Husbandry forms

 

KAT-Barn husbandry


The animals can use the whole stable area at any given time. At least one third of the stable’s base is available as scratching area and has to be covered in enough infill material (straw, wood shavings or any other natural material). The stall must be furnishable with appropriate watering places, feed lots, nests and perches.

Stocking density
The maximum stocking density is 9 hens/m2 on the usable area. The stables must be divided into different areas so that the group size does not exceed the maximum of 6.000 animals.

Perches
The total area of perches must be measured so that every animal can sit at the same time. Every animal has at least 15 cm of perch length for its own. The perches must be formed in a way that prevent injuries on the foot or claws.

Nests, nest grounds, nest litters
The nests must give the animals unrestricted availability for egg deposition on a daily basis. The nest grounds must consist of formable material with a minimum height of 0,5 cm. Used can be either single nests (1 nests/7 hens) or family nests (120 hens/m2 nest area).

Lighting
The incidence of natural light must be guaranteed.

 

KAT-Free-range husbandry


The free-range husbandry has the same requirements as barn husbandry. Additionally, the animals are offered a sunroom and outdoor outlet, which can be used during the day.

Outlet
The outdoor outlet and the stable opening are concepted to ensure and encourage the animals in using them. The outdoor area must be in immediate proximity of the stable and must offer direct and unrestricted accessibility for the hens all day long. The outdoor area has to be evenly vegetated over the whole space, e.g. bushes, hedges, etc. to provide shelter and protection.

Sunroom (cold scratching area) mandatory
Within the KAT-free-range husbandry it is mandatory to build a sunroom. Its size must be 50% of the stable’s indoor space. This bright and airy room can be seen as precursor of an outdoor outlet. Because of that, it is possible for the animals to have an outside stay, even though a governmental stabling bid is ordered. The stable’s outdoor openings to the sunroom and the outdoor area must be equally spread and there has to be an appropriate amount available.

 

KAT-ecological husbandry


The KAT-requirements are based on the standards of the EU-Eco-Regulation.

Stocking density
The stocking density for laying hens in an ecological producing amounts to 6 hens/m2 of useable area. At least one third of the accessible area must be declared as scratching area. The maximum stable unit is 3.000 animals.

Sunroom (cold scratching room) mandatory
Within the KAT-Ecological husbandry, it is mandatory to attach a sunroom. Its size must be 50% of the stable indoor area.

Outdoor outlet
The outdoor outlet and the stable openings must be built in a way that encourages and ensures the animals to use it. It has to be in immediate proximity of the stable and must be must be directly and unrestrictedly accessible for the hens all day long.

Perches
The total area of the perches must be measured so that every animal can sit at the same time. It is regulated that every animal has at least 18 cm of a perch length for its own. The perches must be formed in a way that injuries cannot occur on the foot or claws.

Nests
Used can be either single nests (1 nests/7 hens) or family nests (83 hens/m2 nest area).

Food
It is only allowed to use solely ecological produced food of genetically unaltered products.