The Animal Welfare (Domestic Poultry) Regulations 2013 commenced on 1 July 2013.

These Regulations apply to all commercial egg producers - whether their birds are caged, free-range or housed in barns. They do not apply to persons who keep backyard poultry and do not sell eggs.

The regulations legislate some of the standards in the domestic poultry Model Code of Practice and make them legally enforceable. 

  Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Domestic Poultry   (822Kb)

The standards relate to:

• Housing requirements
• Stocking density
• The provision of food and water

Under the regulations, keeping commercial layer hens in cages is not permitted in Tasmania unless:

• You are an existing cage producer; or
• You purchase all or part of an existing cage egg operation.

All persons who keep commercial layer hens should refer to the Regulations in order to determine their responsibilities under the law.

For further information: