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Chicken Standards

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES Version 5.1 (modified)

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CD.HF.1 CD.HF.1.1 CD.HF.2 CD.HF.2.1 CD.HF.2.2 CD.HF.3 CD.HF.4 CD.HF.4.1 CD.HF.4.2 CD.HF.4.3 CD.HF.4.4 CD.HF.4.9 CD.HF.5 CD.HF.5.1 CD.HF.6 CD.HF.6.1 CD.HF.7 CD.HF.8 CD.HF.8.1 CD.HF.8.2 CD.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

CD.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

CD.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds

CD.HF.1.b

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

CD.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/chicks

CD.HF.1.1

The sound level in housing must be minimised

How you will be measured

CD.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

CD.HF.2

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated

How you will be measured

CD.HF.2.a

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

CD.HF.2.b

A documented ventilation plan is in place
R

Ventilation plan

CD.HF.2.1

Temperature records must be kept

How you will be measured

CD.HF.2.1.a

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

Temperature records

CD.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

CD.HF.2.2.a

Heat stress policy and ventilation plan is implemented

CD.HF.2.2.b

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

Heat and cold stress policy

CD.HF.3

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.3.a

Floors in fixed housing are made of concrete or asphalt

CD.HF.3.b

Floors are well drained

CD.HF.3.c

Floor surface is above outside ground level

CD.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

CD.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

CD.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

CD.HF.4.c

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

CD.HF.4.d

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

CD.HF.4.f

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

CD.HF.4.1

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

CD.HF.4.2

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.4.2.a

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

CD.HF.4.2.b

Bedding is not re-used

CD.HF.4.3

Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition

How you will be measured

CD.HF.4.3.a

Wet capped litter is managed

CD.HF.4.4

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.4.4.a

The cover provides protection from water, birds and vermin

CD.HF.4.4.b

Damaged or wet bales are not used

CD.HF.4.4.c

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

CD.HF.4.9

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

CD.HF.5

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.5.c

Lighting intensity is at least 10 lux measured at bird eye level and recorded once every crop within the first 4 weeks, and illuminating at least 80% of the useable bird area, during lighting periods
R
  • Light level records

CD.HF.5.1

Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm

How you will be measured

CD.HF.5.1.a

Lighting patterns for the flock are recorded

CD.HF.5.1.d

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

Lighting pattern records

AIM: Housing should be specific to bird size and requirements

CD.HF.6 Key

Housing/chick areas must be of sufficient size

How you will be measured

CD.HF.6.a

Birds are not kept in cages or multi-tier systems

CD.HF.6.b

Realistic key performance indicators are used when planning stocking densities

CD.HF.6.c

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

CD.HF.6.g

Stocking density must not exceed 25kg/m2
R
  • Chick placement records
  • Flock weight records

CD.HF.6.1

Houses must have plates which highlight important information

How you will be measured

CD.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

CD.HF.7

Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds

How you will be measured

CD.HF.7.a

On arrival, chicks are placed in pre-heated housing as soon as possible
AIM: Systems within housing are fit for purpose

CD.HF.8

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day

How you will be measured

CD.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications
R

Equipment inspection records

CD.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

CD.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately

CD.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load
R

Generator test record

CD.HF.8.2

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

How you will be measured

CD.HF.8.2.a

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

CD.HF.8.2.b

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

CD.HF.8.2.c

Alarm system tested every 7 days and results recorded

CD.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

CD.HF.9

Fire prevention measures must be taken

How you will be measured

CD.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials

CD.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

CD.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted

CD.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure

CD.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only

CD.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance

CD.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times

CD.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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