New stocking rules for poultry houses in 2027

The rules governing stocking densities in poultry houses are set to change. For years, the Netherlands incorrectly applied an important European requirement. As a result, farms could continue using the highest stocking density, even when mortality later exceeded the legal limit. The European Commission has now instructed the Netherlands to amend its legislation. The ministry plans to introduce the new rules on January 1, 2027.

Requirements for the highest stocking density

The highest stocking density is around 20 chickens per square meter. Additional requirements have applied since 2007, including a maximum mortality rate. If mortality exceeds the legal limit, the farm must reduce its stocking density for at least seven consecutive production cycles. This period covers approximately one year.

Under European rules, every new production cycle counts. Mortality must therefore remain below the limit in each cycle. The Netherlands currently checks this only when a farm first registers to use the highest stocking density. Later breaches have no consequences for the number of chickens kept. The farm may continue using the highest stocking density.

Mortality limit frequently exceeded

Over the past five years, an average of three-quarters of these farms exceeded the mortality limit. They crossed the legal threshold at least once. This is based on data from the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland obtained by Wakker Dier.

In 2025, more than 70 million chickens were kept in these poultry houses. Mortality exceeded the limit there at least once. Under European rules, those farms should have reduced their stocking densities.

Rules will change in 2027

Wakker Dier filed a complaint about the issue in 2023. The European Commission subsequently confirmed that the Netherlands was violating European rules.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature will therefore revise the Dutch Animal Keepers Decree. The amended rules are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. From that date, the Netherlands must assess mortality during every new production cycle.

Wakkerdier.nl