Defra meat chickens breeding welfare code standard

meat chickens and breeding chickenscode of recommendations for the welfare of livestock

CODE OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE WELFARE OF LIVESTOCK:

MEAT CHICKENS AND BREEDING CHICKENS

NOTEAfter consultation, this Code, (which consists of paragraphs 1 to 102), has been put before

both Houses of Parliament for authority to issue it under Section 3 of the Agriculture(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968.

This Section allows “the Ministers” to produce codes of recommendations for the welfare oflivestock and to issue such codes once they have been approved in draft by both Houses ofParliament. However, the original definition of “the Ministers” (see section 50 of the 1968Act) has been changed to reflect devolution for Scotland and Wales and the creation of the

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In England, the powers of “theMinisters” were first transferred to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by the

Transfer of Functions (Agriculture and Food) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/3141) and thentransferred to the Secretary of State by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

(Dissolution) Order 2002 (S.I 2002/794).

In Scotland, the powers of “the Ministers” had previously been transferred to the ScottishMinisters by Section 53 of the Scotland Act 1998 (1998 c.46) and, in Wales, the powers of

“the Ministers” had previously been transferred to the National Assembly for Wales by article2 (a) of the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 1999

(S.I. 1999/672)).

A

code for the welfare of meat chickens and breeding chickens

CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

Stockmanship and Staffing

Feed and Water

HealthInspectionDisease ControlLeg Health

MutilationsGeneralBeak TrimmingDubbingDespurringDeclawingToe Removal

Buildings & AccommodationGeneralVentilation and temperatureHeat StressLightingLitterEmergency Procedures

Stocking Density & Freedom of Movement

Automatic or Mechanical Equipment

Additional Requirements for Free Range Birds

Record keeping

Catching, Handling & Transport

Additional Recommendations for Breeding Chickens

Breeding ProceduresFeed and WaterParent breeding chickensElite (pedigree) birdsBuildings & accommodationStocking density, freedom of movementCatching, handling & transport

Disposal of Surplus Chicks and Embryos in Hatchery Waste

AppendixUseful publicationsFurther information

Paragraphs

1 - 4

5 - 10

11 - 18

19 - 2425 - 3132 - 34

3536 - 37

38394041

42 - 4344 - 4748 - 5152 - 5354 - 5556 - 58

59 - 64

65 - 68

69 - 72

73 - 74

75 - 83

84 - 8990 - 9495 - 9697 - 99

100101

102

Page

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899

111111121212

131314141515

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This preface is not part of the Code but isintended to explain its purpose and toindicate the broad considerations upon whichit is based. Similarly, the legislation quoted inboxes throughout the document is not part ofthe Code but is intended to highlight some ofthe legal requirements. The law, as quoted inthese boxes, is that in force on the date ofpublication or reprinting of the Code (pleaseturn to the back cover for this information).Readers should be aware that any of the legalrequirements quoted might be subject tochange - they should seek confirmationbefore assuming that these are an accuratestatement of the law currently in force.

Regulation 10 of the Welfare of Farmed Animals(England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000 No.1870) provides that:

Any person who employs or engages a person toattend to animals shall ensure that the personattending to the animals

- is acquainted with the provisions of all relevant statutory welfare codes relating to the animals being attended to;

- has access to a copy of those codes while he is attending to the animals; and

- has received instruction and guidance on those codes.

Any person who keeps animals, or who causesor knowingly permits animals to be kept, shallnot attend to them unless he has access to allrelevant statutory welfare codes relating to theanimals while he is attending to them, and isacquainted with the provisions of those codes.

In Regulation 2 it states that “statutory welfarecode” means a code for the time being issuedunder Section 3 of the Agriculture(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968.

To cause unnecessary pain or unnecessarydistress to any livestock on agricultural land isan offence under Section 1(1) of the Agriculture(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968. Thebreach of a code provision, whilst not an offence

in itself, can nevertheless be used in evidence astending to establish the guilt of anyone accusedof causing the offence of causing unnecessarypain or distress under the Act (Section 3(4)).

Regulation 3(1) of the Welfare of FarmedAnimals (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000No.1870) states that owners and keepers ofanimals shall take all reasonable steps:

- to ensure the welfare of the animals undertheir care; and

- to ensure that the animals are not causedany unnecessary pain, suffering or injury.

Regulation 3(3) of the Welfare of FarmedAnimals (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000No. 1870) states that:

- In deciding whether the conditions underwhich animals are being bred or kept complywith the requirements set out in Schedule 1 ofthe Regulations, the owner and keeper of theanimals shall have regard to their species, and totheir degree of development, adaptation anddomestication, and to their physiological andethological needs in accordance withestablished experience and scientificknowledge.

Regulation 11 of the Welfare of Farmed Animals(England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000 No.1870) states that:

- Where an authorised person considers thatanimals are being kept in a way which is likelyto cause unnecessary pain, suffering or injury, orin any other way in contravention of anyprovision of these Regulations, he may serve anotice on the person appearing to him to be incharge of the animals requiring that person,within the period stated in the notice, to takeany action that the authorised person considersto be reasonably necessary to ensure compliancewith these Regulations and the authorisedperson shall give his reasons for requiring thataction to be taken.

preface2


Regulation 13 (2) of the Welfare of FarmedAnimals (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000No. 1870) states that:

- In any proceedings against an owner or keeperof animals for a failure to comply withRegulation 3(1) or 3(2), the owner or keeper asthe case may be, may rely on his compliancewith any relevant recommendation contained ina statutory welfare code as tending to establishhis compliance with the relevant regulation.

The Code is intended to encourage all thosewho care for farm animals to adopt the higheststandards of husbandry. Without goodstockmanship, animal welfare can never beadequately protected. Adherence to theserecommendations will help flock-keepers toreach the required standard.

The welfare of meat chickens and breedingchickens is considered within a framework,elaborated by the Farm Animal WelfareCouncil, and known as the ‘Five Freedoms’.These form a logical basis for the assessment ofwelfare within any system together with theactions necessary to safeguard welfare withinthe constraints of an efficient livestock industry.

The Five Freedoms are:

1.FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND THIRST- by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour;

2.FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT- by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable restingarea;

3.FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY OR DISEASE

- by prevention or rapid diagnosis andtreatment;

4.FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR

- by providing sufficient space, proper facilitiesand company of the animals’ own kind;

5.FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS- by ensuring conditions and treatment to avoid mental suffering.

In acknowledging these freedoms, those whohave care of livestock should practise:-

- caring and responsible planning and management;- skilled, knowledgeable and conscientious stockmanship;- appropriate environmental design (for example, of the husbandry system);- considerate handling and transport;- humane slaughter.

The Protection of Animals Acts (the Protectionof Animals Acts 1911-1988 and the Protectionof Animals (Amendment) Act 2000) contain thegeneral law relating to cruelty to animals.Broadly it is an offence (under Section 1 of the1911 Act) to be cruel to any domestic or captiveanimal by anything that is done or omitted to bedone.

Section 12(2) of the 1911 Act empowers apolice constable to place in safe custody, animalsin the charge of persons apprehended for anoffence under the Act until the end ofproceedings or the court orders the return of theanimals. The reasonable costs involved,including any necessary veterinary treatment,are recoverable by the police from the ownerupon conviction.

Under section 1 of the Protection of Animals(Amendment) Act 1954, as amended by the1988 Act, the court has the power to disqualifya person convicted under these Acts fromhaving custody of any animal. The ban canspecify a particular kind of animal or all animalsfor such period as the court thinks fit.

The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act2000 supplements the 1911 Act by allowing acourt to make an order relating to the care,disposal or slaughter of animals kept forcommercial purposes that are the subject of aprosecution brought under the 1911 Act by a“prosecutor”. A “prosecutor” is defined in the2000 Act to include certain public bodies thatconduct prosecutions (Crown ProsecutionService, government departments and localauthorities) and any person or bodies approvedby DEFRA or National Assembly for Wales.The 2000 Act then allows reasonable costs to berecovered from the owner by the “prosecutor”.

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This Code applies in England only and has beenissued by the Secretary of State for Departmentof Environment, Food and Rural Affairs(following approval in draft by both Houses ofParliament). It replaces (also as regardsEngland only) that part of the existing DomesticFowls Code (issued in 1987), relating to thewelfare of meat chickens and breeding chickens.

Similar Codes are being produced in Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland. Until these newCodes are issued, the existing Domestic FowlsCode will continue to apply in Scotland andWales. Separate arrangements exist in NorthernIreland.

THIS WELFARE CODE WAS ISSUED ON 22nd July 2002

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introduction

This Code (which applies in England only)applies to all parts of the meat chickenproduction sector, including breeding birds andgrandparent stock. For the purposes of thecode, “flock-keeper” means the owner of thebirds or the person responsible for looking afterthem. The recommendations are relevant tomeat chickens and breeding chickens under alltypes of husbandry system. Following themwill help to ensure that the welfare of the birdsis safeguarded.

No person should operate or set up a meatchicken or breeding chicken unit unless thewelfare of all the birds can be safeguarded. Thiscan be achieved by ensuring that the buildingsand equipment, and the skills and ability of theflock-keeper, are appropriate to the husbandrysystem and the number of birds to be kept.

The relevant animal welfare legislation appliesto owners as well as any person looking afterthe chickens on their behalf, wherever thechickens are located. A written contract can beof value in ensuring that all parties are clearabout their responsibilities in respect ofwelfare. However, the obligations imposed bythe law will still apply.

The strain of bird selected must be suitable forthe production system. In particular, care mustbe taken in the production of birds withextended growing periods (e.g.organic, freerange) to use suitable strains and feedingregimes.

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Schedule 1, paragraph 1 of the Welfare ofFarmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000(S.I. 2000 No.1870) states that:

- Animals shall be cared for by a sufficientnumber of staff who possess the appropriateability, knowledge and professionalcompetence.

It is essential that sufficient well-motivated andcompetent personnel are employed to carry outall necessary tasks. Staff should be wellmanaged and supervised, fully conversant withthe tasks they will be required to undertake andcompetent in the use of any equipment.

All flock-keepers should demonstrate fullunderstanding of the welfare needs and basicbiology of the birds and have shown that theyare capable of safeguarding them under allforeseeable conditions before being givenresponsibility for a flock. A good flock-keeperwill have a compassionate and humaneattitude, will be able to anticipate and avoidmany potential welfare problems, and have theability to identify those that do occur andrespond to them promptly.

Staff, including those employed by contractors,should be given appropriate training. Thisrequires the acquisition of specificstockmanship skills which may be developedon-farm, working with an experienced person,or by following a course offered by a suitabletraining provider. Flock-keepers shoulddemonstrate competence and understandingbefore they are given responsibility for thebirds. Training should continue throughoutthe duration of employment, and suitablerefresher courses should be undertakenregularly. Wherever possible, the trainingshould be of a type which leads to formalrecognition of competence.

A training plan should be implemented toensure that those working with meat orbreeding chickens recognise not only normalbehaviour and good health but also signs ofillness or disease or impending healthproblems. If specialised tasks are to beperformed, for example vaccination or humaneculling, then specific training should be given.

stockmanship and staffing6

Alternatively, the services of a competentcontractor using trained staff should beobtained.

Staff should establish a methodical routine incompleting the range of tasks involved inkeeping chickens. As part of this they shouldbe particularly vigilant in checking that systemsare operating properly and birds are behavingnormally. This will enable flock-keepers todetect problems in their earliest stages andacquire a good understanding of the action tobe taken if a problem is noticed. If the cause isnot obvious, or if the flock-keeper’s action isnot effective, immediate veterinary or technicaladvice should be obtained.

It is essential to ensure that enough time isavailable within the flock-keeper’s daily workroutine for the birds to be properly inspectedand for any remedial action to be taken. Largeflocks can be managed successfully but ingeneral the larger the size of unit, the greaterthe degree of skill and dedication needed tosafeguard the welfare of the birds.

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Schedule 1, paragraphs 22-27 of the Welfare ofFarmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000(S.I. 2000 No. 1870), state that:

- Animals shall be fed a wholesome diet whichis appropriate to their age and species andwhich is fed to them in sufficient quantity tomaintain them in good health, to satisfy theirnutritional needs and to promote a positivestate of well-being.

- No animals shall be provided with food orliquid in a manner, nor shall such food or liquidcontain any substance, which may cause themunnecessary suffering or injury.

- All animals shall have access to feed atintervals appropriate to their physiologicalneeds (and, in any case, at least once a day)except where a veterinary surgeon acting in theexercise of his profession otherwise directs.

- All animals shall either have access to asuitable water supply and be provided with anadequate supply of fresh drinking water eachday or be able to satisfy their fluid intake needsby other means.

- Feeding and watering equipment shall bedesigned, constructed, placed and maintainedso that contamination of food and water andthe harmful effects of competition betweenanimals are minimised.

- No other substance, with the exception ofthose given for therapeutic or prophylacticpurposes or for the purpose of zootechnicaltreatment shall be administered to animalsunless it has been demonstrated by scientificstudies of animal welfare or establishedexperience that the effect of that substance isnot detrimental to the health or welfare of theanimals.

All birds should have daily access to feed.When introducing birds to a new environment,the flock-keeper should ensure that the birdscan find feed and water.

To prevent birds having access to stale orcontaminated feed or water these should bereplaced on a regular basis. Provision must bemade for supplying water in freezingconditions.

In intensively housed systems, the maximumdistance which any bird should have to travelin a house to reach feed and water should notbe more than 4 metres. However, in somesituations, such as some outdoor productionsystems, it may be necessary for the birds totravel more than 4 metres; in these situations,all birds must be adequately cared for in termsof stocking density, feeding and drinking spaceto allow for such movements.

Sudden changes in the type, quantity andmake-up of feed should be avoided. Anychanges in diet should be introduced gradually.

Compounded feeds which have been preparedfor other species should be avoided as certainsubstances can be toxic to birds.

For meat chickens, feed should not be withheldfor more than 12 hours before the birds areslaughtered or delivered to a new farm. Thisperiod of 12 hours must be an inclusive periodto include the catching, loading, transportlairaging and unloading time prior to slaughter.Prior to transport, water should be provided upto the start of the loading procedure (seeparagraph 88 for specific provisions forbreeding chickens.)

Water meters should be fitted to each house toenable daily monitoring of water usage. Dailyrecords of water consumption provide an earlywarning of potential problems and a watermeter is a necessary management tool.

Daily access to water throughout the period oflighting and a sufficient number of drinkers,well distributed and correctly adjusted, shouldbe provided.

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feed and water 7

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While it may not be possible to examine eachbird individually during routine inspection agood indication of flock health should begained on each occasion. Where birds are notbeing fed on ad lib diets, inspection isparticularly effective at feeding time when anybirds which are not fit will be slow to feed andcan be identified.

In order to ensure a thorough inspection theflock-keeper should walk within 3 metres ofevery bird and encourage it to move, takingcare not to frighten the birds with sudden,unaccustomed movement, noise or changes inlight levels. The aim should be to pass closeenough to the birds to see them clearly and forthem to be disturbed and so move away. Thisshould enable the identification of anyindividual that is sick, injured or weak. Anysuch birds should immediately be removed to ahospital pen and treated or humanely killed.Birds with considerable difficulty in walking,severe ascites, malformations, severe woundsor seizures should be culled immediately unlessthey can be treated and are likely to recoverwithout unnecessary suffering. Dead birdsshould be removed without delay.

It is a general offence under the Welfare ofAnimals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations1995 (S.I. 1995 No. 731) as amended by theWelfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing)(Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999 No.400) and the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter orKilling) (England) (Amendment) Regulations2000 ( S.I. 2000 No. 3352) to cause or permitany avoidable excitement, pain or suffering toany animal (bird) during the slaughter orkilling process (Regulation 4(1)). The generaloffence applies in all cases, but the detailedprovisions in respect of the method of slaughteror killing do not apply when an animal (bird)has to be killed immediately for emergencyreasons (Regulation 13(2)).

When an animal (bird) is routinely slaughteredor killed on farm, this must be done using apermitted method. The permitted methods ofkilling poultry include decapitation and neckdislocation.

Schedule 1, paragraph 2 of the Welfare ofFarmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000(S.I. 2000 No. 1870) requires that:

- All animals kept in husbandry systems inwhich their welfare depends on frequenthuman attention shall be thoroughly inspectedat least once a day to check that they are in astate of well-being.

- Animals kept in systems other thanhusbandry systems in which their welfaredepends on frequent human attention shall beinspected at intervals sufficient to avoid anysuffering.

Schedule 1, paragraph 3 states that:

-Where animals are kept in a building adequatelighting (whether fixed or portable) shall beavailable to enable them to be thoroughlyinspected at any time.

In order to reduce the risk of welfare problemsdeveloping on meat chicken or breedingchicken units, it is recommended that asystematic inspection of all flocks should beundertaken at least twice each day atappropriate intervals. Young birds, in the firstfew days of life, should be inspected morefrequently.

These health and welfare inspections may belinked with other visits to the poultry housesbut each inspection should be undertaken as aseparate, specific procedure.

Flock-keepers should establish in advance thebest course of action to take should problemsbe identified and ensure that veterinary orother expert advice is available when needed.

Light levels during inspection should besufficiently high to ensure that all birds in allparts of the house are clearly visible.

health8

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inspection


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Schedule 1, paragraph 5 of the Welfare ofFarmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000(S.I. 2000 No. 1870), state that any animalswhich appear to be ill or injured:

- shall be cared for appropriately without delay;and- where they do not respond to such care,veterinary advice shall be obtained as soon aspossible.

Schedule 1, paragraph 6 states:

- Where necessary, sick or injured animals shallbe isolated in suitable accommodation with,where appropriate, dry comfortable bedding.

A health and welfare programme should beimplemented for each unit which sets outhealth and husbandry activities covering thewhole of the production cycle. It should alsoestablish management procedures and controlmeasures to reduce the risk of infections andinjury. This will normally include an effectivevaccination protocol (which should becarefully monitored to ensure efficacy) toreduce the risk of disease outbreaks. Thehealth and welfare programme should bedeveloped with appropriate veterinary advice,reviewed against performance and updatedaccordingly.

Important indications of good health are clear,bright eyes, alertness, good posture, vigorousmovements if unduly disturbed, active feedingand drinking, singing and vocalisation,satisfactory egg production in the case ofbreeding chickens, and clean and healthy skin,shanks and feet. Any departure from the normmay indicate a problem which should be givenimmediate attention.

A disease challenge may first be noticed by achange in water consumption, a reluctance toeat, changes in litter quality or in the generalbehaviour of the flock. It is good management

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disease controlpractice to keep daily records of waterconsumption and where possible, feed intake.Veterinary attention should be sought at anearly stage in any outbreak of disease so that thecause can be determined and appropriateaction taken.

Measures to control diseases caused by externalparasites should be taken by using theappropriate parasiticides. It is particularlyimportant to take measures to prevent theestablishment of red mite infestation inbreeding chicken flocks; these measures mustnot cause harm to the birds.

Should the flock-keeper decide that there is agood chance of a sick bird recovering, it shouldbe isolated in a hospital pen, providing it is ableto eat, drink and stand unassisted. Birds shouldbe examined frequently throughout the day.However, if a bird is suffering and cannot betreated or if it fails to show significantimprovement within 24 hours of being placedin the hospital pen it should be humanelykilled without delay.

All those in contact with birds should practicestrict hygiene and disinfection procedures.Where possible the site should be managed sothat all houses are empty simultaneously tofacilitate effective cleaning, disinfection anddisinfestation. An “ all in – all out” approachwith periods when there are no birds on sitewill also act to provide a disease break.

When houses are emptied and cleaned, oldlitter should be removed from the site before re-stocking so as to reduce the risk of the carryover of disease.

Flock-keepers should monitor all birds forsigns of lameness, leg weakness or abnormalgait on a daily basis. Any bird which is unableto move about freely and find feed and watermust be humanely killed as soon as it isdetected unless it can be treated and is likely torecover without unnecessary suffering.

leg health

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Management measures should be taken toprevent lameness, having regard to previousexperience on the farm and recognised bestpractice. The strain and source of chicks,stocking density, lighting patterns, feedcomposition and feeding routine and littermanagement should all be considered.Lameness is often caused by a bone or jointinfection so effective prevention and controlof viral and bacterial disease is essential. If alameness problem develops, managementand husbandry practices must immediatelybe altered as appropriate in order to rectify theproblem. Encouraging activity will helpprevent the occurrence of leg problems.

Chickens can suffer from lameness due toinfections acquired in the parent flock orhatchery. It is believed that 60% of lamenesscases result from infectious causes. Highstandards of biosecurity and hygiene in theparent flock, in the handling of the eggs, atthe hatchery and in subsequent handling andtransport of the chicks should be maintained.Husbandry measures should be designed tominimise floor eggs and heavily soiled eggsshould not be set as hatching eggs.

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Prohibited operationsThe following are prohibited by law:

■ De-winging, pinioning, notching or tendon severing, which involve mutilation of wing tissues. When it is necessary to reduce the effects of flightiness, the flight feathers of one wing may be clipped.

■ The use of blinkers which pierce the nasal septum. Other forms of device fitted to bird’s heads (such as spectacles, contact lenses and nasal bits) may also cause welfare problems and should not be used.

■ Surgical castration and devoicing.

The Welfare of Livestock (ProhibitedOperations) Regulations 1982 (SI 1982 No1884) prohibit the fitting of blinkers to poultryby a method involving mutilation of the nasalseptum, operations on birds (other than featherclipping) to impede their flight and thedevoicing or surgical castration of male birds.

Mutilations can cause considerable pain andtherefore constitute a major welfare insult tofarm animals. They are undesirable in principleand should only be carried out where necessaryto avoid a worse welfare problem. Producersshould consider carefully the necessity ofperforming any mutilation. Where deemednecessary, mutilations should be carried outhumanely, in accordance with the law and bytrained, competent staff. High standards ofhygiene are essential.

When not carried out by a veterinary surgeonbeak-trimming must be carried out inaccordance with the Veterinary Surgery(Exemptions) Order 1962 (SI 1962 No 2557)i.e.: The operation of beak-trimming(sometimes known as debeaking) means the

beak trimming

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removal from a bird by means of a suitableinstrument of

(i) not more than a one-third part of its beak, measured from the tip towards the entrance of the nostrils, if carried out as a single operation; or

(ii) not more than a one-third part of its upper beak only, measured in the same way;and the arrest of any subsequent haemorrhage from the beak by cauterisation.

Beak trimming of birds reared for meat shouldnot be necessary because they are normallyslaughtered before reaching sexual maturity.Beak trimming of breeding chickens should beavoided if at all possible, and used only ifveterinary advice is that the procedure isessential to prevent worse welfare problems ofinjurious feather pecking and cannibalism.Consideration should be given toenvironmental enrichment as a means ofavoiding the necessity to beak trim; possiblemethods of environmental enrichment includethe provision of straw bales or brassicas orscattering of whole grain.

It is unnecessary to beak trim female breedingchicks and only the tip of the beak should beremoved from male breeding chicks. This isbest done at 5 to 10 days of age in order toallow the chicks to establish eating and peckingbehaviours before the operation takes place.Beak trimming of older birds should only becarried out when advised by a veterinarysurgeon.

The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Schedule 3Amendment Order 1988 (SI 1988 No 526)permits only a veterinary surgeon to removethe combs or to cut the toes of a domestic fowlwhich has reached the age of 72 hours. Onbirds younger than 72 hours the operationsmay be carried out by unqualified persons(those over 18 years of age) using a suitableinstrument. The removal of the dependent

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mutilations 11

dubbing

general

portion of a bird’s wattles may also be removedby unqualified persons, using a suitableinstrument.

The removal of all, or part, of the male comb isknown as dubbing. Removal of the comb offersfew, if any, welfare advantages in comparisonwith the disturbance and pain likely to becaused and should be avoided. Where theoperation occurs, it is usually performed whenthe chicks are one day old using sharp scissorsand should only be undertaken byappropriately trained personnel. Once chicksare over 72 hours old, the procedure must onlybe carried out by a veterinary surgeon: this is arequirement of law.

This is the removal, at day-old, of the spur budon the back of the male’s leg using a heatedwire. If the spur grows to be very pronouncedit may cause damage to females during mating.Selection of breeding male stock with thegenotype of short, blunt spurs should beencouraged, so that routine despurring shouldnot be necessary.

Some parts of the industry remove the dew andpivot claw from the feet of breeding males toprevent damage to females during naturalmating. The procedure is usually carried out atday-old and must be carried out by a trained,competent person. It is more common toremove only the dew claws as these causesignificantly more damage than the pivot claws.The removal of the pivot claw has littlejustification in welfare terms and should beavoided.

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This mutilation is controlled by law (see boxfollowing paragraph 37). Toe removal(cutting) for purposes of identification is anunnecessary mutilation and should be avoided.Instead alternative methods of identificationshould be used that do not adversely affect thechicks’ welfare.

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declawing

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despurring

toe removal


Schedule 1, paragraphs 11 and 12 of theWelfare of Farmed Animals (England)Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000 No.1870), state that:

- Materials used for the construction ofaccommodation, and, in particular for theconstruction of pens, cages, stalls andequipment with which the animals may comeinto contact, shall not be harmful to them andshall be capable of being thoroughly cleanedand disinfected.

- Accommodation and fittings for securinganimals shall be constructed and maintained sothat there are no sharp edges or protrusionslikely to cause injury to them.

Advice on welfare aspects should be soughtfrom qualified advisers before any newbuildings are constructed or existing buildingsmodified. It is important to ensure that thedesign of housing and equipment is suitable forthe intended use. The incorporation offacilities for raising drinkers and feeders to aidaccess for handling equipment should beconsidered. Consideration should also begiven to the incorporation of weighing,handling and loading facilities.

Flock-keepers should take measures to protectbirds from predators, rodents and otheranimals. Further advice on the control of vermin can be found in the DEFRA Code of Practice for the Prevention of Rodent Infestations in Poultry Flocks - see Appendix 1.

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- Air circulation, dust levels, temperature,relative air humidity and gas concentrationsshall be kept within limits which are notharmful to the animals.

Ventilation rates and house conditions should atall times be adequate to provide sufficient fresh airfor the birds and keep the litter dry and friable.Air quality, including dust level andconcentrations of carbon dioxide, carbonmonoxide and ammonia, should be controlledand kept within limits where the welfare of thebirds is not negatively affected. In particular, theconcentration of ammonia should not exceed20ppm of air measured at bird height level.

Extremes of temperature should be avoided.Maximum and minimum temperatures should bemonitored and recorded daily to assistmanagement. Birds should be protected fromcold draughts. Efforts should be made to ensurethat the ventilation systems do not result in largedifferences in air speed across the house.

Chicks should be placed in the brooding areawhen they arrive in the house and their behaviourmonitored carefully. Young chicks are particularlysusceptible to extremes of temperature and aneven distribution of the chicks in the house willindicate that they are comfortable. After 4-5weeks birds can tolerate a fairly wide range oftemperatures but every effort should be made toavoid creating conditions which will lead tochilling, huddling and subsequent smothering.

Birds on restricted feed are more susceptible tolow temperatures but less so to hightemperatures. If the temperature is allowed to fallthere may be a need to increase feed or provideheaters.

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general

ventilation and temperature

buildings and accommodation 13

Birds should not be exposed to strong, directsunlight or hot, humid conditions long enoughto cause heat stress as indicated by prolongedpanting. Housing affects the birds’ ability tomaintain their normal body temperature butunder any management system ambienttemperatures high enough to cause prolongedpanting may occur, particularly when humidityis relatively high. All accommodation shouldtherefore be designed so that its ventilation isadequate to protect the birds from overheatingunder any weather conditions that canreasonably be foreseen. Attention should bepaid to air throughput and distribution,especially at bird level.

Flock-keepers should plan ahead to avoid heatstress. During the summer monthsconsideration should be given to reducingstocking density at the time of ordering orplacing day-old chicks. If suffering or mortalityoccurs, the onus will be on the personresponsible for the birds to demonstrate thatthe measures taken were appropriate for thedesign of the building, its locality and thepredictable maximum temperature/humidity atthe time.

During hot and humid conditions, the birdsshould be checked frequently, but not disturbedunduly.

Steps should be taken to minimise the potentialfor heat stress by increasing ventilation and airspeed at bird level. Portable back-up fansshould be available. The air temperaturewithin a building may be reduced by improvedinsulation, hosing the roof and the correct useof evaporative cooling of incoming air. Theheat output of the birds may be reduced bylowering stocking density or changing thefeeding patterns. Advice about managementmeasures to prevent heat stress is given in aDEFRA booklet – “ Heat Stress in Poultry” - seeAppendix 1.

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Schedule 1, paragraphs 14-16 of the Welfare ofFarmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000(S.I.2000 No.1870), state that:

- Animals kept in buildings shall not be kept inpermanent darkness.

- Where the natural light available in a buildingis insufficient to meet the physiological andethological needs of any animals being kept init then appropriate artificial lighting shall beprovided.

- Animals kept in buildings shall not be keptwithout an appropriate period of rest fromartificial lighting.

Chickens should be housed at light levelswhich allow them to see clearly and whichstimulate activity. This should be provided bylighting systems designed, maintained andoperated to give a minimum light level of 10lux at bird eye height. Illumination of thehouse to at least 20 lux will further encourageactivity. Houses should have a uniform level oflight. If a behavioural problem such ascannibalism occurs, it may be necessary to dimthe lights for a few days.

Meat chickens which do not have access todaylight should be given at least 8 hours ofartificial lighting each day. It is important forbird welfare to provide them with a period ofdarkness (not less than 30 minutes) in each 24-hour cycle. This ensures the birds become usedto total darkness and helps to prevent panic inthe event of a power failure. Longer periods ofdarkness can reduce mortality and improve leghealth.

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heat stress lighting


Schedule 3 of the Welfare of Farmed Animals(England) Amendment Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002 No.1646) states that:

- Where any poultry other than those kept inthe systems referred to in Schedules 3A, 3B and3C are kept in a building, they shall be kept onor have access at all times to, well maintainedlitter or to a well-drained area for resting.

Meat chickens and breeding chickens spendtheir lives in contact with litter and their healthand welfare are linked to its quality. Conditionssuch as pododermatitis, hock burn, foot padlesions and breast blisters are consequences ofpoor litter quality. Well-designed equipmentand high standards of management areimportant if good litter quality is to bemaintained. The ventilation capacity should besufficient to avoid overheating and to removeexcess moisture. The feed composition shouldbe well balanced to avoid problems with wet orsticky droppings.

Litter should be kept loose and friable andmeasures should be taken to minimise the riskof mould and mite infestation. It should beinspected frequently for signs of deteriorationand appropriate action should be taken torectify any problem. Mouldy litter should notbe used. Litter should also be inspected toensure it does not become excessively wet ordry. A water system which minimises waterspillage should be used, such as water nippleswith drip cups positioned at an appropriateheight for all birds. Nipple drinkers withoutcups may be used if they are well managed andthe water pressure is checked frequently.Advice on litter management is given in aDEFRA booklet – “ Poultry LitterManagement” - see Appendix 1 - and flock-keepers should familiarise themselves with thisadvice.

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Farmers should make advance plans for dealingwith emergencies such as fire, flood, power orequipment failure, or disruption of supplies,and should ensure that all staff are familiar withthe appropriate emergency action. At least oneresponsible member of the staff should alwaysbe available to take the necessary steps. Fireprecautions should be a major priority for allflock- keepers. Where buildings need to belocked, arrangements shall be made to allowrapid entry in case of emergency.

Flock-keepers should have access to and befamiliar with the content of the DEFRA booklet“Farm Fires” – see Appendix 1. Expert adviceon all fire precautions can be obtained from fireprevention officers of local fire brigades andfrom the Fire Prevention Association.

Contingency arrangements should be made toensure that adequate supplies of water andsuitable feed can be made available inemergencies. Efforts should be made tominimise the risk of drinking water freezing.

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litter emergency procedures


- The freedom of movement of animals, havingregard to their species and in accordance withestablished experience and scientificknowledge, shall not be restricted in such a wayas to cause them unnecessary suffering orinjury.


- Where animals are continuously or regularlyconfined, they shall be given the spaceappropriate to their physiological andethological needs in accordance withestablished experience and scientificknowledge.

The maximum stocking density for chickenskept to produce meat for the table should be 34kg/m2, which should not be exceeded at anytime during the growing period. This stockingdensity is satisfactory for chickens reared to theusual slaughter weights (1.8 - 3.0 kg) but itshould be reduced for birds being reared tosignificantly lower slaughter weights.

However, a variety of factors need to be takeninto account when setting and monitoringstocking densities in chicken houses at levelswhich promote good welfare. The observanceof any particular stocking density is importantbut cannot, by itself, ensure the welfare of thebirds. There is a close relationship betweenstockmanship, environmental control andstocking density. Birds will be maintained ingood condition only if the balance is right andthe onus is on the producer to demonstrate thatwelfare is not compromised, whatever thestocking density.

Irrespective of the type of system, all chickensshould have sufficient freedom of movement tobe able, without difficulty, to stand normally,turn around and stretch their wings. Theyshould also have sufficient space to be able tosit without interference from other birds.

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Stocking density should be reduced andspecialist advice taken if problems occur, inparticular excessive heat or humidity due toinadequate ventilation and poor litter quality. Ifdisease or environmental problems arise in aparticular building or system, reducing thestocking density in subsequent flocks maylessen the likelihood of recurrence.

A notice indicating the internal floor areaavailable to the birds should be clearly andpermanently displayed at the entrance of eachhouse. This, along with other recordedinformation (see record keeping, paragraph73), will facilitate calculation of the stockingdensity.

Deliberately placing a high number of chicksand routinely “thinning” should be avoided asthis causes unnecessary distress to the birdsand may result in stocking densities that are toohigh.

stocking density and freedom of movement 16

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automatic or mechanical equipment

Schedule 1, paragraph 18 of the Welfare ofFarmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000(S.I. 2000 No. 1870) states that:

- All automated or mechanical equipmentessential for the health and well-being of theanimals shall be inspected at least once a day tocheck that there is no defect in it.


- Where defects in automated or mechanicalequipment of the type referred to in paragraph18 are discovered, these shall be rectifiedimmediately, or if this is impossible,appropriate steps shall be taken to safeguardthe health and well-being of the animalspending the rectification of such defectsincluding the use of alternative methods offeeding and watering and methods ofproviding and maintaining a satisfactoryenvironment.On artificial ventilation systems, Schedule 1,paragraph 20 states that where the health andwell-being of the animals is dependent on anartificial ventilation system:

(a) provision shall be made for an appropriate back-up system to guarantee sufficient air renewal to preserve the health and well-being of the animals in the event of failure of the system, and(b) an alarm system (which will operate even if the principal electricity supply to it has failed) shall be provided to give warning of any failure of the system.


- The back-up system referred to in paragraph(a) shall be thoroughly inspected and the alarmsystem referred to in paragraph 20(b) ofSchedule 1 shall be tested at least once everyseven days in order to check that there is nodefect in the system and, if any defect is found(whether when the system is being inspectedor tested in accordance with this paragraph orat any other time) it shall be rectifiedimmediately.

All equipment and services, including feedhoppers, feed chain and delivery systems,drinkers, ventilating fans, heating and lightingunits, fire extinguishers and alarm systems,should be cleaned and inspected regularly andkept in good working order.

Ventilation, heating, lighting, feeding, wateringand all other equipment or electricalinstallation should be designed, sited andinstalled so as to avoid risk of injuring thebirds.

All equipment should be constructed andmaintained in such a way as to avoid subjectingthe birds to excessive noise.

All automated equipment upon which thebirds’ welfare is dependent, must incorporate afail safe and/or standby device and an alarmsystem to warn the flockkeeper of failure.Defects should be rectified immediately orother measures taken to safeguard the healthand welfare of the birds. Alternative ways offeeding and of maintaining a satisfactoryenvironment should therefore be ready for use.

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additional requirements for free range birds18

Schedule 1, paragraph 17 of the Welfare ofFarmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000(S.I. 2000, No.1870) states that:

- Animals not kept in buildings shall, wherenecessary and possible, be given protectionfrom adverse weather conditions, predators andrisks to their health and shall, at all times, haveaccess to a well drained lying area.

You should also refer to EU MarketingStandards for Poultrymeat, CommissionRegulation (EEC) No 1538/91 (as amended),regarding stocking densities, feedrequirements, access to the range andminimum age at slaughter.

Land on which range birds are kept forprolonged periods may become ‘fowl sick’, i.e.contaminated with organisms which cause orcarry disease to an extent which could seriouslyprejudice the health of the birds on the land.Land should be frequently monitored for wormburden. The time taken for land to become fowlsick depends on the type of land and stockingdensity. Appropriate measures should be takento prevent fowl sickness or to provide a newranging area by moving the housing (in thecase of portable units) or to rotating the rangingarea outside fixed buildings.

Sufficient housing should be available to thebirds at all times and it may be necessary toexclude birds from the range in bad weather ifthere is a clear danger that their welfare will becompromised.

Birds should be encouraged to use the outdoorarea by provision of adequate suitable, properlymanaged vegetation ,a fresh supply of waterand overhead cover, all sufficiently far from thehouse to encourage the birds to range.

Factors such as soil type, drainage and size ofcolony and frequency of flock rotation are veryimportant in deciding the number of birds thata particular area can carry. Heavy, poorlydrained soil can carry fewer birds than landwhich is light and well drained.

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Schedule 1, paragraph 7 of the Welfare ofFarmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000(S.I. 2000 No. 1870) states that a record shallbe maintained of:

- any medicinal treatment given to animals, and

- the number of mortalities found on eachinspection of animals carried out in accordancewith the provisions in Schedule 1, paragraph 2.

Schedule 1, paragraph 8 states that the recordreferred to in paragraph 7 shall be retained fora period of at least three years from the date onwhich the medical treatment was given, or thedate of the inspection, as the case may be, andshall be made available to an authorised personwhen carrying out an inspection or whenotherwise requested by such person.

Records are an essential aid to management andthose kept should include:-■ The number and sex of chicks placed.■ Daily mortality and the number and average

weight of birds removed for slaughter or when thinning the flock to reduce stocking density.

■ Number of culls with reason for cull to be recorded (leg culls to be specifically identified).

■ Where possible, feed consumed (daily and cumulative).

■ Body weight in relation to expected growth rates.

■ The internal floor area of the house.■ Daily water consumption (water meters

should be fitted in each house).■ Testing and maintenance of automatic

equipment, including alarms, fail safes, fire extinguishers and stand-by generators.

■ Daily maximum and minimum temperature.

■ The lighting regime - intensity and duration.

■ Dates of cleaning/disinfection and bacterial counts between placements.

■ Veterinary consultation, date and outcome.■ Medicine and vaccine administration

records.

Additionally, for the purposes of salmonellacontrol, the breeding sector must keep certainrecords under the Poultry Breeding Flocks andHatcheries Order 1993. Full details of therecords to be kept can be found in the DEFRAbooklet – “A Guide to the Poultry BreedingFlocks and Hatcheries Order 1993”. Theserecords will compliment those detailed aboveand aid flock management.

record keeping

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The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order1997 (S.I. 1997 No 1480) covers the transportof all vertebrate animals, including birds.Among other requirements;

- Article 4 states that no person shall transportany animal in a way which causes or is likely tocause injury or unnecessary suffering to thatanimal.

- Article 6 states that no person shall transportany animal unless: -(a) it is fit for its intended journey, and(b) suitable provision has been made for its careduring the journey and on arrival at the place ofdestination.

For these purposes an animal shall not beconsidered fit for its intended journey if it is ill,injured, infirm or fatigued, unless it is onlyslightly ill, infirm or fatigued and the intendedjourney is not likely to cause it unnecessarysuffering.

- Article 10(1) requires that any persontransporting animals shall ensure that theanimals are transported without delay to theirplace of destination.

- Article 10(2) requires that in the case ofanimals transported in a receptacle, any personin charge of animals shall ensure that they arenot caused injury or unnecessary sufferingwhile they are in the receptacle either waitingto be loaded on to the means of transport orafter they have been unloaded.

- Schedule 3 (Part I) requires that means oftransport and receptacles shall be constructed,maintained, operated and positioned to provideadequate ventilation and air space. Receptaclesin which animals are carried shall beconstructed and maintained so that they allowfor appropriate inspection and care of theanimals. Receptacles in which animals arecarried shall be of such a size as to protect theanimals from injury or unnecessary sufferingduring transport. Receptacles in which birds aretransported shall be constructed andmaintained so that they prevent any protrusionof the heads, legs or wings from them.

The catching and handling of birds withoutcausing them injury or stress requires skill. Itshould only be undertaken by competentpersons, i.e. those who have been appropriatelytrained to the task. Responsibility for themanagement of the operation should be clearlyallocated.

High standards must be applied irrespective ofthe potential economic value of the birds.Surplus birds or birds at the end of lay awaitingdisposal should be treated as humanely as thoseintended for retention or sale.

Panic among the birds and subsequent injuryshould be avoided. Catching should take placein low or blue light to minimise fear responses.Catching and handling should be carried outquietly and confidently exercising care to avoidunnecessary struggling which could bruise orotherwise injure the birds.

Unless they are caught and carried around thebody (using both hands to hold the wingsagainst the body), birds should be caught andcarried by both legs. No catcher should carryby the legs more than three chickens (or twoadult breeding birds) in each hand. Birds mustnot be carried by the wings or by the neck.

One possible way of avoiding the potential fordamage to the birds is to collect the birdsmechanically; only devices proven to behumane should be considered for use ingathering birds.

The distance birds have to be carried should beminimised by taking the crates and containersinto the house. Density in the crates should beadjusted according to weather conditions andsize of bird. It is important to ensure that oncebirds are loaded in the container they are notexposed to extremes of temperature

catching, handling and transport20

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Crates or containers should be suitable for thepurpose of transporting birds and allow themeasily to be put in, conveyed and taken outwithout injury. They should in particular beprotected from rain and road spray whichgreatly increases the effect of wind chill,although effective ventilation must bemaintained.

Journeys should be carefully planned so thatbirds are not left on the vehicle for long periodseither at the start of the journey or at theirdestination. The provision of adequateventilation and protection from adverseweather and extremes of temperature areessential during loading and transport.

Measures should be taken to ensure efficientremoval of excess heat and water vapour. It isimportant to make use of the natural airflowpatterns around a moving vehicle to optimiseconditions for the birds during transport.However, when a vehicle is stationary for anylength of time, mechanical ventilation may benecessary to maintain acceptable levels oftemperature and humidity. When this is thecase it is more effective to extract air from thevehicle than to blow air into it.

Schedule 3 (Part II) of the Welfare of Animals(Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (S.I.1995 No. 731) as amended by the Welfare ofAnimals (Slaughter or Killing) (Amendment)Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999 No. 400) and theWelfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing)(England) (Amendment) Regulations 2000(S.I. 2000 No. 3352) requires that animals(including birds) are unloaded as soon aspossible after arrival at a slaughterhouse. Afterunloading, animals must be protected fromadverse weather conditions and be providedwith adequate ventilation. In addition, if anyanimal has been subjected to high temperaturesin humid weather, it must be cooled byappropriate means.

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22 additional recommendations for breeding chickens

breeding procedures

Schedule 1, paragraph 28 of the Welfare of FarmedAnimals (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000No. 1870), requires that:

- Subject to sub- paragraph (2) (below), natural orartificial breeding or breeding procedures whichcause, or are likely to cause, suffering or injury toany of the animals concerned shall not bepractised.

- Sub-paragraph 1 shall not preclude the use ofnatural or artificial breeding procedures that arelikely to cause minimal or momentary suffering orinjury or that might necessitate interventionswhich would not cause lasting injury.


No animals shall be kept for farming purposesunless they can reasonably be expected, on thebasis of their genotype or phenotype, that they canbe kept without detrimental effect on their healthor welfare.

Breeding birds have been selected over severalgenerations for their genetic potential for largeappetites, fast growth and high fertility.Consequently, their husbandry requirementsdemand committed and competent stockmanshipand a high standard of housing and equipment.Control of the environment is essential.

As in many aspects of husbandry, to promoteoptimum welfare the amount of feed offered tobreeding chickens is a fine balance betweenoffering too much feed (because birds fed todemand would become obese, fail to survivethrough the laying period and breeding would beseverely impaired) and causing suffering due tohunger and starvation. The weight of presentevidence is that the overall welfare of the bird isbetter if feed is restricted. However it is particularlyimportant that the effects on the individual bird arecarefully monitored by skilled staff.

Feeding equipment should be capable of deliveringsmall quantities rapidly, accurately and evenly to

feed and water

all birds in the house and the amount of troughspace allocated should allow access to feed for allbirds intended to be fed.

In no circumstances should breeding birds beinduced to moult by withholding feed and water.Withholding feed and/or water is unlawful (seebox following paragraph 10). Paragraphs 11, 14,and 18 of this code apply at all times, includingwhen moulting is induced.

Birds should not be fed on the day oftransportation as they travel more comfortablywith an empty crop. Increased feed should begiven to breeding birds on the day before travel andwater should be made available up to the time ofcatching.

For breeding birds, it may be necessary to managethe supply of water in relation to the feeding systemand programme to reduce excessive drinking andto maintain litter quality. When access to water istime limited it is vital that there is generousprovision of drinkers with adequate flow to enableall birds to drink without undue competition whenthe water supply is turned back on.

During the first 6 weeks of life feed levels should beadequate to ensure good skeletal development.The level of feed intake throughout rearing shouldbe managed to achieve a steady growth, not lessthan 7% week-on-week, and the desired weightand condition at point-of-lay.

Feed should be offered to the birds at least dailythroughout the production cycle with theexception of the day before depopulation, when amore generous allocation should be fed inanticipation of fasting the birds before slaughter.Skip a day regimes are not acceptable (they are alsounlawful, see box following paragraph 10).

In addition to routine daily checks, the bodyweight and condition of the birds should besystematically monitored and recorded on a weeklybasis. Prompt, appropriate adjustments should bemade to feed allocation according to what is found.

As the amount of feed offered to the birds is sosmall its nutritional quality must be carefully

parent breeding chickens

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monitored and controlled. The flock-keeper mustbe particularly vigilant after changes in feedbatches.

During lay, cockerels and hens have differentnutritional requirements and may be fed differentlywithin the same house. The equipment used toprevent cockerels taking feed intended for hensshould be carefully adjusted to ensure that accessfor hens is maintained and cockerels are notinjured. However, some systems and stages in theflock require both males and females to be fedsimilar amounts of feed together and so it may bedesirable to remove cockerel excluders from femalefeeding systems.

Primary breeding companies should identify thebest means of minimising the number of elite birdssubject to detailed selection performance testingand the age and weight to which they grow on anad libitum feed regimen. Once the selectionprocedures are complete, weekly recording ofweight gain should be used to check that the birdsfollow the correct body weight profile to ensuregood health and production.

Because of the constraints to which they aresubjected, the management of elite birds during theperiod of feed restriction (from 8 weeks to point-of-lay) must avoid any other welfare challenge andprovide even feed distribution, effectiveenvironmental control and avoid disease challenge.

Breeding birds should be reared in houses in whichtemperature, humidity, ventilation rates, lightlevels and photoperiods are carefully regulated. Awell designed house will incorporate insulationand heaters, ventilation fans and vents, effectivelightproofing, and a lighting system providingcontrollable light levels with uniform distribution.

To enrich the environment, insoluble grit shouldbe offered (spread on the litter) from about 6 weeksof age. This will also help the gizzard to breakdown any litter or feathers which may have beenconsumed, and encourage scratching. Foraging

behaviour has the added advantage of improvinglitter quality. Suitable perches in the rearing housemay provide a form of enrichment to aid the birdsin performing another of their natural behaviours.Perches will also aid the birds’ adaptation fromlitter to raised, perforated floors when they move tothe laying house.

Recommended minimum light intensities andphotoperiods for breeding birds are:

up to 10 days - minimum of 60 lux at day old, reducing to 10 lux and an uninterrupted day length minimum of 8 hours by 10 days of age.

up to point of lay - minimum of 10 lux. Uninterrupted daylength minimum of 8 hours.

laying - minimum of 20 lux. Uninterrupted daylength increasing from 8 hours to a maximum of 18 hours.

All the above should be measured at bird eyeheight. If aggression occurs, the lights should bedimmed for a few days.

After the first few days of life, there should be a setperiod of at least 6 continuous hours of darkness inany one 24-hour period.

Stocking density for breeding birds should notexceed 25 kg/m2 calculated by dividing the totalweight of all the birds (males and females) in thehouse by total area available to the birds. Thecalculation of stocking density should be on thebasis of all stock within the house, including males.

When breeding birds are unloaded, care should betaken when lifting them out of a crate or whentipping them out of an open-topped container.Breeding birds should have immediate access towater on arrival, especially where slats are fitted.

stocking density, freedom of movement

elite (pedigree) birds

catching, handling and transport

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buildings and accommodation

24 disposal of surplus chicks and embryos in hatchery waste

The permitted methods of killing surpluschicks and embryos in hatchery waste are setdown in Schedule 11 of the Welfare ofAnimals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations1995 (S.I. 1995 No. 731) as amended by theWelfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing)(Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999No. 400) and the Welfare of Animals(Slaughter or Killing) (Amendment)(England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000 No.3352)

They are:

for chicks- mechanical apparatus producing immediate death (instantaneous mechanical destruction); exposure to gas mixtures (high concentration of carbon dioxide or argon or argon/carbon dioxide mixture containing not more than 30% carbon dioxide and not less than 60% argon); or dislocation of the neck.

for embryos in hatchery waste -mechanical apparatus producing immediate death (instantaneous mechanical destruction).

Chicks should always be killed by a skilledoperator. Birds must be placed in the highestobtainable concentration of carbon dioxide,supplied by a source of 100% carbon dioxide.When chicks are exposed to gas mixtures,they must remain in the gas mixture untildead. The capacity of any mechanicalapparatus must be sufficient to ensure thatchicks and embryos are killedinstantaneously.

When using carbon dioxide or gas mixtures,the operator should check thoroughly toensure that all birds are dead. When usingany of the permitted gas mixtures it isessential that the levels of each gas aremonitored and maintained as any build up inthe oxygen content will significantly reducethe effectiveness of the system and is likely toresult in birds taking longer to die or possiblyregaining consciousness. The rate of deliveryof birds should be such as to ensure that birdsare not crushed or suffocated during exposureto gas mixtures or when passing through amechanical apparatus.

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appendix

Publications available from DEFRA

PB No. Title

1147 Emergencies on Livestock Farms

0621 Farm Fires: Advice on Farm Animal Welfare

1315 Heat Stress in Poultry: solving the problem

1739 Poultry Litter Management

3476 Welfare of Poultry at Slaughter: A Pocket Guide

3724 Guide to Alleviation of Thermal Stress in Poultry in Lairage

2594 Explanatory Guide to the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995

2630 Code of practice for the Prevention of Rodent Infestations in Poultry Flocks

1435 A Guide to the Poultry Breeding Flocks and Hatcheries Order 1993

7323 Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Salmonella inBroiler Flocks On Farm

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useful publications

Copies of the above publications can beobtained, free of charge, from: -

DEFRA PublicationsAdmail 6000LondonSW1A 2XXTelephone Orders (for free publications)0845 955 6000Telephone Enquiries: 0845 955 6000Email: [email protected]: http://www.defra.gov.uk

These publications are updated on aregular basis; for more information on themost current versions and new literatureplease contact DEFRA’s Animal WelfareDivision on 020 7904 6512

Copies of the legislation quoted in the Codeare available from The Stationery Office:

TSO Publications CentrePO Box 29Norwich NR3 1GNTelephone orders: 0870 600 5522Email: [email protected]: http://www.clicktso.com

If you would like any further information oradvice relating to this code please contactDEFRA’s Animal Welfare Division on 020 7904 6512

further information

Further copies of this publication are available from:DEFRA Publications

Admail 6000London

SW1A 2XXTel: 0845 955 6000

Printed on Recycled Paper containing 75% post consumer waste© Crown Copyright July 2002 PB7275

Documents

Defra meat chickens breeding welfare code standard