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CATCHERS DEPOPULATION

Version 4.1

Click to view all CATCHERS DEPOPULATION

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.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

CATCHERS DEPOPULATION

KC.CD.a

Standards

Houses must be entered with minimum disturbance to birds by people and equipment

How you will be measured

  • including if using mechanical harvesters

KC.CD.b

Standards

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

KC.CD.c

Standards

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

KC.CD.d

Standards

Carrying distances must be kept to a minimum

How you will be measured

  • No more than two ducks per hand with their weight being supported by a hand under their boday or with two hands holding either side of the body with wings closed
  • Ducks are not carried with their heads hanging downwards or by their legs alone

KC.CD.d.1

Standards

Turkeys and ducks must be walked to the catch pen in a calm and controlled manner

KC.CD.d.2

Standards

Catch pens must not become overcrowded

KC.CD.e Key

Standards

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

KC.CD.f Key

Standards

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

KC.CD.g Key

Standards

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

KC.CD.h Key

Standards

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

KC.CD.i Key

Standards

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

KC.CD.j

Standards

Transport modules must be loaded according to manufacturers recommendations

KC.CD.k

Standards

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

KC.CD.l

Standards

Staff must clear a space in a calm and controlled manner before any machinery enters the house

KC.CD.m

Standards

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