Ducks Standards
HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES Version 5.1 (modified)
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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.
KG.HF.1 Key
Housing/hatchery must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for birds/ducklings
How you will be measured
KG.HF.1.a
KG.HF.1.b
KG.HF.1.c
KG.HF.1.d
KG.HF.1.1
The sound level in housing must be minimised
How you will be measured
KG.HF.1.1.a
KG.HF.2
Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated
How you will be measured
KG.HF.2.a
KG.HF.2.b
KG.HF.2.c
Ventilation plan
KG.HF.2.1
Temperature records must be kept
How you will be measured
KG.HF.2.1.a
Temperature records
KG.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
KG.HF.2.2.a
KG.HF.2.2.b
Heat and cold stress policy
KG.HF.3
Floors must be constructed and maintained in a manner that minimises the risk of injury
How you will be measured
KG.HF.3.a
KG.HF.3.b
KG.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
KG.HF.4.a
KG.HF.4.c
KG.HF.4.d
KG.HF.4.f
- Cleaning and disinfection policy
- Cleaning records
- Environmental bacteria test records
KG.HF.4.1
Surfaces within housing/hatchery must be in good condition and must be able to be cleaned and disinfected
KG.HF.4.2
Flocks are provided with clean, fresh bedding to a minimum depth of 2cm
How you will be measured
KG.HF.4.2.a
KG.HF.4.2.b
KG.HF.4.3
Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition
How you will be measured
KG.HF.4.3.a
KG.HF.4.4
Bedding stored in the open is stored on pallets and is covered
How you will be measured
KG.HF.4.4.a
KG.HF.4.4.b
KG.HF.4.5
Bedding is traceable
Record of origin of bedding
KG.HF.4.9
It is recommended that bales are stored in buildings which do not allow for the ingress of wild birds or rodents
KG.HF.5
Housing/hatchery must be lit to allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of birds/ducklings
How you will be measured
KG.HF.5.a
KG.HF.5.c
KG.HF.5.d
- Light level records
- Lighting pattern records
KG.HF.5.1
Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm
How you will be measured
KG.HF.5.1.a
KG.HF.5.1.b
KG.HF.5.1.c
KG.HF.5.5
It is recommended that windows equating to 3% of the floor area are fitted in all buildings which house birds
How you will be measured
KG.HF.5.5.a
KG.HF.5.5.b
KG.HF.6 Key
Housing/duckling areas must be of sufficient size
How you will be measured
KG.HF.6.a
KG.HF.6.b
- Duckling placement records
- Flock weight records
KG.HF.6.1
Houses must have plates which highlight important information
How you will be measured
KG.HF.6.1.a
KG.HF.7
Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds
How you will be measured
KG.HF.7.a
KG.HF.8
Automatic equipment is inspected once a day
How you will be measured
KG.HF.8.a
Equipment inspection records
KG.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
KG.HF.8.1.a
KG.HF.8.1.b
Generator test record
KG.HF.8.2
An alarm system must be in place which alerts stockmen to ventilation equipment failure
How you will be measured
KG.HF.8.2.a
KG.HF.8.2.b
KG.HF.8.2.c
KG.HF.8.2.d
- Alarm system checks
- Alarm test records
KG.HF.9
Fire prevention measures must be taken
How you will be measured
KG.HF.9.a
KG.HF.9.b
KG.HF.9.c
KG.HF.9.d
KG.HF.9.e
KG.HF.9.f
KG.HF.9.g
KG.HF.9.h
- Government guidance on farm fires and protecting farm animal welfare: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farm-fires-protecting-farm-animal-welfare
- For additional guidance on animal welfare in severe weather visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/keeping-farm-animals-and-horses-in-extreme-weather
Further information on heat stress is provided in the Defra guidance document `Heat Stress in Poultry: Solving the Problem’: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69373/pb10543-heat-stress-050330.pdf