Poultry flock sizes

There is still significant controversy within the organic poultry sector/ industry about the level of extensification that should be achieved and there are significant differences in standards (especially with respect to flock sizes/stocking densities, level access to the outside and pasture and feeding regimes) used by different organic sector bodies. 

The trend towards larger flock sizes, while often perceived as undesirable from an animal welfare point of view, coincided with more professional practices being introduced into the organic poultry industry, especially with respect to food safety and HACCP based quality assurance systems. However, it did result in a decrease in time spent on individual animals and their welfare. 

A UK study showed that consumers bought organic eggs because they were perceived as being healthier, free of chemicals and genetically modified materials, and because they tasted better (Stopes et al.r 2001). In addition consumers expected that the laying flocks were maintained under more humane and improved welfare conditions. This research confirms that consumer acceptance of organic poultry products depends to some extent on the nature of the production system and that consumers expect a land-based production system, particularly one based on a small flock size. 

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