The control of this parameter in lay is as important as in rearing period. Flocks with enough living comfort in the sense of total available feeding and drinking space will express their genetic potential much easier. Stocking density should be followed in accordance with local legislation. However, if no slats are used, the density should not be higher than 7 birds per usable m², in slatted houses this should not exceed 9 birds per usable m², the use of aviary system enables an increase in the stocking density up to 18 or even more birds per m² of the floor of the house.
In any of these cases it is important to consider enough easily accessible drinking and feeding space per bird. Overcrowded flocks tend to have higher incidence of suboptimal feed and water intake, pecking, cannibalism, suffocation, mortality, culls and finally a compromised performance.