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Chicken Standards

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES Version 5.1 (modified)

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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.

CH.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

CH.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds

CH.HF.1.b

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

CH.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/chicks

CH.HF.2

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated

How you will be measured

CH.HF.2.a

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

CH.HF.2.b

A documented ventilation plan is in place
R

Ventilation plan

CH.HF.2.1

Temperature records must be kept

How you will be measured

CH.HF.2.1.a

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

Temperature records

CH.HF.2.3

Eggs destined for dispatch for on-farm hatching must not be allowed to cool prior to transportation

How you will be measured

CH.HF.2.3.a

Egg shell temperature is between 32°C and 34°C
R

Temperature records

CH.HF.2.4

Eggs destined for dispatch for on-farm hatching must be loaded into clean trays after candling

How you will be measured

CH.HF.2.4.a

Trays are cleaned and disinfected on return from farm

CH.HF.2.4.b

Only trays dedicated for on-farm hatching are used

CH.HF.3

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

How you will be measured

CH.HF.3.d

Floors are sealed and in good condition

CH.HF.3.e

Floors are hygienically managed

CH.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

CH.HF.4.e

Environmental swabs for TVCs are carried out weekly and records maintained

CH.HF.4.h

A written cleaning and disinfection policy in place
R
  • Cleaning and disinfection policy
  • Environmental bacteria test records

CH.HF.4.1

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

CH.HF.4.7

Chicks must be loaded into clean chick boxes

How you will be measured

CH.HF.4.7.a

Chick boxes are cleaned, dried and sanitised after every delivery

CH.HF.4.8

Drains in production areas are accessible and cleanable

CH.HF.5

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

How you will be measured

CH.HF.5.f

Levels of natural or artificial lighting in chick grading areas is of a level that all chicks can be seen clearly

CH.HF.5.g

Holding rooms should be lit with controlled or blue lighting

CH.HF.5.3

Facilities to reduce light must be available

CH.HF.6 Key

Housing/chick areas must be of sufficient size

How you will be measured

CH.HF.6.a

Birds are not kept in cages or multi-tier systems

CH.HF.6.b

Realistic key performance indicators are used when planning stocking densities

CH.HF.6.c

Key welfare indicators are not compromised by stocking regime, particularly in relation to weather conditions
R
  • Chick placement records
  • Flock weight records

CH.HF.8

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day

How you will be measured

CH.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications
R

Equipment inspection records

CH.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

CH.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately

CH.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load
R

Generator test record

CH.HF.8.3

Alarms must be responded to within 15 minutes

How you will be measured

CH.HF.8.3.a

When an alarm is triggered the following are recorded: – time – date – response
R

Alarm records

CH.HF.8.4

Incubation equipment is alarmed for high and low temperatures and mains failure

How you will be measured

CH.HF.8.4.a

Incubation equipment includes both setters and hatchers

CH.HF.8.5

All incubators in operation must be checked twice daily for temperature, humidity and direction of turn

R

Incubator records kept and displayed

CH.HF.8.6

Chick and egg disposal equipment must be checked daily by trained operators to ensure it is working effectively, and a record kept of the outcome

R

Check records

CH.HF.9

Fire prevention measures must be taken

How you will be measured

CH.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials

CH.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

CH.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted

CH.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure

CH.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only

CH.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance

CH.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times

CH.HF.9.h

Notices are displayed in all main houses of the nearest telephone point
Where to find help

More Standards

Guidance
  • 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

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