Preface – This document defines the FRFAIncVic accreditation requirements in extension to the National Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Domestic Fowl and the Victoria regulations issued as AG1143 www.dpi.vic.gov.au. (Follow leads via agriculture and food/animal welfare/legislation and codes of practice/poultry) The National and State regulation issue codes contain significant new requirements for the Alternative Systems and must be read in association with this document.  

Definition – Free Range Farmers Association: Free Range : Birds kept or produced without mutilation in natural conditions, having access for their natural behavioural requirements either being run in an open range situation or an appropriately fenced and managed area.  

Part A - HOUSING  

1. Chicks must be reared on deep litter from day old. Battery brooding is not allowed.  

2. Pullets must have permanent access to weatherproof housing with deep litter floors and contain sufficient perches to enable normal training roosting of all birds.  

3. Rearing/pullet stocking density is related to usable area in the housing. Post brooding shall not exceed 10 kg per square metre and at 16 weeks of age shall not exceed 15 kg per square metre.  

Part B - FEEDING   

1. The use of growth promotants and hormones are not permitted.                               

2. Clean dry feed comprising only natural products, grains and natural sources of vitamins and minerals must be used. If meat by-products are included in the diet they must be heat treated.                                                  

Part C - FREE RANGE RUN.  

1. The maximum stocking density is 750 birds per hectare.  

2. All birds when fully feathered (approx 4 weeks) must have unrestricted access to the free-range runs during the daylight hours.  

3. The area where the pullets are permitted to range shall have adequate shade/wind/predator protection and be capable of long-term sustainability with adequate natural ground cover. If vegetation disappears under adverse seasonal conditions then alternative natural range should be implemented until ground cover can be re-established.  

Part D - HUSBANDRY PRACTICES.  

1. All bird mutilation practices are unnecessary at the above stocking densities and are prohibited. (Beak trimming etc)  

Part E - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.  

1. Accredited free range egg producers buying in point of lay pullet stock from non accredited outside sources must ensure that the started pullets have hatchery minimum recommended body weight for age, can demonstrate a good health history during rearing, have been ground reared and perching trained and not prior beak trimmed. Age dated vaccination certificates are required at delivery to Victoria Regulations ( Newcastle mandatory on producer farms over certain flock size – refer dpi for current law - 500 birds?).

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