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Turkeys Standards

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES Version 5.1 (modified)

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TL.HF.1 TL.HF.1.1 TL.HF.2 TL.HF.2.1 TL.HF.2.2 TL.HF.3 TL.HF.4 TL.HF.4.1 TL.HF.4.2 TL.HF.4.3 TL.HF.4.4 TL.HF.4.5 TL.HF.4.9 TL.HF.5 TL.HF.5.1 TL.HF.6 TL.HF.6.1 TL.HF.8 TL.HF.8.1 TL.HF.8.2 TL.HF.9
Glossary

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.

R This icon indicates that a record is required.

AIM: Safe, comfortable and hygienic housing for all birds

TL.HF.1 Key

Housing/hatchery must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for birds/poults

How you will be measured

TL.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds

TL.HF.1.b

There are no sharp edges, projections or other features presenting a hazard to birds

TL.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/poults

TL.HF.1.d

Repairs and maintenance are carried out between production cycles except where delays could affect bird welfare

TL.HF.1.1

The sound level in housing must be minimised

How you will be measured

TL.HF.1.1.a

Ventilation fans, feeding machinery and other equipment is constructed, placed, operated and maintained in a way that causes the least amount of noise

TL.HF.2

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated

How you will be measured

TL.HF.2.a

Ventilation minimises high humidity, build-up of odours and maintains a comfortable temperature

TL.HF.2.b

In controlled environment housing a documented ventilation plan is in place
R

Ventilation plan

TL.HF.2.1

Temperature records must be kept

How you will be measured

TL.HF.2.1.a

Records kept of minimum and maximum daily temperatures at bird/poult level
R

Temperature records

TL.HF.2.2

A written policy must be in place outlining recognition of and procedures to be followed in the event of heat or cold stress occurring

How you will be measured

TL.HF.2.2.a

Heat stress policy and ventilation plan is implemented

TL.HF.2.2.b

Policy reviewed in the event of bird losses due to an exceptional weather incident
R

Heat and cold stress policy

TL.HF.3

Floors must be constructed and maintained in a manner that minimises the risk of injury

How you will be measured

TL.HF.3.a

Floors in fixed housing are made of concrete or asphalt

TL.HF.3.b

Floors are well drained and floor surface is above outside ground level

TL.HF.4 Key

Conditions within the housing must be maintained in a manner that ensures birds are able to keep clean

How you will be measured

TL.HF.4.a

A written cleaning and disinfection policy in place, which contains: - cleaning and disinfection procedures for house, house furniture, egg storage facilities, water tanks and bulk feed bins - handling of waste materials; litter, packaging, feed spillages - details of Defra approved disinfectants and detergents used, including safe usage, storage and dilution

TL.HF.4.c

Whenever bird accommodation is emptied it is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the policy

TL.HF.4.d

Swabs are taken for environmental bacteria and are cultured in a Government approved laboratory – records are kept of these tests

TL.HF.4.f

Bedding/bale stores are cleaned and disinfected whenever they are emptied
R
  • Cleaning and disinfection policy
  • Cleaning records
  • Environmental bacteria test records

TL.HF.4.1

Surfaces within housing/hatchery must be in good condition and must be able to be cleaned and disinfected

TL.HF.4.2

Flocks are provided with clean, fresh bedding to a minimum depth of 2cm

How you will be measured

TL.HF.4.2.a

Products which expand to a minimum depth of 2cm can be used

TL.HF.4.2.b

Bedding is not re-used

TL.HF.4.3

Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition

How you will be measured

TL.HF.4.3.a

Wet capped litter is managed

TL.HF.4.4

Bedding stored in the open is stored on pallets and is covered

How you will be measured

TL.HF.4.4.a

The cover provides protection from water, birds and vermin

TL.HF.4.4.b

Damaged or wet bales are not used

TL.HF.4.4.c

Stored bales are double wrapped and wrapping is disinfected at the point of bales being moved into bird housing

TL.HF.4.5

Bedding is traceable

R

Record of origin of bedding

TL.HF.4.9

It is recommended that bales are stored in buildings which do not allow for the ingress of wild birds or rodents

TL.HF.5

Housing/hatchery must be lit to allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of birds/poults

How you will be measured

TL.HF.5.a

Lighting intensity is at least 10 lux in enclosed housing, measured at bird eye level at least once per crop, and illuminating at least 80% of the useable area, during lighting periods

TL.HF.5.b

A light level below 10 lux maybe used when bird welfare is compromised but any reduction will be recorded and reviewed by the farm manager. The review will: - be documented, containing evidence of why the change was made - include records of the light intensity, taken at bird level at each turn around

TL.HF.5.c

Lighting patterns are recorded
R
  • Lighting pattern records
  • Lux reduction review
  • Light level records

TL.HF.5.1

Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm

How you will be measured

TL.HF.5.1.a

This occurs within 7 days of the birds being placed in the building

TL.HF.5.1.b

24 hour rhythm includes: - periods of darkness lasting at least 8 hours, except where natural dark period is shorter than 6 hours, with a minimum of 4 hours continuous darkness - a minimum of 8 hours of continuous darkness in free range houses - a minimum of 7 hours natural daylight or artificial light - a minimum of 7 continuous hours of light for breeder replacement hens
AIM: Housing should be specific to bird size and requirements

TL.HF.6 Key

Housing/poult areas must be of sufficient size

How you will be measured

TL.HF.6.a

Birds are not kept in cages
R
  • Poult placement records
  • Flock weight records

TL.HF.6.1

Houses must have plates which highlight important information

How you will be measured

TL.HF.6.1.a

Plates list: - total floor space available to the birds - number of feeders and drinkers - feed bin capacity
AIM: Systems within housing are fit for purpose

TL.HF.8

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day

How you will be measured

TL.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications

TL.HF.8.b

A record must be kept of all equipment and generator tests, maintenance schedules and calibration schedules
R
  • Equipment inspection records
  • Maintenance schedules
  • Calibration schedules

TL.HF.8.1

An alternative power supply must be available which is capable of supplying all essential electrical systems within the poultry houses/hatchery

How you will be measured

TL.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately

TL.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load
R

Generator test record

TL.HF.8.2

An alarm system must be in place which alerts stockmen to ventilation equipment failure

How you will be measured

TL.HF.8.2.a

Alarm system responds to high and low temperatures and to failures in each phase of the mains electricity

TL.HF.8.2.b

Alarm systems are checked daily and records kept of: - checks - malfunction - rectifications

TL.HF.8.2.c

Alarm system tested every 7 days and results recorded

TL.HF.8.2.d

Alarm system works without mains power supply
R
  • Alarm system checks
  • Alarm test records
AIM: Controls in place to prevent fire

TL.HF.9

Fire prevention measures must be taken

How you will be measured

TL.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials

TL.HF.9.b

Every building exceeding 30m in length has two doors and complies with relevant building regulations, particularly with regard to fire escape exits

TL.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted

TL.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure

TL.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only

TL.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance

TL.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times

TL.HF.9.h

Notices are displayed in all main houses of the nearest telephone point
Where to find help

More Standards

Beef & Lamb

Chicken

Crops & Sugar Beet

Dairy

Dairy Goats

Ducks

Fresh Produce

Pigs
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Guidance
  • HF.6 – See Appendix for maximum stocking densities
  • HF.8 – The relevant appendix provides further guidance on calibration of equipment and frequency
Appendix

HF.6 – Turkey stocking densities

HF.8.b – Turkey calibration schedules

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