G.A.P. Species: Egg-Laying Hens

Egg production systems vary significantly depending on where they are located. For example, our Base Certification and Enriched Environment certification levels are primarily indoor systems, whereas the laying hens in the higher tiers are raised outdoors. That’s why our program supports continuous improvement, and is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ model. As with all of the animals in the G.A.P. program, our third-party certifiers audit every farm, every 15 months to ensure our standards are being met.

Access a detailed version of our comprehensive standards in the documents below or reference this quick, at-a-glance overview of the key standards being met at each certification level to understand which level could be achievable for your farm or ranch.
Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 1
No outdoor access required
Minimum space requirements (1.5 ft2/hen)
Litter must be maintained so hens can dust-bathe
Beak trimming permitted at the hatchery only (IRBT)
Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 2
No outdoor access required
Minimum space requirements & indoor enrichments
Litter must be maintained so hens can dust-bathe
Beak trimming permitted at the hatchery only (IRBT)
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 3
Seasonal pasture access required
Space requirements & additional enrichments (2 types)
Litter must be maintained so hens can dust-bathe
Beak trimming permitted at the hatchery only (IRBT)
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 4
Raised on pasture
If hens require daily shelter during winter, they must have access to foraging areas
Beak trimming prohibited
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 5
Continuous outdoor living on pasture
More welfare outcome assessments required
Beak trimming prohibited
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 5+
Continuous outdoor living on pasture
More welfare outcome assessments required
Beak trimming prohibited
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
Hens that can lay for more than one cycle must be used
Chicks, pullets, and hens must be reared on the same farm

All levels of certification: Cage free system with aerial perches required | No animal by-products | Every farm 3rd party audited every 15 months

Standards in green indicate a new or changed requirement from the previous certification level.

Standards

G.A.P. Laying Hen Standards
G.A.P. Pullet Standards
G.A.P. Policy Manual
Amendment to Audit Window Timeframe
Policy Manual Amendment
Clarification on Step Level Assignment for Operations Sourcing Outside Market Animals
Clarification on Auditing Step 3-5+ Operations
Clarification to Pullet Space Allowance Calculation
Clarification to Pullet Weighing
Clarification to Laying Hen Air Quality Records
Deviation Request Form

Producer Resources

RECORDS TEMPLATES
Laying Hen Audit Prep Tool
Pullet Audit Prep Tool

Application

G.A.P. Laying Hen Application
G.A.P. Laying Hen and Pullet Application
G.A.P. Pullet Application

G.A.P. Laying Hen Partners

Logo of Egganic - Global Animal Partnership - Laying Hens Partner
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Egganic

Products & Brands: Laying Hens, Step 3

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