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Chicken Standards

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES Version 5.1 (modified)

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

CL.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

CL.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds

CL.HF.1.b

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

CL.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/chicks

CL.HF.1.1

The sound level in housing must be minimised

How you will be measured

CL.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

CL.HF.2

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated

How you will be measured

CL.HF.2.a

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

CL.HF.2.b

A documented ventilation plan is in place
R

Ventilation plan

CL.HF.2.1

Temperature records must be kept

How you will be measured

CL.HF.2.1.a

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

Temperature records

CL.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

CL.HF.2.2.a

Heat stress policy and ventilation plan is implemented

CL.HF.2.2.b

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

Heat and cold stress policy

CL.HF.3

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

How you will be measured

CL.HF.3.a

Floors in fixed housing are made of concrete or asphalt

CL.HF.3.b

Floors are well drained

CL.HF.3.c

Floor surface is above outside ground level

CL.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

CL.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

CL.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

CL.HF.4.c

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

CL.HF.4.d

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

CL.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

CL.HF.4.1

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

CL.HF.4.2

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

How you will be measured

CL.HF.4.2.a

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

CL.HF.4.2.b

Bedding is not re-used

CL.HF.4.3

Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition

How you will be measured

CL.HF.4.3.a

Wet capped litter is managed

CL.HF.4.4

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

How you will be measured

CL.HF.4.4.a

The cover provides protection from water, birds and vermin

CL.HF.4.4.b

Damaged or wet bales are not used

CL.HF.4.4.c

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

CL.HF.4.9

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

CL.HF.5

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

How you will be measured

CL.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

CL.HF.5.1

Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm

How you will be measured

CL.HF.5.1.a

Lighting patterns for the flock are recorded

CL.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

CL.HF.6 Key

Housing/chick areas must be of sufficient size

How you will be measured

CL.HF.6.a

Birds are not kept in cages or multi-tier systems

CL.HF.6.b

Realistic key performance indicators are used when planning stocking densities

CL.HF.6.c

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

CL.HF.6.g

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

CL.HF.6.1

Houses must have plates which highlight important information

How you will be measured

CL.HF.6.1.a

Plates list: - total floor space available to the birds - number of feeders and drinkers - feed bin capacity

CL.HF.7

Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds

How you will be measured

CL.HF.7.a

On arrival, chicks are placed in pre-heated housing as soon as possible

CL.HF.8

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day

How you will be measured

CL.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications
R

Equipment inspection records

CL.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

CL.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately

CL.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load
R

Generator test record

CL.HF.8.2

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

How you will be measured

CL.HF.8.2.a

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

CL.HF.8.2.b

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

CL.HF.8.2.c

Alarm system tested every 7 days and results recorded

CL.HF.8.2.d

Alarm system works without mains power supply
R
  • Alarm system checks
  • Alarm test records

CL.HF.9

Fire prevention measures must be taken

How you will be measured

CL.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials

CL.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

CL.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted

CL.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure

CL.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only

CL.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance

CL.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times

CL.HF.9.h

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

More Standards

Beef & Lamb

Crops & Sugar Beet

Dairy

Dairy Goats

Ducks

Fresh Produce

Pigs

Turkeys
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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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