RSPCA Assured offers advice to poultry farms as date for lifting housing restrictions is confirmed

Kelly Grellier, chief commercial officer at RSPCA Assured, says: "We understand this has been an incredibly challenging period for poultry farmers, many of whom have worked tirelessly to maintain the highest standards of welfare while complying with the housing order. 

“We know the impact avian influenza has had across the sector too, including the loss of flocks, which has been deeply distressing.

“We are here to support our members every step of the way as birds regain access to the range. Our farming and technical engagement team are ready to provide practical advice and reassurance to help farmers protect bird welfare as restrictions lift.”

Lucy Anderson, farm assessor for RSPCA Assured, shares key advice for farmers managing the transition.

She says: “It is positive to see housing measures lifted. For many farmers, this will bring a real sense of relief. Planning ahead is essential. A gradual and considered approach will help ensure birds remain healthy and settled as they return to the range.

“For some flocks, particularly younger laying hens, this may be their first experience outdoors. A sudden change in environment can be unsettling, so it is important to introduce access in a way that supports their welfare.”

Preparing for the return to range

RSPCA Assured encourages farmers to take a phased, welfare-led approach. Birds that haven't been used to going outside may initially express signs of fear and stress when the popholes are first opened. Ways of minimising any fear and stress could include:

• Placing shelters and structures around popholes to create a ‘corridor’ acting as a transition to the outside (for example, trailers or fences covered in windbreak netting or brashings from trees)
• Providing additional areas to dustbathe on the range
• Providing plenty of natural cover and enrichment close to the popholes, which will encourage the birds outside, for example, covered areas with suitable dustbathing material and perching structures
• Creating windbreaks for any exposed areas
• Ensure any wet areas of land or standing water are fenced off
• Providing a good surface outside the popholes to prevent poaching and maintain clean, dry litter inside.

Other steps to protect bird welfare include:

• Inspecting range areas before access is reintroduced, checking fencing, shelter and any potential hazards that may have developed during housing
• Introducing outdoor access gradually, especially for birds housed for longer periods, to allow time to adjust
• Closely monitoring flock behaviour and health, watching for signs of stress, injury or feather pecking
• Maintaining strong biosecurity, including continued vigilance around contact with wild birds

There are still strict Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) biosecurity measures in place across Great Britain, so all farmers must ensure that they’re following the latest government advice to ensure their birds are protected.

Farmers can keep up to date with the latest guidance from Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and DEFRA.

RSPCA Assured will now return to its usual assessment and unannounced protocol. Members with concerns about avian influenza or questions about the transition can contact the RSPCA Assured farming and technical engagement team for support at help@rspcaassured.org.uk.

RSPCA Assured’s poultry standards are designed to support chickens, laying hens and turkeys throughout all stages of production, including periods of housing. The scheme requires farmers to provide enrichment, space and good environmental conditions indoors, helping to reduce stress and maintain welfare even when birds cannot access the range.

*Stats taken from RSPCA Assured’s Impact Report 2025