Poultry Catching & Transport Standards
CATCHERS DEPOPULATION Version 4.1
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Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)
Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification
New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to
Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before
Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard
Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.
CC.CD.a
Houses must be entered with minimum disturbance to birds by people and equipment
How you will be measured
- including if using mechanical harvesters
CC.CD.b
Light levels during catching must be maintained at a level that allows catchers to work safety but also to ensure that birds remain calm
How you will be measured
- If catching curtains are used they are power washed and disinfected prior to use on each farm
- For ducks there is no need to reduce the lighting level
CC.CD.c
Breeder replacements are caught under lighting conditions that are maintained at a level that allows catchers to work safely but also ensures birds remain calm
CC.CD.d
Carrying distances must be kept to a minimum
CC.CD.d.1
Turkeys and ducks must be walked to the catch pen in a calm and controlled manner
CC.CD.d.2
Catch pens must not become overcrowded
CC.CD.e Key
Birds must be carried appropriately for their species and size
How you will be measured
- Chickens are not carried by their wings or neck
- Turkeys:
- are never lifted or carried by one leg
- below 5kg they are carried by both legs or in both hands (rugby ball style)
- above 5kg they are carried by both legs or one leg and the diagonally opposite wing
- Ducks:
- are lifted out of the catch pen by their necks and placed directly into a module or basket
CC.CD.f Key
Birds must be placed into crates with care ensuring that none are on their backs
How you will be measured
- The nominated member of the catching team must check to ensure no birds are on their backs
CC.CD.g Key
Staff must ensure that no part of the bird has become trapped by the crate or module
How you will be measured
- The nominated member of the catching team is responsible for ensuring trappages do not occur
- The driver is responsible to check for bird trappages
CC.CD.h Key
Injured or sick birds must not be placed into crates or transported
How you will be measured
- Injured or sick birds are humanely culled by a trained person immediately
- Any culls and reasons for those culls are highlighted to the farm owner/ manager before leaving the farm
- Mortality records
CC.CD.i Key
Maximum crate stocking densities must meet legislative requirements
How you will be measured
- Stocking densities are as follows:
- poultry weighing less than 1.6kg – 180 to 200cm2/kg
- poultry weighing 1.6kg and over but less than 3kg – 160cm2/kg
- poultry weighing 3kg and over but less than 5kg – 115cm2/kg
- poultry weighing 5kg and over – 105cm2/kg
- Stocking densities also take into account the physical condition of the birds, weather conditions and journey times
- A loading matrix is to be used in high and low temperature conditions
CC.CD.j
Transport modules must be loaded according to manufacturers recommendations
CC.CD.k
Modules/crates must be placed as close as possible to the group being caught
How you will be measured
- Care taken not to crush or damage birds when placing modules/ crates
CC.CD.l
Staff must clear a space in a calm and controlled manner before any machinery enters the house
CC.CD.m
All equipment used in the catching operation, including mechanical harvesters, must be constructed and maintained in order that they are safe for use
How you will be measured
- no sharp edges, projections or other hazards
More Standards
Download the poultry catching and transport standards manual
The Red Tractor Assurance Catching and Transport Standards for the Poultry Scheme are part of the Red Tractor Food Assurance Scheme assuring food safety, animal welfare, hygiene, and environmental protection through every part of the food chain.
The Standards provide clear meaningful credible assurance for all and should be read in conjunction with the Member Rules which all members are bound by.