RSPCA Assured has confirmed that its natural daylight requirement for free-range laying hens will apply to all flocks placed from 1 December 2026.
Standard E6.4 requires natural daylight to continue entering free-range poultry houses through all popholes when birds are confined indoors during daylight hours and cannot access the range.
See also: Ep 55 | Barry Jackson: Why the UK egg market has softened – and what comes next
This could include periods when birds are housed because of a compulsory housing order, veterinary advice, maintenance or bad weather where restrictions are permitted under national legislation.
The standard was included in the RSPCA’s updated laying-hen welfare standards, but its implementation was paused in July 2025 following feedback from scheme members about the practical changes required on farms.
RSPCA Assured said the pause had allowed it to consider the issues raised by producers and develop further guidance on how the requirement could be implemented across different types of free-range housing.
Flocks placed from December
E6.4 will apply to free-range flocks placed from 1 December 2026 onwards.
Flocks placed before that date will not be required to comply with the standard for the duration of that flock.
RSPCA Assured said the implementation dates for its other natural daylight standards, E6.2 and E6.3, had not changed as a result of the decision.
Permanent solution required
Producers placing flocks from December will need to have a permanent solution available that allows natural daylight to continue entering through all popholes when birds are housed.
One option identified by RSPCA Assured is to fit transparent or translucent material, such as toughened glass or acrylic, into pophole doors to create a window.
However, the organisation said the appropriate solution would depend on the design and circumstances of each individual farm.
Early advice encouraged
Producers concerned that they may be unable to meet the requirement have been asked to contact the RSPCA Assured farming and technical engagement team before placing their next flock.
RSPCA Assured particularly encouraged farms planning placements during December 2026 or January 2027 to seek advice as early as possible.
