Welfare facts

• Cages (Hens)

  About 50% of British hens that lay our eggs still live in battery cages. They are now ‘enriched’ battery cages, but can still give each bird no more usable space than an A4 piece of paper. Cages seriously restrict their movement and ability to behave naturally. Cages are not permitted under Freedom Food.
  
  + lack of space
  + lack of environmental enrichment
  + inadequate facilities

• Fast Growth (Chickens)

  Chickens farmed for meat have been bred to grow very quickly. A fast growth rate increases the risk of birds getting heart and leg problems that can cause considerable suffering. Freedom Food approved farms must use naturally slower growing chickens.
  
  + lack of space
  + no natural light
  + lack of environmental enrichment

• Farrowing Crates (Pigs)

  Farrowing crates are designed to help stop piglets being squashed by their mother (sow). However, they often have little or no bedding or nesting material and seriously restrict the mother’s movement. Soon Freedom Food farms will not be able to use farrowing crates, as alternatives have been found; and even now cannot use them for more than 5 days after birth.
  
  + tail docking, teeth clipping/grinding and nose ringing
  + lack of bedding and appropriate environmental enrichment

• Poor housing (Cattle)

  Some beef and dairy cattle sheds have inadequate space, bad lighting, an uncomfortable (unbedded) floor and poor ventilation, which can cause breathing problems. Freedom Food approved farms must provide an environment that meets the specific animal’s needs.
  
  + poor health and welfare issues related to some breeds
  + shooting or live transport of male dairy calves
  + use of electric cattle prods

• Lack of Space & Enrichment (Turkeys)

  Many turkeys live barren environments and do not have enough space to easily move around one another and get exercise. This can lead to poor air and litter (floor/bedding) quality, and cause sores on their feet. Freedom Food turkeys have more space and enrichment, such as straw bales, perches and rope that they like to peck at.
  
  + poor lighting
  + fast growth rates
  + inappropriate handling

• Inadequate Inspections (Sheep)

  Many shepherds in Britain are looking after increasingly large flocks. This makes them much harder to manage (especially if they remain outside during winter), which means that animals may not get treated immediately if they become sick or injured. RSPCA welfare standards set out minimum levels of inspections.
  
  + live transport
  + susceptibility to infections, such as foot and/or wool rot
  + castration and tail docking

• Water Quality (Salmon)

  It is imperative that fish farms carefully monitor the temperature, oxygen and pH levels of water to ensure the welfare of salmon, which can experience suffering like any animal. Freedom Food approved farms must meet the standards set down by the RSPCA.
  
  + appropriate amount of space
  + careful and considerate handling
  + no natural lighting

• Open Water Source (Ducks)

  Ducks are waterfowl and need an open water source to carry out their natural water-related behaviours, such as preening, which helps keep them clean and in good condition. However, care must be taken to make sure that the water source is managed properly as ducks prefer to bathe in clear water. Freedom Food farms must provide ducks with open water. The RSPCA are also introducing new standards following extensive research.
  
  + lack of space
  + no natural light

• Live Transport (Sheep and Calves)

  Live transport from the UK can be a frightening experience for animals. Often hot, cramped conditions and long periods without adequate food and water can cause animals to become sick or injured. And, some farms on the continent may not meet minimum UK welfare standards. Freedom Food approved farms may not export their animals live from the UK.