Housing Systems

HFAC’s Animal Care Standards allow barns as housing systems for laying hens. A number of requirements, including the ones below, must be met by such systems. HFAC does not allow cages in any of its housing systems. All hens must have sufficient freedom of movement to be able, without difficulty, to stand normally, turn around, and stretch their wings; they must also have an environment that supports natural behaviors such as dustbathing. All birds must have sufficient space (including perches) to be able to perch or sit quietly without repeated disturbance. Minimum space and perch allowances for different housing systems are detailed in the HFAC Animal Care Standards for laying hens. The following photos illustrate various barn housing systems allowed by HFAC.