FREPA

THESE STANDARDS WERE FORMED TO CREATE A
NON-STRESSFUL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BIRDS

1. When fully feathered, in accordance with the current edition of the appropriate State Animal Welfare Code, birds must have easy access to an area on which to range during daylight hours.

2. The land where birds are permitted to range must have shade, shelter and palatable vegetation

3. The range area must be capable of continued production of vegetation.

4. The maximum range density is 750 birds per hectare at 25 DSE [300/acre at 10 DSE]

5. The stocking density in a shed is measured over a single horizontal plane [length by width] and shall be no more than:

10 birds per square metre up to 1000 birds
09 birds per square metre up to 2000 birds
08 birds per square metre up to 3000 birds
07 birds per square metre up to 4000 birds
06 birds per square metre over 4000 birds

6. Hens must have permanent access to adequate shade and protection, weather-proof shelter with ventilation, adequate dry litter [static sheds], food, fresh water, nesting boxes and perches in accordance with the current edition of the appropriate State Animal Welfare Code.

7. When artificial lighting is used, the combination of natural and artificial lighting must
not exceed fifteen hours in any twenty-four hour period.

8. Natural foods only are permitted with the addition of vitamins and minerals as required for the birds’ welfare.

9. Only natural pigment containing foods or natural yolk colour may be fed to enrich yolk colour.

10. Only under veterinary direction are therapeutic antibiotics permitted. Treated birds must not be sold as Free Range.

11. That growth promoting hormones and growth promoting antibiotics are not permitted. Coccidiostat’s may be used under veterinary direction if Coccidiosis is regarded as a welfare issue.

12. Purposely inducing moulting, by not feeding is not permitted.

13. Toe trimming, de-snooding and the use of ‘poly peepers’ is not permitted.

14. A reasonable attempt must be made to protect hens from predators at all times.

15. All eggs must be candled and handled in accordance with the Shell Egg Code.

16. All farms shall have an audit system in place for their produce, which complies with Range Care.

17. All birds are to be transported in accordance with Land Transport Code.

18. All birds to be vaccinated in accordance with appropriate State Animal Welfare Code
19. All farms to comply with Biosecurity Code of Practice.

20. All eggs to be sold in accordance with Food Act.

21. Beak trimming to be done in accordance with Egg Industry Accreditation Program.

22. The Board, may at its discretion, allow a producer to deviate from the above standards, for an agreed time period, in the interest of research which is supervised by a reputable scientific organisation, and reported to the Board at agreed dates.