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.
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
CL.HF.1.b
CL.HF.1.c
CL.HF.1.1
The sound level in housing must be minimised
How you will be measured
CL.HF.1.1.a
CL.HF.2
Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated
How you will be measured
CL.HF.2.a
CL.HF.2.b
Ventilation plan
CL.HF.2.1
Temperature records must be kept
How you will be measured
CL.HF.2.1.a
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
CL.HF.2.2.b
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
CL.HF.3.b
CL.HF.3.c
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
CL.HF.4.b
CL.HF.4.c
CL.HF.4.d
CL.HF.4.f
- 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
CL.HF.4.2.b
CL.HF.4.3
Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition
How you will be measured
CL.HF.4.3.a
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
CL.HF.4.4.b
CL.HF.4.4.c
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
- Light level records
CL.HF.5.1
Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm
How you will be measured
CL.HF.5.1.a
CL.HF.5.1.d
Lighting pattern records
CL.HF.6 Key
Housing/chick areas must be of sufficient size
How you will be measured
CL.HF.6.a
CL.HF.6.b
CL.HF.6.c
CL.HF.6.g
- 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
CL.HF.7
Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds
How you will be measured
CL.HF.7.a
CL.HF.8
Automatic equipment is inspected once a day
How you will be measured
CL.HF.8.a
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
CL.HF.8.1.b
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
CL.HF.8.2.b
CL.HF.8.2.c
CL.HF.8.2.d
- Alarm system checks
- Alarm test records
CL.HF.9
Fire prevention measures must be taken
How you will be measured
CL.HF.9.a
CL.HF.9.b
CL.HF.9.c
CL.HF.9.d
CL.HF.9.e
CL.HF.9.f
CL.HF.9.g
CL.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