Pullets and Laying Hens

The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens was released in 2017.

There are various ways to view the Code:

HTML version (or select from the Table of Contents below)
PDF version (1.9 MB)

There are a limited number of hard copies of this Code. NFACC encourages use of the electronic version and does not store hard copies. If hard copies are required, please contact Egg Farmers of Canada.

Code Interpretation - a written clarification of the meaning of a section of a Code

Interpretation to section 2.5.4 (Foraging and Dust Bathing) with respect to whether “bedding” must be added to aviary systems, or whether the gradual accumulation of “litter” over time is sufficient (JAN 2019)
Information on interpretation of a Code

Other resources:

Scientific Committee report - Review of scientific research on priority issues - December 2013
NFACC Code development process
Animal Welfare Research Needs
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

Housing Systems for Laying Hens - Position Statement
Induced Moulting of Poultry – Position Statement

Preface
Introduction
Glossary
Section 1 Pullet Housing and Rearing
Section 2 Housing Systems for Layers
Section 3 Barn Environmental Management
Section 4 Feed and Water
Section 5 Health Management and Husbandry Practices
Section 6 Handling and Transportation
Section 7 Euthanasia
Section 8 On-Farm Depopulation
Cited References

Appendices
Appendix A	- Transitional and Final Housing Requirements for Enriched Cages
Appendix B	- Transitional and Final Housing Requirements for Non-Cage Housing
Appendix C	- Guidelines for Transporting Poultry
Appendix D	- Example Euthanasia Decision Guidance
Appendix E	- Acceptable Methods of Euthanasia
Appendix F	- Resources for Further Information
Appendix G	- Participants

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Pullets and Laying Hens

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