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.
EW.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
EW.HF.1.a
EW.HF.1.b
EW.HF.1.c
EW.HF.1.1
The sound level in housing must be minimised
How you will be measured
EW.HF.1.1.a
EW.HF.2
Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated
How you will be measured
EW.HF.2.a
EW.HF.2.b
EW.HF.2.c
EW.HF.2.d
EW.HF.2.e
Ventilation plan
EW.HF.2.1
Temperature records must be kept
How you will be measured
EW.HF.2.1.a
Temperature records
EW.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
EW.HF.2.2.a
EW.HF.2.2.b
Heat and cold stress policy
EW.HF.3
Floors must be constructed and maintained in a manner that minimises the risk of injury
How you will be measured
EW.HF.3.a
EW.HF.3.b
EW.HF.3.c
EW.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
EW.HF.4.a
EW.HF.4.b
EW.HF.4.c
EW.HF.4.d
EW.HF.4.f
- Cleaning and disinfection policy
- Bulk bin cleaning and/or disinfection policy
- Environmental bacteria test records
EW.HF.4.1
Surfaces within housing/hatchery must be in good condition and must be able to be cleaned and disinfected
EW.HF.4.2
Flocks are provided with clean, fresh bedding to a minimum depth of 2cm
How you will be measured
EW.HF.4.2.a
EW.HF.4.2.b
EW.HF.4.3
Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition
How you will be measured
EW.HF.4.3.a
EW.HF.4.4
Bedding stored in the open is stored on pallets and is covered
How you will be measured
EW.HF.4.4.a
EW.HF.4.4.b
EW.HF.4.4.c
EW.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
EW.HF.4.6.a
EW.HF.4.6.b
Cleaning and disinfection policy
EW.HF.4.9
It is recommended that bales are stored in buildings which do not allow for the ingress of wild birds or rodents
EW.HF.5
Housing/hatchery must be lit to allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of birds/chicks
How you will be measured
EW.HF.5.b
EW.HF.5.d
EW.HF.5.e
EW.HF.5.1
Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm
How you will be measured
EW.HF.5.1.a
EW.HF.5.1.b
EW.HF.5.1.c
EW.HF.5.1.e
Lighting pattern records
EW.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
EW.HF.5.5.a
EW.HF.5.5.b
EW.HF.5.5.c
EW.HF.5.5.d
EW.HF.5.5.e
EW.HF.5.5.f
EW.HF.6 Key
Housing/chick areas must be of sufficient size
How you will be measured
EW.HF.6.a
EW.HF.6.b
EW.HF.6.c
EW.HF.6.f
- Chick placement records
- Flock weight records
EW.HF.6.1
Houses must have plates which highlight important information
How you will be measured
EW.HF.6.1.a
EW.HF.6.2
If thinning is practiced, it must be limited to one thin per flock
EW.HF.7
Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds
How you will be measured
EW.HF.7.a
EW.HF.7.1
Where eggs are hatched on-farm they must not be allowed to cool on placement
How you will be measured
EW.HF.7.1.a
EW.HF.7.1.b
Temperature records
EW.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
EW.HF.7.2.a
EW.HF.8
Automatic equipment is inspected once a day
How you will be measured
EW.HF.8.a
Equipment inspection records
EW.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
EW.HF.8.1.a
EW.HF.8.1.b
Generator test record
EW.HF.8.2
An alarm system must be in place which alerts stockmen to ventilation equipment failure
How you will be measured
EW.HF.8.2.a
EW.HF.8.2.b
EW.HF.8.2.c
EW.HF.8.2.d
- Alarm system checks
- Alarm test records
EW.HF.9
Fire prevention measures must be taken
How you will be measured
EW.HF.9.a
EW.HF.9.b
EW.HF.9.c
EW.HF.9.d
EW.HF.9.e
EW.HF.9.f
EW.HF.9.g
EW.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