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In Manitoba, laying hens are housed in a variety of different ways including conventional and furnished cages, free-run in a barn, and free-range with access to the outdoors (weather permitting).
Each housing system is referenced in Canada's Recommended Code of Practice for the care and handling of pullets (young chicks), laying hens, and spent fowl. The Code provides guidelines for space, water, feed, lighting, air circulation, handling etc., and is cited in Manitoba's Animal Care Act. The Code of Practice was developed collaboratively with organizations including the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, as well as poultry specialists and farmers.
In addition to the Code, Manitoba Egg Farmers has introduced a Quality Assurance Program that reinforces national standards for food safety, animal care and the environment.
Each housing system is designed to provide the hens with a clean environment, fresh food and water, and ensure they are safe from predators. In addition, indoor housing provides a consistent air temperature and also protects hens from coming in contact with wild birds that may carry diseases such as Avian Influenza.
Conventional Cages provide hens with small group settings that enable all birds to have equal access to fresh food and water. Caged housing maximizes food safety.
Furnished Cages combine the food safety benefits of caged housing with the welfare benefits of open housing. Furnishings enable hens to express their natural behaviours like perching, scratching and laying their eggs in a private nesting area.
Free-Run Housing in a Barn gives hens access to the entire barn floor area. Hens are able to perch, scratch and lay their eggs in nesting boxes.
Free-Range Housing (Outdoors) gives hens access to the outdoors and outdoor vegetation; weather permitting. Hens are able to perch, nest, dust bathe, scratch and forage.
Click here to download The Care of Laying Hens in Manitoba brochure.
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