RSPCA welfare standards for hatcheries: chicks, poults and ducklings

The RSPCA welfare standards for hatcheries have been developed to provide the only RSPCA-approved scheme for the hatching, handling, transport and culling/killing of chicks, poults and ducklings. They take account of UK legislation, government welfare codes, scientific research, veterinary advice, recommendations of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) and the practical experience of the farming industry. The standards are based upon the "Five Freedoms" as defined by FAWC (hence the name "Freedom Food"). Although these "Freedoms" define ideal states, they provide a comprehensive framework for the assessment of animal welfare on farm, in transit and at the place of slaughter, as well as representing an important element of farm assurance requirements. The Five Freedoms are: Freedom from hunger and thirst; Freedom from discomfort; Freedom from pain, injury and disease; Freedom to express normal behaviour; and Freedom from fear and distress. Table of Contents: Introduction; Management; Handling and storage of eggs; Hatching; Handling; Beak trimming of laying hen chicks and turkey poults; Vaccination; Culling and killing; Transport; Cleaning and disinfection of equipment; Index.

24 pages. PDF: 2.45MB. The standards are continually reviewed and revised by the department. Please NOTE: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. To read the latest version of this publication, please click here. To see information on the other welfare standards reports on chicken; turkeys; domestic/common ducks; laying hens; pullets (laying hens); pigs; dairy cattle; beef cattle; sheep; and farmed Atlantic salmon, please click here.

ISBN: 978-0-901098-10-8

Price: Online version: Free of charge