Paragraph 1

All cages must comply with the following requirements–

(a)

the cage area, measured in a horizontal plane, for each laying hen must not be less than–

(i)

1000 cm² where one hen is kept in the cage;

(ii)

750 cm² where two hens are kept in the cage;

(iii)

550 cm² where three hens are kept in the cage, and

(iv)

450 cm² where four or more hens are kept in the cage;

(b)

the minimum cage area for each laying hen must be capable of being used without restriction and may include the area where the non-waste deflection plate (otherwise known as the egg guard) is placed so long as that area is capable of being so used;

(c)

a feed trough of a length not less than 10 cm multiplied by the number of hens in the cage and capable of being used without restriction must be provided;

(d)

except where nipple drinkers and drinking cups are provided, the cage must have a continuous drinking channel which shall not be less than 10 cm multiplied by the number of hens in the cage, and capable of being used without restriction;

(e)

where drinking points are plumbed in, there must be a minimum of two nipple drinkers or two drinking cups within reach of the cage;

(f)

the height of the cage, for 65% of its area, must not be less than 40 cm, and, for the remainder of the area, must not be less than 35 cm (the height being obtained by a vertical line from the floor to the nearest point in the roof and the area being obtained by multiplying 450 cm² by the number of birds kept in the cage);

(g)

the floor of the cage must be constructed so as to support adequately each of the forward facing claws of each foot; and

(h)

the slope of the floor must not exceed 14% or 8 degrees, when made of rectangular wire mesh, and 21.3% or 12 degrees for other types of floor.