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Ducks Standards

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES Version 5.1 (modified)

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KR.HF.1 KR.HF.1.1 KR.HF.2 KR.HF.2.1 KR.HF.2.2 KR.HF.3 KR.HF.4 KR.HF.4.1 KR.HF.4.2 KR.HF.4.3 KR.HF.4.4 KR.HF.4.5 KR.HF.4.9 KR.HF.5 KR.HF.5.1 KR.HF.6 KR.HF.6.1 KR.HF.7 KR.HF.8 KR.HF.8.1 KR.HF.8.2 KR.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.

KR.HF.1 Key

Housing/hatchery must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for birds/ducklings

How you will be measured

KR.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains birds

KR.HF.1.b

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

KR.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to birds/ducklings

KR.HF.1.d

Repairs and maintenance are carried out between production cycles except where delays could affect bird welfare

KR.HF.1.1

The sound level in housing must be minimised

How you will be measured

KR.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

KR.HF.2

Housing/hatchery must be appropriately and effectively ventilated

How you will be measured

KR.HF.2.a

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

KR.HF.2.b

In controlled environment housing a documented ventilation plan is in place

KR.HF.2.c

Concentration of Ammonia should not exceed 25ppm
R

Ventilation plan

KR.HF.2.1

Temperature records must be kept

How you will be measured

KR.HF.2.1.a

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

Temperature records

KR.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

KR.HF.2.2.a

Heat stress policy and ventilation plan is implemented

KR.HF.2.2.b

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

Heat and cold stress policy

KR.HF.3

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

How you will be measured

KR.HF.3.a

Floors in fixed housing are made of concrete or asphalt: - where slatted flooring is provided under water facilities it makes up no more than 25% of the total floor area

KR.HF.3.b

Floors are well drained and floor surface is above outside ground level

KR.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

KR.HF.4.a

A written cleaning and disinfection policy in place, which contains: - cleaning and disinfection procedures for house, house furniture, egg storage facilities, water tanks and bulk feed bins - handling of waste materials; litter, packaging, feed spillages - details of Defra approved disinfectants and detergents used, including safe usage, storage and dilution

KR.HF.4.c

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

KR.HF.4.d

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

KR.HF.4.f

Bedding/bale stores are cleaned and disinfected whenever they are emptied
R
  • Cleaning and disinfection policy
  • Cleaning records
  • Environmental bacteria test records

KR.HF.4.1

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

KR.HF.4.2

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

How you will be measured

KR.HF.4.2.a

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

KR.HF.4.2.b

Bedding is not re-used: - areas around water facilities and slats may be free of bedding

KR.HF.4.3

Bedding must remain in a dry, friable condition

KR.HF.4.4

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

How you will be measured

KR.HF.4.4.a

The cover provides protection from water, birds and vermin

KR.HF.4.4.b

Damaged or wet bales are not used

KR.HF.4.5

Bedding is traceable

R

Record of origin of bedding

KR.HF.4.9

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

KR.HF.5

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

How you will be measured

KR.HF.5.b

Lighting intensity is at least 10 lux, measured at least once per crop, at bird eye level and illuminating at least 80% of the useable area, during lighting periods

KR.HF.5.c

Reductions in lighting made only on advice of vet

KR.HF.5.d

Lighting patterns are recorded
R
  • Light level records
  • Lighting pattern records

KR.HF.5.1

Lighting follows a 24 hour rhythm

How you will be measured

KR.HF.5.1.a

This occurs within 7 days of the ducks being placed in the building

KR.HF.5.1.b

24 hour rhythm includes: - period of uninterrupted darkness lasting at least 6 hours - a minimum of 8 hours natural daylight or artificial light

KR.HF.5.1.c

Transition between light and dark periods occurs over a period of at least 30 minutes

KR.HF.6 Key

Housing/duckling areas must be of sufficient size

How you will be measured

KR.HF.6.d

Birds are not kept in cages

KR.HF.6.e

Stocking density does not exceed 15kg/m2
R
  • Duckling placement records
  • Flock weight records

KR.HF.6.1

Houses must have plates which highlight important information

How you will be measured

KR.HF.6.1.a

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

KR.HF.7

Housing areas must provide for the specific needs of young birds

How you will be measured

KR.HF.7.a

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

KR.HF.8

Automatic equipment is inspected once a day

How you will be measured

KR.HF.8.a

Records kept of: - checks - malfunctions - rectifications
R

Equipment inspection records

KR.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

KR.HF.8.1.a

Malfunctions are rectified immediately

KR.HF.8.1.b

Generators are tested weekly on load
R

Generator test record

KR.HF.8.2

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

How you will be measured

KR.HF.8.2.a

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

KR.HF.8.2.b

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

KR.HF.8.2.c

Alarm system tested every 7 days and results recorded

KR.HF.8.2.d

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

KR.HF.9

Fire prevention measures must be taken

How you will be measured

KR.HF.9.a

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible materials

KR.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

KR.HF.9.c

Access to building is restricted

KR.HF.9.d

Buildings are secure

KR.HF.9.e

Smoking is restricted to designated areas only

KR.HF.9.f

Machinery undergoes routine maintenance

KR.HF.9.g

Escape routes and passages are kept clear at all times

KR.HF.9.h

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

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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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