As the largest ever outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) marches on, the Government has issued welfare guidance for poultry owners.

All birds kept in the England and Wales have to be housed by law currently, as the country reaches its 144th case of bird flu since October 1.

Housing birds reduces the risk of contact with wild birds, which can spread bird flu.

Housing may impact the birds' welfare, especially if they’re not used to being housed for long periods.

Owners should make sure they’re not overcrowded and that they have natural light where possible. They should not be kept permanently in the dark. During the day it should be possible to see them clearly and artificial light should follow typical day and night patterns.

The temperature of the housing should not go above 21 degrees Centigrade and fitting a thermometer at bird level will help owners monitor this.

Ventilation is important and a litter that crumbles easily is best. Damp-proof membranes help keep earth floors dry.

Enrichment toys are important to prevent boredom - straw bales, shaving bales, low barriers, scattered whole grain, dustbathing boxes, pecking blocks, cabbages, rope and footballs are all effective.

Aerial perches prevent overcrowding and as well as giving birds more vertical space, they vitally offer a space to move away from pecking by other birds.

Pullets should be reared in an environment that matches the environment they will live in as adults. If pullets are reared in a range and then confined, it increases the risk of injurious feather pecking.

Pullet suppliers should make any confinement history available to buyers.

Signs of poor welfare and boredom include injurious and aggressive feather pecking, loss of feathers and loss of body weight.

If owners see signs of feather pecking, there are ways of addressing it such as reducing the light and providing more enrichment items to prevent boredom.

If food is mashed it takes longer to eat and so keeps the birds occupied for longer.

For more information, visit gov.uk