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HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

Version 5.1

Click to view all HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

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:

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

KF.HF.1 Key

Standards

Housing/Hatchery must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for birds/ducklings. (Revised)

How you will be measured

KF.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds.

KF.HF.1.b

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

KF.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/ducklings.

KF.HF.1.d

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

KF.HF.1.1

Standards

The sound level in housing must be minimised.

How you will be measured

KF.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.

KF.HF.2

Standards

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated.

How you will be measured

KF.HF.2.d

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

KF.HF.2.f

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

KF.HF.2.e

Pop-holes are evenly distributed around the house.

KF.HF.2.g

Pop-holes are a minimum height of 450mm.

KF.HF.2.1

Standards

Temperature records must be kept.

How you will be measured

KF.HF.2.1.a

Records kept of minimum and maximum daily temperatures at bird/duckling level.

Temperature records

KF.HF.2.2

Standards

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

How you will be measured

KF.HF.2.2.a

Heat stress policy and ventilation plan is implemented.

KF.HF.2.2.b

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

Heat and cold stress policy

KF.HF.3

Standards

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

How you will be measured

KF.HF.3.c

Floors in fixed housing are made of concrete or asphalt.

KF.HF.3.d

Floors are well drained.

KF.HF.4 Key

Standards

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

How you will be measured

KF.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

KF.HF.4.c

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

KF.HF.4.d

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

KF.HF.4.f

Litter stores are cleaned and disinfected whenever they are emptied

KF.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
  • Cleaning and disinfection policy
  • Cleaning records
  • Environmental bacteria test records

KF.HF.4.1

Standards

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

KF.HF.4.2

Standards

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

How you will be measured

KF.HF.4.2.a

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

KF.HF.4.2.b

Bedding is not re-used: - areas around water facilities and slats may be free of bedding

KF.HF.4.3

Standards

Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition.

KF.HF.4.4

Standards

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

How you will be measured

KF.HF.4.4.a

The cover provides protection from water, birds and vermin.

KF.HF.4.4.b

Damaged or wet bales are not used.

KF.HF.4.5

Standards

Bedding is traceable.

Record of origin of bedding

KF.HF.4.9

Standards

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

KF.HF.5

Standards

Housing/hatchery must be lit to allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of birds/ducklings. (Revised)

How you will be measured

KF.HF.5.a

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

KF.HF.5.c

Reductions in lighting made only on advice of vet.

KF.HF.5.d

Lighting patterns are recorded.

Lighting pattern records

KF.HF.5.1

Standards

Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm. (Revised)

How you will be measured

KF.HF.5.1.a

This occurs within 7 days of the ducks being placed in the building.

KF.HF.5.1.b

24 hour rhythm includes: - period of uninterrupted darkness lasting at least 6 hours - a minimum of 8 hours natural daylight or artificial light

KF.HF.5.1.c

Transition between light and dark periods occurs over a period of at least 30 minutes.

KF.HF.5.2

Standards

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

Pop-hole opening records

KF.HF.5.3

Standards

Birds have access to the range for a minimum of 8 hours a day .

How you will be measured

KF.HF.5.3.a

Pop-holes are open for 8 hours except where: - natural daylight lasts less than 8 hours - there are inclement weather conditions

Pop-hole opening records

KF.HF.5.4

Standards

Shelter/cover must be provided on the range.

How you will be measured

KF.HF.5.4.a

Natural shelter/cover is encouraged.

KF.HF.5.4.b

Where artificial shade is provided anti-perching spikes are used.

KF.HF.5.4.c

Deciduous trees are avoided in order to discourage wild birds.

KF.HF.5.4.d

Where mobile sites are used artificial shelter is provided (e.g. camouflage netting/big bales/A frames) which also carries anti-perch spikes.

KF.HF.5.5

Standards

It is recommended that windows are fitted in all buildings which house birds. (New)

How you will be measured

KF.HF.5.5.a

The windows equate to a minimum of 3% of the floor area.

KF.HF.5.5.b

Windows are evenly distributed providing uniform daylight throughout the building.

KF.HF.6 Key

Standards

Housing/duckling areas must be of sufficient size.

How you will be measured

KF.HF.6.a

Birds are not kept in cages .

KF.HF.6.b

Stocking density is in line with the following: Bird Weight (KG) = 1.5, Max. Stocking Density kg/m2 = 17 Bird Weight (KG) = 2, Max. Stocking Density kg/m2 = 18 Bird Weight (KG) = 2.5, Max. Stocking Density kg/m2 = 20 Bird Weight (KG) = 3, Max. Stocking Density kg/m2 = 21 Bird Weight (KG) = 3.5, Max. Stocking Density kg/m2 = 22 Bird Weight (KG) = 4, Max. Stocking Density kg/m2 = 23 Bird Weight (KG) = 4.5, Max. Stocking Density kg/m2 = 24

KF.HF.6.c

The range comprises an area mainly covered by vegetation of no less than 2m2/bird.
  • Duckling placement records
  • Flock weight records

KF.HF.6.1

Standards

Houses must have plates which highlight important information.

How you will be measured

KF.HF.6.1.a

Plates list: - total floor space available to the birds - number of feeders and drinkers - feed bin capacity

KF.HF.7

Standards

Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds.

How you will be measured

KF.HF.7.a

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

KF.HF.8

Standards

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day.

How you will be measured

KF.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications

Equipment inspection records

KF.HF.8.1

Standards

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

KF.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately.

KF.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load.

KF.HF.8.2

Standards

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

How you will be measured

KF.HF.8.2.a

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

KF.HF.8.2.b

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

KF.HF.8.2.c

Tested every 7 days and results recorded.

KF.HF.8.2.d

Alarm system works without mains power supply.
  • Alarm system checks
  • Alarm test records

KF.HF.9

Standards

Fire prevention measures must be taken.

How you will be measured

KF.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials.

KF.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.

KF.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted.

KF.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure.

KF.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only.

KF.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance.

KF.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times.

KF.HF.9.h

Notices are displayed in all main houses of the nearest telephone point.
  • HF.2 – When the outside temperature exceeds 30°C in the shade the inside temperature should not exceed the outside temperature by more than 3°C