Chicken 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.
CB.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
CB.HF.1.a
CB.HF.1.b
CB.HF.1.c
CB.HF.1.1
The sound level in housing must be minimised
How you will be measured
CB.HF.1.1.a
CB.HF.2
Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated
How you will be measured
CB.HF.2.a
CB.HF.2.b
CB.HF.2.c
CB.HF.2.d
CB.HF.2.e
Ventilation plan
CB.HF.2.1
Temperature records must be kept
How you will be measured
CB.HF.2.1.a
Temperature records
CB.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
CB.HF.2.2.a
CB.HF.2.2.b
Heat and cold stress policy
CB.HF.3
Floors must be constructed and maintained in a manner that minimises the risk of injury
How you will be measured
CB.HF.3.a
CB.HF.3.b
CB.HF.3.c
CB.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
CB.HF.4.a
CB.HF.4.b
CB.HF.4.c
CB.HF.4.d
CB.HF.4.f
- Cleaning and disinfection policy
- Bulk bin cleaning and/or disinfection policy
- Environmental bacteria test records
CB.HF.4.1
Surfaces within housing/hatchery must be in good condition and must be able to be cleaned and disinfected
CB.HF.4.2
Flocks are provided with clean, fresh bedding to a minimum depth of 2cm
How you will be measured
CB.HF.4.2.a
CB.HF.4.2.b
CB.HF.4.3
Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition
How you will be measured
CB.HF.4.3.a
CB.HF.4.4
Bedding stored in the open is stored on pallets and is covered
How you will be measured
CB.HF.4.4.a
CB.HF.4.4.b
CB.HF.4.4.c
CB.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
CB.HF.4.6.a
CB.HF.4.6.b
Cleaning and disinfection policy
CB.HF.4.9
It is recommended that bales are stored in buildings which do not allow for the ingress of wild birds or rodents
CB.HF.5
Housing/hatchery must be lit to allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of birds/chicks
How you will be measured
CB.HF.5.a
CB.HF.5.b
CB.HF.5.1
Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm
How you will be measured
CB.HF.5.1.a
CB.HF.5.1.b
CB.HF.5.1.c
Lighting pattern records
CB.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
CB.HF.5.5.a
CB.HF.5.5.b
CB.HF.5.5.c
CB.HF.5.5.d
CB.HF.5.5.e
CB.HF.5.5.f
CB.HF.6 Key
Housing/chick areas must be of sufficient size
How you will be measured
CB.HF.6.a
CB.HF.6.b
CB.HF.6.c
CB.HF.6.d
- Chick placement records
- Flock weight records
CB.HF.6.1
Houses must have plates which highlight important information
How you will be measured
CB.HF.6.1.a
CB.HF.7
Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds
How you will be measured
CB.HF.7.a
CB.HF.7.1
Where eggs are hatched on-farm they must not be allowed to cool on placement
How you will be measured
CB.HF.7.1.a
CB.HF.7.1.b
Temperature records
CB.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
CB.HF.7.2.a
CB.HF.8
Automatic equipment is inspected once a day
How you will be measured
CB.HF.8.a
Equipment inspection records
CB.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
CB.HF.8.1.a
CB.HF.8.1.b
Generator test record
CB.HF.8.2
An alarm system must be in place which alerts stockmen to ventilation equipment failure
How you will be measured
CB.HF.8.2.a
CB.HF.8.2.b
CB.HF.8.2.c
CB.HF.8.2.d
- Alarm system checks
- Alarm test records
CB.HF.9
Fire prevention measures must be taken
How you will be measured
CB.HF.9.a
CB.HF.9.b
CB.HF.9.c
CB.HF.9.d
CB.HF.9.e
CB.HF.9.f
CB.HF.9.g
CB.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.p