Animal welfare
For the third time, our profession as a breeder of laying hens is evolving and adapting to new standards for farm animal welfare.
- In 1985: a minimum surface area of 450 cm² per hen.
- In 2003: the surface area of 450 cm² is increased to 550 cm² per hen.
- In 2012: the surface area is increased from 550 to 750 cm² per hen. The height of cages is increased and they must be fitted with perches and a nest box.
La Ferme du Pré has kept up with these changes and has always been committed to comply with these standards by the due dates. For the 2012 standard applicable on 1st January, it is not only about adapting the number of hens to the area of the cages but all the materials need to be changed and new installations setup to meet these new requirements. We started investing in these in 2008 by creating a new farm consisting of 400,000 hens (Flavacourt site). In 2009 - 2010, a farm of 400,000 hens (Sérifontaine site) was created and in 2011, we renovated the Eragny sur Epte site which has 400,000 hens.
We support these changes in farming as we are entirely satisfied with the new installations known as "small birdhouses". (More space for hens, decreased mortality (2%/year) and the eggs are sturdier).
These new measures are applicable in France and throughout the EU. They meet the requirements for new “reasonable" farming methods.
La Ferme du Pré did every effort to respect the 1st January 2012 deadline and is committed to the proper application of this new animal welfare and sustainable development standard.
