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Chicken Standards

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES Version 5.1 (modified)

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CF.HF.1 CF.HF.1.1 CF.HF.2 CF.HF.2.1 CF.HF.2.2 CF.HF.3 CF.HF.4 CF.HF.4.1 CF.HF.4.2 CF.HF.4.3 CF.HF.4.4 CF.HF.4.5 CF.HF.4.6 CF.HF.4.9 CF.HF.5 CF.HF.5.1 CF.HF.5.2 CF.HF.5.5 CF.HF.6 CF.HF.6.1 CF.HF.7 CF.HF.7.1 CF.HF.7.2 CF.HF.8 CF.HF.8.1 CF.HF.8.2 CF.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

CF.HF.1 Key

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

How you will be measured

CF.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds

CF.HF.1.b

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

CF.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/chicks

CF.HF.1.1

The sound level in housing must be minimised

How you will be measured

CF.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

CF.HF.2

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated

How you will be measured

CF.HF.2.a

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

CF.HF.2.b

A documented ventilation plan is in place

CF.HF.2.f

Pop-holes are evenly distributed around the house

CF.HF.2.g

Pop-holes make up a combined length of at least 4m per 100m2 of floor space

CF.HF.2.h

Pop-holes are a minimum height of 400mm
R

Ventilation plan

CF.HF.2.1

Temperature records must be kept

How you will be measured

CF.HF.2.1.a

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

Temperature records

CF.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

CF.HF.2.2.a

Heat stress policy and ventilation plan is implemented

CF.HF.2.2.b

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

Heat and cold stress policy

CF.HF.3

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

How you will be measured

CF.HF.3.a

Floors in fixed housing are made of concrete or asphalt

CF.HF.3.b

Floors are well drained

CF.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

CF.HF.4.a

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

CF.HF.4.b

A written cleaning and/or disinfection policy for bulk feed bins which: - is being implemented - contains a risk assessment for cleaning bulk feed bins, including health and safety considerations

CF.HF.4.c

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

CF.HF.4.d

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

CF.HF.4.f

Bedding/bale stores are cleaned and disinfected whenever they are emptied

CF.HF.4.g

Non-bird biosecure areas have a full clean-down at least 4 times a year, areas include but are not limited to: - feed stores/buildings - the range
R
  • Cleaning and disinfection policy
  • Bulk bin cleaning and/or disinfection policy
  • Environmental bacteria test records

CF.HF.4.1

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

CF.HF.4.2

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

How you will be measured

CF.HF.4.2.a

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

CF.HF.4.2.b

Bedding is not re-used

CF.HF.4.3

Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition

How you will be measured

CF.HF.4.3.a

Wet capped litter is managed

CF.HF.4.4

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

How you will be measured

CF.HF.4.4.a

The cover provides protection from water, birds and vermin

CF.HF.4.4.b

Damaged or wet bales are not used

CF.HF.4.4.c

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

CF.HF.4.5

Fixed housing must have a minimum of a 1 metre ‘door mat’

How you will be measured

CF.HF.4.5.a

'Door mat’ is well drained and easily cleanable

CF.HF.4.6

Trays used for on-farm hatching of eggs must be cleaned and disinfected before return to the hatchery

How you will be measured

CF.HF.4.6.a

Only trays dedicated for on-farm hatching are used

CF.HF.4.6.b

Defra approved disinfectants are used
R

Cleaning and disinfection policy

CF.HF.4.9

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

CF.HF.5

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

How you will be measured

CF.HF.5.a

Lighting intensity is at least 20 lux measured at bird eye level and recorded once every crop illuminating at least 80% of the useable bird area, during lighting periods

CF.HF.5.b

Reductions in lighting made only on advice of vet

CF.HF.5.1

Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm

How you will be measured

CF.HF.5.1.a

Lighting patterns for the flock are recorded

CF.HF.5.1.d

A minimum of eight hours of natural or artificial light are provided in a 24 hour period

CF.HF.5.1.f

There is a minimum of six hours of continuous darkness in every 24 hour period, except: - when the natural dark period is shorter than six hours - during the first seven days of brooding and the last three days prior to slaughter when the minimum continuous darkness is two hours in every 24 hour period
R

Lighting pattern records

CF.HF.5.2

Birds must have access to the range for at least half their lives

How you will be measured

CF.HF.5.2.a

Birds have access to the range area for a minimum of 8 hours per day
R

Pop-hole opening records

CF.HF.5.5

Windows equating to a minimum of 3% of the floor area are fitted in all buildings which house birds

How you will be measured

CF.HF.5.5.a

The translucent area of the windows equates to a minimum of 3% of the floor area

CF.HF.5.5.b

Windows are evenly distributed along the side panels providing uniform daylight throughout the building

CF.HF.5.5.c

Windows are double glazed to provide insulation and prevent condensation

CF.HF.5.5.d

Where glass is used it is laminated or toughened on the inside for added safety

CF.HF.5.5.e

Shutters are fitted in order that daylight can be closed out if required (e.g. during extremely hot or cold days)

CF.HF.5.5.f

Shutters are open from day 5 during daylight hours unless veterinary advice states otherwise
AIM: Housing should be specific to bird size and requirements

CF.HF.6 Key

Housing/chick areas must be of sufficient size

How you will be measured

CF.HF.6.a

Birds are not kept in cages or multi-tier systems

CF.HF.6.b

Realistic key performance indicators are used when planning stocking densities

CF.HF.6.c

Key welfare indicators are not compromised by stocking regime, particularly in relation to weather conditions

CF.HF.6.h

Housing stocking density must not exceed 27.5 kg/m2

CF.HF.6.i

Range stocking density must not exceed 1 bird per m2
R
  • Chick placement records
  • Flock weight records

CF.HF.6.1

Houses must have plates which highlight important information

How you will be measured

CF.HF.6.1.a

Plates list: - total floor space available to the birds - number of feeders and drinkers - feed bin capacity
AIM: Appropriate, well maintained facilities are available for specific activities

CF.HF.7

Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds

How you will be measured

CF.HF.7.a

On arrival, chicks are placed in pre-heated housing as soon as possible

CF.HF.7.1

Where eggs are hatched on-farm they must not be allowed to cool on placement

How you will be measured

CF.HF.7.1.a

On arrival, eggs are placed in housing pre-heated to 34-35°C, or a temperature that achieves a litter surface temperature of 30°C

CF.HF.7.1.b

Egg shell temperature is monitored and recorded an hour post placement, and then every 3 hours until the egg temperature has stabilised (between 36-38.5°C), otherwise temperatures should continue to be checked 3 times a day until over 50% of chicks have hatched
R

Temperature records

CF.HF.7.2

Where eggs are hatched on-farm, chicks must be able to easily reach the floor after hatching

How you will be measured

CF.HF.7.2.a

Maximum drop is 35cm
AIM: Systems within housing are fit for purpose

CF.HF.8

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day

How you will be measured

CF.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications
R

Equipment inspection records

CF.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

CF.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately

CF.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load
R

Generator test record

CF.HF.8.2

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

How you will be measured

CF.HF.8.2.a

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

CF.HF.8.2.b

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

CF.HF.8.2.c

Alarm system tested every 7 days and results recorded

CF.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

CF.HF.9

Fire prevention measures must be taken

How you will be measured

CF.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials

CF.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

CF.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted

CF.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure

CF.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only

CF.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance

CF.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times

CF.HF.9.h

Notices are displayed in all main houses of the nearest telephone point

More Standards

Beef & Lamb

Crops & Sugar Beet

Dairy

Dairy Goats

Ducks

Fresh Produce

Pigs

Turkeys
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