team at RSPCA Assured. The team is there to advise members on how to meet the updated standards and is available for farm visits to help members understand what the standard is trying to achieve and give advice on what is needed for compliance. You can contact the team at [email protected]
For further details on the natural daylight standards please visit: RSPCA Assured | Amends to RSPCA Welfare Standards for Laying Hens
