![G.A.P. Species: Egg-Laying Hens](png/icon-laying-hen.png)
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](png/gap-label-step1.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-1-1.jpg)
No outdoor access required
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-1-2.jpg)
Minimum space requirements (1.5 ft2/hen)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-1-3.jpg)
Litter must be maintained so hens can dust-bathe
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-1-4.jpg)
Beak trimming permitted at the hatchery only (IRBT)
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 2](png/gap-label-step2.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-1-1.jpg)
No outdoor access required
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-2-2.jpg)
Minimum space requirements & indoor enrichments
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-1-3.jpg)
Litter must be maintained so hens can dust-bathe
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-1-4.jpg)
Beak trimming permitted at the hatchery only (IRBT)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-2-5.jpg)
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 3](png/gap-label-step3.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-3-1.jpg)
Seasonal pasture access required
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-2-2.jpg)
Space requirements & additional enrichments (2 types)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-1-3.jpg)
Litter must be maintained so hens can dust-bathe
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-1-4.jpg)
Beak trimming permitted at the hatchery only (IRBT)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-3-5.jpg)
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 4](png/gap-label-step4.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-4-1.jpg)
Raised on pasture
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-4-3.jpg)
If hens require daily shelter during winter, they must have access to foraging areas
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-4-4.jpg)
Beak trimming prohibited
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-3-5.jpg)
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 5](png/gap-label-step5.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-5-1.jpg)
Continuous outdoor living on pasture
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-5-3.jpg)
More welfare outcome assessments required
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-5-4.jpg)
Beak trimming prohibited
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-3-5.jpg)
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 5+](png/gap-label-step5plus.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-6-1.jpg)
Continuous outdoor living on pasture
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-6-3.jpg)
More welfare outcome assessments required
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-5-4.jpg)
Beak trimming prohibited
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-3-5.jpg)
Pullets must also be G.A.P. certified
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-6-6.jpg)
Hens that can lay for more than one cycle must be used
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-laying-hen-step-6-7.jpg)
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.