Guidelines

While cage-free egg production currently only represents a small percentage of the market, UEP recognizes the need to have science-based guidelines for that sector of our industry. UEP has established science-based cage-free guidelines that provide recommendations for floor space, feed and water, nest space, perches and litter in addition to those guidelines that are common to both cage and cage-free systems.

• Through UEP funded research, many improvements have been made in the housing, equipment, and management of cage-free systems.
  
  
• UEP Certified guidelines provide cage-free hens with sufficient space for each bird to reach water, feed, and nest areas.
  
  
• UEP Certified guidelines provide hens with sufficient nesting space in cage-free systems allowing hens to select a nesting site to lay their eggs.
  
  
• UEP Certified guidelines provide for sufficient litter, perch space and scratch areas.