S.L. 439.7 Art. 6Requirements for cages.

(1) In the territory of Malta all the cages referred to in this chapter shall comply at least with the following requirements:

(a) laying hens must have -2 2

(i) at least 750 cm of cage area per hen, 600 cm of which shall be usable; the height of the cage other than that above the usable area shall be at least 20 cm at every point and no cage shall have 2 a total area that is less than 2000 cm ;

(ii) a nest;

(iii) litter such that pecking and scratching are possible;

(iv) appropriate perches allowing at least 15 cm per hen;

(b) a feed trough which may be used without restriction must be provided. Its length must be at least 12 cm multiplied by the number of hens in the cage;

(c) each cage must have a drinking system appropriate to the size of the group; where nipple drinkers are provided, at least two nipple drinkers or two cups must be within the reach of each hen;

(d) to facilitate inspection, installation and depopulation of hens there must be a minimum aisle width of 90 cm between tiers of cages and a space of at least 35 cm must be allowed between the floor of the building and the bottom tier of cages;

(e) cages must be fitted with suitable claw-shortening devices.

CHAPTER IV Final provisions