Report No. 269

14. Litter-

(1) The floor of all houses shall be completely covered by litter and the chickens shall have access to the litter area at all times.

(2) The litter shall:

(a) be of suitable material, particle size and easy to maintain;

(b) be of good quality (clean, dry, dust-free, and absorbent);

(c) be of a sufficient depth for dilution of feces;

(d) birds' feet should be free from excessive fecal contamination;

(e) allow birds to dust bathe; and

(f) be skimmed and topped up as necessary with fresh litter.

(3) The litter that is wet, infested with mites, or otherwise contaminated shall not be introduced into chicken housing.

(4) The wet or otherwise contaminated litter, or caked litter shall be replaced from time to time.

(5) The wet litter from accidental flooding shall be replaced.