Location and land selection

In locating the houses within the farm it must be remembered that access for chick and 

Where fixed housing is used, the EU regulations reduce the interior stocking density from 16 birds to 10 birds per m2 and the live-weight from a maximum of 30 kg/m2 to 21 kg/m2, and a programme of paddock rotation put in place so that one paddock or area is resting while three others are in use. 

Whichever housing system is employed, the grazing of the pasture with another species (sheep, for example) is a good means of keeping the grass short, allowing sunlight to destroy parasites. 

Regulations may establish the maximum number of birds kept on the land, but good farming practice will establish whether these maximum levels can realistically be maintained. These figures may need to be adjusted downwards if soil type or local rainfall levels are adverse, to preserve the integrity of the soil and to maintain bird welfare. 

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