Organic egg production
(3% of UK production)
Hens producing organic eggs are free range. In addition, they must be fed an organically produced diet and ranged on organic land.
The hen house conditions for organic hens are set by the EU Organic Regulations and stipulate a maximum stocking density of 6 hens per square metre of useable area and a maximum flock size of 3,000 birds. Hens must be provided with nest boxes. Adequate perches, providing 18 centimetres of perch per hen, must also be provided. Litter must be provided, accounting for one-third of the ground surface - this is used for scratching and dust bathing.
