European Chicken Commitment
We work FOR
European Chicken Commitment
For us at Bjärefågel, it's important that we continually work to ensure our chickens are well looked after. If we see an opportunity for positive changes for them, we must take it. As a step in this direction, we have chosen to work towards being able to join the European Chicken Commitment.
For a long time, our chickens have had more space in their housing than is usual in Sweden. Almost twice as much space compared to the level permitted in Swedish production.
We were the first in Sweden to raise a slow-growing chicken. Now we have switched to Hubbard, a slow-growing chicken approved by animal welfare organisations in Europe. More improvements are underway.
We will have met all the criteria by autumn 2026. See how far we have come below.
European Chicken Commitment
| No. | ECC criteria | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Comply with all applicable EU legislation and all EU regulations Animal welfare and production, regardless of country of production. | Bjärefågel meets the rule. | |
| 2. | Apply a maximum loading of 30 kg/m² or less. Thinning is discouraged and if practiced must be limited to one thin per flock. | We breed about 20 kg chicken per m². Bjärefågel meets the rule. | |
| 3. | Breeds that show higher welfare outcomes: Either the following breeds: Hubbard Redbro (indoor use only), Hubbard Norfolk Black, JA757, JACY57, 787, 957 or 987, Rambler Ranger, Ranger Classic (for indoor breeding only), Rustic Gold (indoor use only), Rustic Rowan and Ranger Gold, or other breeds that meets the criteria of the RSPCA Broiler Breed Welfare Assessment Protocol. meat chicken breeds. | We breed slow-growing Hubbard JACY87 chickens. Bjärefågel meets the rule. | |
| 4. | Meet improved environmental standards including: | Bjärefågel meets the rules. | |
| a. | At least 50 lux of light, including natural light. | Bjärefågel meets the rule. | |
| b. | At least two metres of usable perch space, and two pecking substrates, per 1,000 birds. | We have raised platforms for seating as well as as two types of picking material: lucerne bales and pickstones. In some locations, we also have peat moss baths for the chickens. Bjärefågel meets the rule. | |
| c. | On air quality, the maximum requirements of Annex 2.3 of the EU broiler directive, regardless of stocking density. | Bjärefågel meets the rule. | |
| d. | No cages or tiered systems. | Bjärefågel meets the rule. | |
| 5. | Adopt controlled atmospheric stunning using inert gas or multi-phase systems, or effective electrical stunning without conscious inversion. | Active work | In Autumn 2026, we will introduce a new multi-phase gas anaesthesia system. |
| 6. | Demonstrate compliance with the above standards via third-party auditing and annual public reporting on progress towards this commitment. | We have undergone external audit with an independent audit body. Bjärefågel meets the rule. |
What is the difference between chicken and
Bjäre chicken?
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