The Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry (Poultry S & G) apply to all persons caring for poultry. This includes birds that are farmed commercially and birds kept as backyard pets or smallholder flocks.
Poultry species covered by the Poultry S & G include chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pheasants, guinea fowl, partridges, quail, ostriches, emus and pigeons.
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 Poultry S & G and make them legally enforceable.
The standards relate to:
- Housing requirements
- Stocking density
- The provision of food and water
All persons who keep commercial layer hens should refer to the Regulations in order to determine their responsibilities under the law.
Additional information
Small Holders and Hobby Farmers Info
Report animal cruelty
RSPCA Inspectorate
Phone: 1300 139 947
Email: reportit@rspcatas.org.au