SPCA CERTIFIED STANDARDS FOR THE RAISING AND HANDLING OF EGG LAYING HENS

Transcription

1 SPCA CERTIFIED STANDARDS FOR THE RAISING AND HANDLING OF EGG LAYING HENS

2 The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Approved and published: October 30, 2017 (V.1) Copies available from: BC SPCA Farm Animal Welfare Program 1245 East 7 th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5T 1R1 Telephone: Toll free: Facsimile: Website:

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION FEED AND WATER Space, Equipment and Systems Feed Management and Nutrition Water Management and Hydration ENVIRONMENT Housing Space Allowance Environmental Enrichment Foraging, Scratching and Dust Bathing Areas Perches Nest Boxes Lighting Temperature Ventilation and Air Quality Free-Range Production Range Management HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY Veterinary Client/Patient Relationship Flock Health Plans Monitoring Flock Health Managing Sick and Injured Birds Medications and Vaccines Culls and Mortalities Biosecurity Plans Biosecurity and Sanitation Protocols Nuisance Animal Control MANAGEMENT Record Keeping Staff Knowledge and Training Physical Alterations Bird Identification Controlled Moulting Purchase and Sale of Hens Emergency Preparedness TRANSPORTATION Training and Preparation Pre-Transport Fitness of Chickens for Transport Catching Loading Transport Conditions Unloading and Placement of Birds EUTHANASIA Training and Planning Equipment and Procedures Mass Depopulation SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

4 7.4 Certification of Abattoirs APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF REQUIRED RECORD KEEPING APPENDIX B: DECISION TREE - SHOULD THIS BIRD BE LOADED? APPENDIX C: TEMPERATURE-HUMIDITY INDEX APPENDIX D: MEASUREMENT CONVERSION TABLE APPENDIX E: REFERENCES SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

5 1.0 INTRODUCTION The SPCA Certified program is an independent, third party animal welfare certification system. SPCA Certified brings stakeholders together to further common goals in farm animal welfare. Products come from farms that have been annually assessed by trained, independent Validators to SPCA Certified farm animal welfare standards. Certification is then determined by third party, independent reviewers. The BC SPCA believes that an animal s welfare is synonymous with its quality of life and that an animal s health and psychological well-being both contribute to welfare. While we acknowledge it is not possible to prevent animals from experiencing all pain or discomfort in their lives, SPCA Certified standards strive to provide animals with the Five Freedoms, which are derived from those first described by the Farm Animal Welfare Council of the UK: 1. Freedom from hunger and thirst 2. Freedom from discomfort 3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease 4. Freedom from distress 5. Freedom to express behaviour that promotes well-being The Egg Laying Hen Standard The key components of the program for egg laying hens are: Freedom from battery cages Space that allows birds to move freely, preen, stretch and flap wings Provision of nest boxes, perches and dust bathing areas Prohibition of stressful forced molting practices Implementation of a Flock Health Plan for hen health management The SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens incorporates current research in animal welfare science with practical protocols developed by a Species Advisory Committee (SAC) an expert panel of animal welfare scientists, veterinarians, and farmers in consultation with the BC SPCA. Standards are amended by the SAC as new scientific information and animal care practices are developed and proven to enhance animal welfare. No endorsement by SAC members or their respective organizations is implied. How to Use the Standard This standard meets or exceeds Canada s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens (2017). a) SPCA Certified program participants must have a thorough understanding of, and adhere to, the Code of Practice (COP) and the additional requirements set out in this document. b) Program members are required to follow federal and provincial acts and regulations related to environmental and food safety practices. c) are must do practices for program participation. d) If a farm is not in compliance with a particular mandatory requirement, the Certification Body: Expects the farmer to demonstrate how s/he intends to come back into compliance via an action plan, which must be developed and implemented. The Certification Body will use this action plan to benchmark the farmer s progress on the non-compliance issue. OR May, depending on the severity of and/or failure to address the non-compliance issue, opt to decertify the farm. *Further detail on non-compliance issues can be found in the Operations Manual. e) provide further information and, when appropriate, outline timelines for future standard requirements. 3 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

6 2.1 Space, Equipment and Systems 2.0 FEED AND WATER a) Feed and water availability must be checked at least twice daily to ensure equipment is functional and that birds are eating and drinking (COP 5.5). This is particularly important for water when temperatures are below the freezing point. Attend to any defective equipment immediately. b) All feeding and drinking devices must be placed at a height appropriate to the size of the birds in order to ensure access to feed and water, and to reduce the potential for water spill and resultant litter dampening. c) No bird must have to travel more than 8 m (26 ft) in the barn to reach a food or water source. d) Required feed and water space is as follows: Feed and Water Space a Accessible feeder space per bird a Accessible water space per bird 7.0 cm (2.8 in) 4.0 cm (1.6 in) Maximum birds per water nipple or cup 10 Minimum # water sources (drinkers) per flock 2 a Calculate perimeter space for round feeders and waterers by multiplying linear space by 0.8 Nipple drinkers are recommended over bells and troughs as nipples reduce water spillage and are easier to keep clean Install water meters to monitor the flock s daily water intake When using automated watering devices, monitor and control water pressure Record dates and times of feed and water equipment inspections as well as any corrective actions taken 2.2 Feed Management and Nutrition a) Feed must be available to hens at all times. Brief interruptions in feed supply for the purpose of system maintenance, or under the direction of a veterinarian, are acceptable. For requirements pertaining to feed withdrawal pre-loading and in transit, refer to Section 6.0 b) Laying hens must receive a diet that is nutritionally balanced (as per National Research Council (NRC) requirements or a qualified poultry nutritionist), free from contaminants, and provided in quantities that maintain health and vigor. This includes providing a separate source of calcium for laying hens. Dietary/nutrient requirements vary by genetics, age and stage of growth. Adjust rations to meet hens needs. c) Provide insoluble grit to laying hens to aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system. d) The use of probiotics, enzymes or other nutritive supplements in feed is acceptable. Refer to Section 4.5 (Medications and Vaccines) for information on the use of pharmaceutical products in feed. e) Records to be kept on file and/or presented to the Validator: A list of feed ingredients, including the ingredient breakdown and minimum guaranteed nutrient analysis of feedstuffs for each flock of birds A list of any feed supplements or additives, if used, and the application guidelines (e.g. product justification, dosage and duration of treatment) 4 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

7 A current list of feed suppliers Source feeds and feed ingredients from suppliers that test for contamination and who also provide quality assurance Maintain a proper feed depth to assure that all nutrients are consumed and the buildup of mouldy feed is prevented Test feed if bird health or behaviour is indicative of feed contamination or poor nutritional quality Avoid making any changes to feed quality, form or nutritional content suddenly. Changes should be made gradually and according to recommendations provided by a nutritionist, veterinarian, or other qualified specialist. Provide feed in ground form rather than pelleted form in order to extend food-directed pecking behaviour and to decrease the likelihood of cannibalism The recommended size of grit for laying hens is 6.35 to 8.0 mm. The recommended amount per hen per week is 7g. Monitor and keep daily records of feed consumption as a sudden decline may be indicative of a problem in need of further investigation (note: this record is a requirement under the BC Range Program, as listed in the 2017 BC Specialty Egg Production Manual) 2.3 Water Management and Hydration Water quality and availability are extremely important to poultry health and productivity. Limiting water availability will depress production rapidly and severely, and poor quality drinking water is often a factor limiting intake. Laying hens would typically consume about 1,500-1,600 ml of water per bird per week by 20 weeks of age. Limiting water availability will result in water deprivation, reduced growth, diminished egg production, and may eventually lead to increases in morbidity and mortality rates. High concentrations of minerals (typically associated with water hardness) can build up in watering equipment and restrict flow or plug lines altogether, thus limiting water availability. Poultry drinking water may contain significant amounts of contaminants such as various metals, sulfates and nitrates. While many of these contaminants don t post a serious risk to poultry health, they may have a significant impact on production. However, high levels of pathogens such as bacteria, protozoa and viruses in drinking water are cause for bigger concern since a number of serious pathogenic conditions can be transmitted via contaminated water sources. Intestinal bacteria (found in manure) tend to cause the greatest concern. Water counts of coliform bacteria or E. coli are most commonly used to assess water quality because their presence in feces is common and therefore excessive presence in drinking water is indicative of poor hygiene. Water quality may change over time, so past analysis cannot be relied upon. Water testing should be done routinely under normal circumstances. Changes to the appearance, smell or taste of the water, as well as changes in bird eating or drinking habits, production or health, should trigger the need for more frequent water testing. Further, producers are advised to monitor water consumption rates regularly and take remedial action if consumption levels decline. a) Clean, palatable drinking water must be available to hens at all times and in quantities to meet their needs, including when temperatures are below the freezing point ice is not acceptable as a drinking water source. Monitor water on an ongoing basis for changes that may suggest a change in quality or palatability (e.g. odours, cloudiness, rust). Brief interruptions in water supply for the purpose of vaccinations, water system maintenance, or under the direction of a veterinarian, are acceptable 5 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

8 For requirements pertaining to water withdrawal pre-loading and in transit, refer to Section 6.0 b) Water must be tested at least once annually to ensure its suitability for laying hens (COP 4.3). Take samples directly from birds drinking source (e.g. water nipple) Have an accredited laboratory perform the water quality analysis. A veterinarian or poultry specialist can help to select an appropriate laboratory. Test for heavy metals, ions, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrates/nitrites, sulfates, total coliform count and fecal coliform count. Coliform testing per 100 ml must be specifically requested from the lab. Consult a poultry veterinarian or nutritionist for guidance on maximum acceptable levels. Bacterial analysis must indicate that both total coliforms and fecal coliforms (e.g. E. coli) are <1 per 100 ml in water samples Take immediate corrective action if water is determined to be unsuitable for chickens Test results must be kept on file and submitted to the Validator, or sent to the Certification Body c) The use of probiotics, enzymes or other nutritive supplements in water is acceptable. Refer to Section 4.5 (Medications and Vaccines) for information on the use of pharmaceutical products in water. d) A list of any water supplements or additives used and the application guidelines (e.g. product justification, dosage and duration of treatment) must be presented to the Validator. Water temperature at bird access points should never exceed 30 o C When interruptions to water supply are warranted (as per Section 2.3 a), limit the interruption to less than 4 hours when it occurs during the daylight period Test drinking water ph when doing water testing Test surface water sources and wells more frequently than once annually to ensure water quality is maintained Aim for zero detectable coliforms per 100 ml of water and less than 500 organisms per ml of water in water samples taken from the birds drinking water supply. Consult a poultry veterinarian or nutritionist for guidance on maximum acceptable contaminant levels in drinking water. Probiotics are best administered early in life or following an illness. Follow the label for dosage and duration of use when administering probiotics in the chickens drinking water. Consult your veterinarian for additional advice on probiotic use in poultry. Monitor and keep daily records of water intake as a sudden decline may be indicative of a problem in need of further investigation (note: this record is a requirement under the BC Range Program, as listed in the BC Specialty Egg Production Manual). The installation of a water meter will help with monitoring flock water consumption. 6 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

9 3.0 ENVIRONMENT 3.1 Housing Housing must be designed to ensure the comfort, hygiene and health of all birds. The environment provided in the rearing phase should closely match what will be provided in the laying phase, especially when layers will be housed in multi-tiered systems where feed and water will be located on elevated tiers. This will ease the transition from the pullet facility to the layer facility, and will help prevent problems like cannibalism and feather pecking. It will also ensure birds are quickly and easily able to locate feed and water. Facility planning should take into consideration the unloading and loading processes as well, making sure that birds can be safely and humanely placed and removed from the barn. a) Birds must be sourced from cage-free rearing systems. If they will be housed in multi-tiered laying facilities, they must be sourced from cage-free rearing systems in which they had access to perches (COP 5.1). b) Facilities must be prepared for placement in advance of receiving the birds. This includes being cleaned and heated, with litter (see Section 3.3.1), feed and water readily available. c) Housing in cages, on wire flooring or on fully slatted flooring is prohibited. Partially slatted floors are permitted as per Section 3.2 Space Allowance. d) No floor shall have a slope greater than 8 (14%) (COP 2.2). e) Multi-tiered aviary systems must not have more than 3 tiers above ground level (COP 2.6). f) In tiered systems, tiers must be arranged in a way that prevents manure from falling onto tiers below, and must have a manure removal system that does not injure or interfere with the hens (COP 2.6). g) In free-range systems, barns must have exits (popholes) that allow easy access to and from the range. Refer to Sections 3.7 and for further detail on free-range production and management. h) When building or renovating barns and yards, consider the way birds are moved in and out of the facility. Plan construction in a way that will ensure safe, efficient and humane transfer of birds to and from the transport vehicle. Likewise, driveways must be maintained in a way that permit safe, easy, and unobstructed access by transport vehicles. (COP 6.5) Place vertical panels at various points throughout the barn to prevent mass clustering and potential piling of birds Flooring should be easy to disinfect, preventing parasite and pathogen buildup. The use of earthen floors is strongly discouraged due to the difficulty involved in disinfecting earth floors between flocks. Design slatted floors for easy walking, with gaps no larger than 2.5 cm (1 inch), and for passing as much manure as possible to the manure collection area below Use one manure belt per tier in multi-tiered aviary systems Install ramps and/or ladders at angles of 45 or less to allow hens to easily access each tier in multitiered aviary systems Take steps to minimize noise levels. Avoid sudden noises and noises that are constantly loud (e.g. from equipment or machinery). Exposing birds to subtle background noise (e.g. a radio) may help prevent them from startling easily. Undertake barn renovations/construction when no birds are present Ensure there are a sufficient number and size of doors/openings to allow for an easy catching and loading process, and that these areas permit efficient and humane hen handling 7 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

10 3.2 Space Allowance a) A minimum height of 45.0 cm (17.7 in) must exist between the floor and ceiling of each tier in aviary systems (COP 2.5.1). b) Space must permit freedom of movement, such as the ability to stretch, preen, flap wings and easily move about the environment. At minimum, each hen should be provided with the following amount of space, which does not include nest boxes or perch space: Metric Imperial All litter 1,900 cm 2 / hen 2.05 ft 2 / hen Partially-slatted 1,111 cm 2 / hen 1.20 ft 2 / hen a Maximum slat area permitted Fully-slatted 50 % in free-run systems 67 % in free-range systems Not permitted Outdoor areas & mobile units 1,900 cm 2 / hen 2.05 ft 2 / hen a Refer to Section for further detail on slat-to-litter ratios required for freerun and free-range systems; refer to Section 3.7 for SPCA Certified program differentiation between free-range and free-run operations Free range producers who are constructing new barns or renovating existing structures are encouraged to allocate a minimum of 50% or more of the flooring to the litter area (50% or less to slatted flooring) Range quality (e.g. level of denuding, presence of muddy or contaminated areas) will be used as an indicator as to whether stocking density is appropriate (see Sections 3.7 and for further detail on free-range production) 3.3 Environmental Enrichment Environmental enrichment is a feature of a hen s social and physical environment that improves her welfare beyond her most basic needs for survival. The goals of enrichment are to: Expand upon the number and variety of normal, positive behaviours Improve the birds ability to cope with stressors Prevent the development, frequency and severity of abnormal behaviour (e.g. reducing cannibalism) Improve/maintain physical health (e.g. prevent lameness) by stimulating bird activity Enable better use of the surrounding environment a) Environmental enrichment (further explained in the following sections) must be provided to allow birds the freedom to perform natural behaviours that enhance their physical and social well-being, such as perching, foraging, dust bathing and nesting behaviour. Start providing enrichment to chickens at placement. b) Monitor enrichment items to ensure they do not pose a health risk to birds (e.g. poisoning, digestive issues, pathogen transfer, injuries). 8 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

11 3.3.1 Foraging, Scratching and Dust Bathing Areas Litter provides heat retention, moisture absorption and cushioning. It not only provides comfort to birds, but is also important to bird welfare because it provides hens with the opportunity to perform natural, healthy behaviours like foraging (pecking and scratching the ground in effort to search for food) and dust bathing (comfort behaviour that promotes good skin and feather health). The opportunity to forage may have the added benefit of reducing incidences of feather pecking and cannibalism. However, if litter quality is not managed properly, it may lead to poorer welfare. Birds may show increased incidence and severity of hock burns, foot pad lesions, respiratory problems and outbreaks of coccidiosis. Therefore, it is important that litter be maintained in good condition and replaced or topped up when necessary. a) Birds must have access to well-maintained litter area with a suitable litter material at all times. Poultry manure alone is not a suitable litter material (see recommendations, below). Hens may be restricted from accessing the litter area for a maximum of 3 days after placement while they are being trained to use the nest boxes for laying. b) At minimum, the litter area must make up: 50% of the floor space in free-run systems 33% of the indoor floor space in free-range systems Refer to Section 3.7 for SPCA Certified program differentiation between free-range and free-run operations. c) The litter material must: Be introduced and maintained in a dry, friable condition Be of a suitable material that is non-toxic and absorbent Be of a suitable particle size, devoid of large clumps Be introduced at a depth of 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) to allow for dilution of feces this variance allows for differences in bedding materials and whether flooring is being heated Allow hens to dust bathe Be replaced or topped up when the above conditions are not met (also see recommendations, below, for guidance on monitoring litter quality) Be removed and replaced with new, fresh litter between flocks d) If flooring does not provide sufficient claw wear, provide abrasive strips in areas where hens commonly scratch for this purpose. Free range producers who are constructing new barns or renovating existing structures are encouraged to allocate a minimum of 50% or more of the flooring to the litter area (50% or less to slatted flooring) Litter quality can be evaluated using the table below: Litter Quality Acceptable Poor (too wet) Poor (too dry) Description Litter should loosely pack together when compressed Litter easily packs together when compressed Litter will not pack together when compressed Suitable litter materials include untreated wood shavings, sawdust, chopped/cut straw and dried vegetable matter left over from crop harvest (e.g. pea matter). If wood shavings or sawdust are used, ensure they originate from untreated wood. Sand can be used since it encourages dust bathing, but sand should not make up the majority of the litter area as it is not an ideal foraging material. 9 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

12 Monitor litter around feeders and waterers closely, as it is often wetter there than elsewhere in the barn. Pelleted litter is very absorbent and can be very effective in areas that are difficult to manage, such as under waterers. Remove caked litter promptly Problems with hens laying eggs in the litter can be avoided by increasing the lighting in the litter area, which will encourage foraging and dust bathing and will discourage egg laying. Likewise, ensure the nesting area is dimly lit to encourage laying. Consider providing a variety of additional, evenly distributed foraging sites and pecking objects, especially those consisting of nutritional enrichment, within the housing area to stimulate bird activity and redirect problematic pecking. Example foraging sites and pecking objects, which can be available on the floor, hanging from the ceiling/tiers, or wall-mounted, may include: bales of straw or hay, oat hulls, insoluble grit, whole grain feed scattered around the litter area, cabbages, hanging wooden blocks and other novel objects. Provide additional dust bathing areas/boxes containing diatomaceous earth to assist with external parasite control Perches Perching behaviour comes naturally to hens. Being able to perch holds evolutionary importance as it allows birds to watch over the flock for approaching predators and other dangers, as well as escape from potential dangers on the ground. Safety is especially important at night while the flock is asleep. Perches also provide opportunities for hens to exercise, improving bone and muscle strength. The shape, material and cleanliness of perches can affect foot health, so it is important to take these factors into consideration when constructing and installing perches in the laying hen facility. a) Purpose-designed perches must be constructed of an easy-to-clean, non-slip material that is incapable of harbouring mites. Feeder and water trough edges and slatted flooring are not considered purpose-designed for perching. b) Perches must not have any sharp edges or pose any risk of injury to hens using, mounting or dismounting from them, or to the hens nearby. c) At least 15 cm (5.9 in) of accessible linear perch space must be provided per bird. d) Perches must be at least 1.9 cm (0.75 in) in diameter or width as this allows hens to properly grip and balance upon the perch (COP 2.5.3). e) At least 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of space must be provided between perches on the same horizontal level to prevent birds from trapping their claws when perching. f) Perches must be situated a minimum of 19.0 cm (7.5 in) from walls (COP 2.5.3). g) Perches must be situated a minimum of 19.0 cm (7.5 in) from the ceiling or any perch, tier, or structure located directly above them, vertically (COP 2.5.3). h) When there is less than 19.0 cm (7.5 in) of vertical space between neighbouring perches, they must be at least 30.0 cm (11.8 in) apart from each other horizontally, or 30 cm (11.8 in) will be subtracted from the total linear perch space available in the barn for each intersection of crossed perches (COP 2.5.3). i) All perches must be raised at least 30 cm (11.8 in) above the floor, with a minimum of 20% of required perch space raised 40 cm (16 in) above any floor or tier (COP 2.5.3). j) Perches must not exceed 1.0 m (39.4 in) above the closest floor or perch (COP 2.5.3). k) Perches must not be installed inside, or extend into, nests. (COP 2.5.3) l) Perches must be positioned in a way that minimizes soiling of feed, water and birds below the perch. m) Anti-perch wire installed over feed or water lines must not be electrified or connected to any source of electricity. 10 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

13 Producers who are constructing new barns or renovating existing structures are encouraged to construct at least 18 cm of perch space per hen Use rounded, oval or mushroom-shaped perches to allow birds to grip them comfortably and to minimize foot and leg injuries Ideally, the top surface of perches should be approximately 4 cm (1.6 in) in width Provide perches at varying heights The angle between perches of different heights should be kept to 45 or less to ensure ease of access The distance between perches of the same height should be kept to 1.0 m (3.3 ft) or less Position perches over slats or a manure belt; avoid positioning them over foraging and dust bathing areas Nest Boxes a) Birds must be provided with easily accessible nest boxes that are designed, fitted and maintained to avoid distress or injury to the birds. b) Nest space shall be provided as follows: Individual nests: Minimum 1 per 5 hens Communal nests: Minimum 1 m 2 per 120 hens c) In order to promote nesting behaviour, nest boxes must contain either a purpose-designed nest mat/pad or a suitable nesting substrate that is kept clean, dry, friable and moisture absorbent. Nest box flooring must not be wire or plastic coated wire. d) Clean nests frequently to prevent buildup of manure. e) In order to provide privacy and shading during nesting, nests must be enclosed on at least three sides. If a curtain is used at the entryway to the nest, it must extend close to the floor without restricting egg flow (COP 2.5.2). f) Nest boxes must not contain feeders, drinkers or perches (COP 2.5.2). g) Nest boxes must be located at least 15.2 cm (6.0 in) away from the feeder (COP 2.5.2). Provide individual nests rather that larger communal nests, or a combination of both nest types if possible, as some hens prefer smaller nests Provide a nest curtain at the entryway to the nest to allow added privacy for hens using the nest box Monitor nests for signs of over-crowding when flocks are coming into lay to ensure that smothering is not occurring as a result of birds crowding into recently used or vacated nests 3.4 Lighting Light intensity, wavelength and duration are all of importance in egg production. Birds are sensitive to a wider light spectrum than humans, and research indicates they prefer brighter lighting that is richer in UV wavelengths, especially during activities such as feeding. Brighter lighting in active areas allows birds to easily access feeders, drinkers, perches and nests, and reduces floor eggs. Hens prefer dim lighting in the nest. When lighting is insufficient during the wakeful period, birds cannot see properly and have difficulty (or become injured) navigating their environment. Extended periods of insufficient lighting may lead to poor eye health. When the light period is too long or the dark period is not dark enough, activity and rest periods are not synchronized, and hens who are moving about the environment are constantly disturbing those who are trying to sleep. Chickens perform better and are healthier when they have distinct light and dark periods of appropriate intensities. 11 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

14 Dawn-dusk lighting programs signal approaching day and night times using a gradual change in light intensity. At dawn, birds begin to come down from roosts to feed. At dusk, they tend to feed just prior to seeking a roost for the night. Implementing dawn-dusk lighting periods allows birds sufficient time to dismount perches in the morning and roost at night without injury. It also controls bird density at the feeders during those times, which reduces the likelihood of injuries like scratches and cellulitis. a) During daylight hours, indoor lighting must be either: Full spectrum lighting (i.e. daylight simulating bulbs); or Natural lighting (e.g. via evenly distributed windows, doors, and/or skylights, open-sided barns, light-permeable fabric, etc.). The areas that permit entry of natural light must make up no less than 1% of the total ground-floor area unless it can be demonstrated that natural light levels are, at minimum, 20 lux anywhere in the barn. If renovation of barns on existing operations is needed in order to comply with this requirement, operators must submit a renovation plan to the Certification Body within 12 months of the date of publication of this Standard. Operators will be granted a period of up to 3 years from the date of publication of this standard to install full spectrum lighting Operators will be granted up to 10 years from the date of publication of this standard to install natural lighting sources b) Indoor light intensity must be: Measured at bird height A minimum of 20 lux in directly lit areas during daylight hours (sufficient to read a newspaper) Below 1 lux at night (less than the light emitted from a full moon on a clear night) Adjustable (whether automated or manual) to simulate dawn and dusk periods, and to allow for assessment of the flock and facilities at night, if needed. For non-electrified housing, portable lighting of sufficient lux for assessment of flocks at night are acceptable; e.g. gas lamps, flashlights. c) At least 8 continuous hours of light ( day time ) and 8 continuous hours of darkness ( night time ) must be provided in a 24-hour period, starting at placement, unless the natural light/dark periods are less. d) Lighting program details must be made available to the Validator during assessments. e) Light control systems must be inspected regularly so they are maintained in working order. Purchase a lux meter in order to more accurately measure and adjust (if needed) light intensity Take measures to ensure a uniform distribution of light within a barn, as this will promote an even use of space by the birds and will limit undesirable behaviour, such as cannibalism. For example: a) make sure bulbs are evenly placed, working, clean, and of the same wattage; b) provide lighting within each tier of multi-tiered systems, including at ground level under the first tier if hens are able to access that area; c) use dim lighting only where it is needed, such as in nest boxes. Consider installing light sensors in barns to automatically turn lights on/off when needed, thus ensuring the minimum 20 lux is achieved at all times during the light period. Such systems can also be used to continuously measure and record light intensities. Make lighting changes gradually over time, as abrupt changes to the hours or intensity of light provided to birds may reduce feed intake, increase stress, or promote injurious behaviour When artificial lighting is used, if lighting is automated, program the system to provide a 30-minute period of dim light just before the lights are turned on or off to simulate dawn and dusk periods. If lighting is not automated, turn banks of lights on (morning) or off (evening) in sequence, timed a few minutes apart, to simulate dawn and dusk periods. 3.5 Temperature The behaviour of chickens can be used as an indicator of thermal comfort. A temperature close to optimal is present when the chickens are evenly distributed throughout the barn. 12 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

15 Humidity and air movement will also play a role in bird comfort. In general, the following behavioural signs may indicate thermal discomfort: Too hot: Crowding at the perimeter of the heating zone Panting Frequent spreading of the wings Lying flat out Pasty excreta on the cloacal area Decreased feeding behaviour Too cold: Crowding in close proximity to the heat source Huddling Feather ruffling Rigid posture Trembling Piling of birds on top of one another Distressed vocalizations In an outdoor environment, adult birds will compensate for cooler temperatures by increasing their feed intake. Shelters and shaded areas will assist in ensuring bird comfort (refer to Section 3.7 Free-Range Production). a) Heating systems must be inspected regularly and maintained in working order so that birds have access to a thermally comfortable environment. The optimal temperature range for birds over 6 weeks of age is C (50-82 F). Take corrective action if birds show signs of being too hot or too cold. b) Record daily minimum and maximum barn temperatures, taken at bird height. Make these records available to the Validator. Ensure hens with significant feather loss are protected from cold stress by adjusting the barn temperature accordingly 3.6 Ventilation and Air Quality Ventilation and air quality are closely linked. Proper ventilation will remove airborne contaminants and stale air, exhausting them to the barn s exterior while bringing in fresh air. Ventilation can also be effective in maintaining optimal temperature and humidity. Improper ventilation can lead to poor control of temperature and humidity and poor air quality, which may negatively influence bird health. For example, high aerial ammonia levels can cause decreased respiratory health, impaired growth, reduced feed intake, and formation of lesions, ulcers and inflammation in the eyes of poultry. a) Ventilation systems must be inspected regularly and maintained in working order to ensure: Proper circulation of fresh air throughout the birds indoor environment Exhaustion of aerial contaminants (e.g. dust and gases) to the barn s exterior Uniform air movement throughout the barn, minimizing drafts Properly maintained humidity levels (target 50-70%) b) Aerial ammonia: Must be evaluated indoors at bird height in each room, barn/house and site certified Levels must be recorded weekly, beginning at 14 days after placement. Producers may use automated equipment or litmus paper testing kits (litmus paper testing kits can be purchased from the Certification Body for a nominal fee). Must be maintained below 20 ppm or remedial action is required 13 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

16 Records must be made available to the Validator c) In order to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) containing exhaust fumes from entering the barn, gaspowered equipment must not be used near the barn s air inlets. High CO levels are fatal to chickens and humans. Monitor aerial ammonia levels more often than once weekly during cold and/or humid weather. It is recommended that producers obtain the appropriate measuring tools to monitor the following aerial contaminant levels and aim to ensure they remain below the following recommended maximums: Aerial Ammonia (NH3) Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Carbon Monoxide (CO) Dust ideally maintained below 10 ppm should not exceed 2.5 ppm (ideally < 0.5 ppm) should not exceed 4,000 ppm (ideally < 3,000 ppm) should not exceed 50 ppm (ideally < 10 ppm) should not exceed 5 mg/m 3 respirable dust, or 10 mg/m 3 total dust 3.7 Free-Range Production **Although encouraged, especially during good weather, outdoor access (i.e. free-range production) is not a requirement of this Standard. Sections 3.7 and apply to producers who are raising and marketing free-range (including organic) hens. Free-range operations interested in earning SPCA Certified status must meet the requirements of these sections or the operation will be considered free-run.** Access to the outdoors can be very enriching for hens (see Section 3.3 Environmental Enrichment). However, in much of Canada, seasonal weather conditions can be severe and are not conducive to outdoor production year round. When weather is ideal, and in order to ensure hens are aware of the presence of an outdoor area, it is important that pophole openings (i.e. exits) are high enough for them to see the range from inside the barn, unobstructed by other hens. It is also important that popholes be wide enough to allow the passage of more than one hen at a time, so that dominant hens and loiterers do not block others from entering and exiting the barn. a) Laying hens labelled as free-range or pastured must have access to the outdoors: For at least 6 hours per day For at least 1/3 of the year (minimum 120 days) b) Access to the outdoors may only be restricted: For two weeks from the point of lay while hens are being trained to use the nest boxes for laying During inclement weather or when outdoor temperatures fall below 15 C or exceed 30 C If there is an imminent threat to the health and welfare of the hens If the birds are ordered indoors by a veterinarian, industry officials or government officials (e.g. for disease control or biosecurity purposes), in which case authorized documentation is required c) Space allowance for birds housed outdoors must comply with Section 3.2 Space Allowance. d) Barns must have popholes that allow easy access to and from the winter garden (if applicable) and the outdoors. Popholes must be distributed along the access side(s) of the barn. e) Pophole size and spacing requirements are as follows: Minimum vertical measurement: 45 cm (18 in) Minimum horizontal measurement: 40 cm (15.7 in) (COP 2.7.1) Note: It is a BC Egg Marketing Board requirement that free-range egg producers in British Columbia have a minimum 51 cm (20 in) of horizontal space per pophole Minimum amount of horizontal pophole space per bird: 0.30 cm/bird (0.12 in/bird), which is approximately equal to one 40 x 45 cm (15.7 x 18 in) pophole per 132 hens 14 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

17 Minimum number of popholes: 2 for flocks of 100 hens or more, 1 for flocks of less than 100 hens Maximum distance to a pophole from anywhere that hens live inside the barn: 15 m (49 ft) f) When barns do not meet the pophole space requirements (with the exception of COP requirements), the producer must provide evidence that pophole size and spacing enables hens to exit and re-enter the barn with ease, and at least 25% of birds are using the range when there are no constraints per Section 3.7b. g) Document days on range and pophole opening and closing times. Any time hens are restricted from accessing the outdoors, the periods of restriction and reason must be recorded. These records must be made available to the program Validator during site visits. When restriction from range is weather related, the outside temperature and weather conditions (e.g. snow, rain, etc.) must be recorded with the reason birds were kept indoors When restriction is due to an order by a veterinarian, industry official or government official, authorized supporting documentation must be kept on file h) Free-range producers must have the ability to provide adequate indoor housing conditions, as required by this Standard, to keep their birds indoors throughout the production cycle if necessitated due to veterinarian or government orders for disease control. Producers are encouraged to periodically evaluate the hens use of the range by taking photos of birds using the range at various times throughout the day over a period of time in varying weather conditions Provide multiple popholes to prevent dominant birds from blocking subordinate birds from entering/exiting the barn. Larger horizontal popholes are ideal. Distance between the barn floor and the bottom of a pophole should be no more than 51 cm (20 inches) Limit the amount of direct sunlight entering the barn via popholes Range Management Chickens evolved from Jungle Fowl who lived amongst overhead jungle cover such as trees, shrubs and other vegetation. This cover provided them with shelter from the weather (rain, hot sun) and protected them from predators. The range area should be able to accommodate natural hen behaviours such as foraging and dust bathing as a group, which hens prefer. Having overhead cover in place on range allows birds to feel sheltered and safe. When covered areas are spread out around the range, extending to areas furthest from the barn, ranging behaviour is encouraged and use of the outdoor area for various hen activities is more evenly distributed. a) The outdoor area must be well maintained, which includes being: Maintained mostly covered (minimum 50%) in vegetation and seeded, if necessary. A vegetationfree perimeter around the barn is permitted to facilitate control of nuisance animals. Free of poisonous plants, chemicals or other things that could cause harm to the hens Well drained in order to avoid muddy or unsuitable conditions, including under feeders and waterers Free of debris that may shelter nuisance animals, such as rodents Managed according to environmentally sound practices and any government regulations applicable to manure spreading, fertilizer application, pesticide and herbicide use Rotated or rested to allow time for drying (if possible) and regrowth when needed to prevent longterm damage to soil or vegetation 15 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

18 b) Feed and water, when provided outdoors, must be provided in a way that discourages or prevents access by wild birds, rodents and scavengers, and in a way that is protected from adverse environmental conditions (e.g. feed being soaked by rainwater). c) To provide adequate protection from predators and shelter from the weather while outdoors: The outdoor range area must be fenced around the perimeter Perimeter fencing must be a minimum of 1.2 m (4.0 ft) high and tight to the ground Hens must have access to overhead cover (e.g. trees, shrubs, hay bales, fabricated structures) distributed throughout the outdoor area. Also see Section 4.9 Nuisance Animal Control. Hens that do not have access to a barn must have access to shade and shelter sufficient for the entire flock at any time Control direct water runoff from the barn by installing eaves troughs or a building overhang and control water drainage using a coarse material outside the popholes to reduce the potential for water pooling and mud holes Avoid using outdoor areas prone to flooding, containing large bodies of standing water, or having stony or heavy soils for hen range areas Range should be free of standing water within 48 hours of rainfall Have an active range management plan for damaged range areas. The plan should include range rotation, reseeding and hen exclusion to encourage vegetation regrowth when the climate permits. Assess the need to move mobile field shelters every 4 days, or more often, and move them as required to maintain range quality Ideally, perimeter fencing should extend into the ground to prevent predators from burrowing underneath to enter range areas Provide windbreaks when there is a likelihood of strong winds 16 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

19 4.1 Veterinary Client/Patient Relationship 4.0 HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY Establishing a Veterinary Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR), in addition to developing a flock health plan (see Section 4.2), is critical to maintaining the health and welfare of the laying hen flock. A VCPR is in place when the veterinarian assumes responsibility for making clinical judgments about the health of the hens and the need for medical treatment, and the client agrees to follow the veterinarian s instructions. Additionally, the veterinarian has enough knowledge of the hens to, at minimum, initiate a general or preliminary diagnosis of their medical condition. This means the veterinarian will have recently seen the flock and is personally familiar with its keeping and care by virtue of an examination or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the facilities where the hens are kept. a) Producers must establish a VCPR with a licensed poultry veterinarian. Consult the veterinary licensing body in your province of residence for a list of licensed poultry veterinarians in your local area. In areas where a practicing poultry veterinarian is unavailable, the Certification Body may permit a VCPR with a licensed veterinarian experienced with other farm animal species. 4.2 Flock Health Plans The health status of a flock is a significant factor in the welfare of the birds. Accordingly, developing a Flock Health Plan is vital to maintaining hen health and welfare. The main goals of a Flock Health Plan are to prevent disease and to minimize mortality, illness, and injury over time. As such, the principal components of the Flock Health Plan are: Identification of potential health challenges and disease risks An outline of the management practices that prevent potential disease and injury Annual updates intended to strengthen the plan by addressing past health and welfare concerns Attentive record keeping of flock health measures Correspondence between the manager, the veterinarian, and the Certification Body on all significant animal health matters a) A written Flock Health Plan must be developed and implemented by the farm owner or manager and submitted to the Certification Body for review as part of the farm s application and continued membership in the program. b) The Flock Health Plan must be reviewed and updated by the farm owner or manager: Annually After any major health incident After any significant change to the production system is made (e.g. introduction of new species to the farm, facility changes) c) Familiarize stockpeople with the Flock Health Plan. Consult your veterinarian for assistance with development and revision of a Flock Health Plan The Certification Body has developed a template Flock Health Plan that is available to farmers as a resource (via the web portal). Farmers may opt to submit their own plan provided the information it contains covers that requested in the Certification Body s Flock Health Plan template. 17 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

20 4.3 Monitoring Flock Health a) Unless otherwise specified, flocks must be inspected at least twice daily for injuries, illnesses, diseases, physical and behavioural abnormalities/problems, and the presence of dead birds (COP 5.5). Have stockpersons approach within 3 meters (10 feet) of every bird, encouraging the birds to move in order to identify sick or injured birds Remove dead birds immediately b) Investigate recurrent or flock-wide health or behavioural problems to identify the cause and enact a solution. Consult your veterinarian to conduct a diagnostic investigation and assist with a plan to resolve the problem if needed. Diagnostic testing for disease or parasites, including blood sampling and/or necropsies, may be requested by the Certification Body Diagnostic records must be kept on file at the farm and a copy sent to the Certification Body as part of the Flock Health Plan c) Instances of reportable diseases or suspicion of such diseases among the flock must be brought to the immediate attention of a veterinarian. A current list of federally reportable diseases in poultry can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website or in the Reportable Diseases Regulations under the Health of Animals Act (see Appendix E References) Consult with your provincial Ministry of Agriculture for a list of provincially reportable diseases (in British Columbia, this list can be found in the Animal Health Act or on the BC Ministry of Agriculture website) Inspect the flock more frequently during the first two weeks after placement to ensure birds are locating resources with ease and are adapting to their new environment Example issues to look for during flock inspections include: Pendulous crop, poor body condition, poor feather condition or coverage, lameness, physical injuries, parasites (internal and external), infectious diseases, metabolic diseases (e.g. ascites), abnormal respiratory sounds or open mouth breathing, abnormal behaviour and behavioural problems 4.4 Managing Sick and Injured Birds a) Sick and injured birds must be treated or euthanized without delay. around euthanasia planning, procedures and protocols can be found in Section 7.0. b) In order to control outbreaks of cannibalism, remove injured birds from the flock as soon as they are identified. In the event of a cannibalism outbreak, contact your veterinarian to discuss possible measures for remediation. c) If sick or injured birds are treated rather than immediately euthanized, areas (e.g. hospital pens) must be provided to segregate birds undergoing treatment and provide elements that promote the birds recovery (e.g. extra feed and water). d) Birds in segregation must be monitored 3-4 times daily so they can be assessed for continued recovery. Birds not showing significant clinical improvement within 48 hours must be euthanized. e) Keep a medical log for flock vaccinations and birds undergoing treatment and recovery that outlines the: Reason for treatment (e.g. lameness, feather pecked) Treatment method used (e.g. time to recover, medication/remedy) Method of bird identification (e.g. distinguishment in appearance, leg band colour/number) Medication withdrawal time (hours, days or weeks, if applicable) Treatment outcome (i.e. recovery and reintegration to flock, further treatment, death, euthanasia) See Section 4.5 (Medications and Vaccines) for requirements around the use of pharmaceuticals 18 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

21 See Section 4.6 (Culls and Mortalities) for record keeping requirements relating to euthanized birds f) Flock lameness rate must not exceed 5% in any cycle. Provide dust bathing areas containing diatomaceous earth to assist with external parasite control Behaviours such as vent and feather pecking and cannibalism can become a significant problem in laying hen flocks regardless of the housing system in place. Factors affecting this behaviour include genetics (choice of strain or breed), quality and intensity of light, flock/group size, stocking density, mites, changes in feed provision or nutrition, and changes to the environment (e.g. weather, noise levels, equipment malfunctions, etc.). Consider the following methods of preventing problematic pecking behaviour: Look for signs of injurious feather pecking regularly Remove overly aggressive birds and translocate them to a separate section of the barn Provide enrichment in the form of foraging areas and pecking objects (see Section Foraging, Scratching and Dust Bathing Areas) Provide enough raised perches to allow hens to escape aggressive interactions (see Section Perches) Provide enough nest boxes to prevent resource guarding (see Section Nest Boxes) House hens in smaller social groups Increase space provided per bird Choose a different breed/strain of hen Ensure feed is available to all birds at all times Make changes to feed gradually Ensure the diet is not nutrient deficient Provide feed in mash rather than pelleted form in order to increase time spent in food-directed pecking Avoid points of high light intensity in the barn (whether artificial or natural) Dim the lights (provide 2-5 lux) or using red lighting for a short time as a last resort, if other methods have failed to resolve the problem Use a lighting schedule that helps synchronize flock activities Consider the following to reduce the occurrence of lameness in the flock: Use a lighting program that provides sufficient periods of darkness Ensure birds receive proper nutrition for their stage of production. This consists of a diet that has an appropriate balance of vitamins and minerals as well as a balance of essential amino acids. Stimulate activity by walking through the barn more often and by enriching the birds environment with foraging areas and perches 4.5 Medications and Vaccines a) Flocks must be vaccinated as appropriate to each farm and according to the veterinarian s recommendations. Consult with a veterinarian on what vaccinations are appropriate for the farm. b) The administration of pharmaceutical products other than vaccines to chickens (in feed, water, or to individual birds) is only permitted as prescribed by a licensed poultry veterinarian for the treatment of birds with existing injuries or disease, and strict adherence to withdrawal periods is required. Such products are prohibited from use on healthy birds, as growth or performance enhancers. c) Prior to administering homeopathic remedies as the sole method of treatment for pain, an injury, or a disease, ensure the remedy has been proven effective in scientific trials for the use intended and provide supporting documentation to the Certification Body. The Certification Body is supportive of the use of homeopathics to treat illnesses and injuries and to manage pain provided there is peer reviewed scientific evidence documenting the use and 19 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

22 success of the remedy in laying hen production. In the absence of such evidence, the Certification Body cannot accept homeopathics as the sole method of pain control or treatment for illnesses and injuries. d) Complete and accurate records must be kept of all vaccines, drugs and treatments used, including homeopathic medicines, in the medical log (see Section 4.4). Withdrawal times must be recorded, closely monitored, and adhered to. These records, as well as a record of all veterinary prescriptions, must be provided to the Validator during inspections. 4.6 Culls and Mortalities a) All culls, mortalities and causes (if known) must be recorded daily. Distinguish between culls (euthanized) and found mortalities in the record book. These records must be made available to the Validator. b) The following table outlines maximum mortality thresholds (including birds that have died naturally or are culled from the flock and euthanized) at any given time. DOA (dead on arrival) numbers reflect birds that die in transit (see Section 6.5 Transport Conditions). Maximum Prevalence 24-hour period Per month once in lay Per flock Transport DOA s 0.2 % of flock 0.5 % of flock 5 % total 0.3 % per load c) If the top three mortality thresholds are exceeded at any time, consult your veterinarian and initiate a diagnostic investigation. Keep the vet report on file. d) If the top three mortality thresholds are exceeded for two successive cycles, a veterinary site visit is required and a copy of the veterinarian s report, including causes and suggested strategies to prevent or minimize recurrence, must be submitted to the Certification Body. e) Follow up with the transporter and take remedial action if the transport DOA threshold is exceeded. f) Send suspicious mortalities for diagnostic testing and keep the related report on file. Distinguishing between culls and found mortalities in the log book will help assess the effectiveness of the on-farm euthanasia plan and protocols (see Section 7.0 Euthanasia) 4.7 Biosecurity Plans The purpose of biosecurity planning is to protect the flock from the introduction and spread of diseases. An effective program encompasses two main concepts: Exclusion (i.e. keeping diseases out of the flock) Containment (i.e. preventing the spread of diseases within the flock or to other flocks) a) A written Biosecurity Plan must be developed and implemented by the farm owner or manager and submitted to the Certification Body for review as part of the farm s application and continued membership in the program. b) The Biosecurity Plan must be reviewed and updated by the owner or manager: 20 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

23 Annually After any major health incident (e.g. disease outbreak) After any significant change to the production system is made (e.g. introduction of new species to the farm, facility changes) c) Familiarize stockpeople with the Biosecurity Plan. Develop the Biosecurity Plan using an industry-approved program, such as the BC Poultry Biosecurity Program (or another provincial/federal program), or with the assistance of a licensed veterinarian The Certification Body has developed a template biosecurity plan that is available as a resource via the web portal. Farmers may opt to submit their own plan provided it addresses, at minimum, the information requested in the Certification Body s template. 4.8 Biosecurity and Sanitation Protocols It is the farm owner s responsibility to ensure all farm visitors (including program Validators) adhere to biosecurity protocols. a) An all-in/all-out system must be used to restock each flock. Mixing new stock with the home flock is prohibited. Barns must be left empty for at least 7 days between flocks (COP 5.4) b) Each flock must be of a single type (species and age). Flocks of different species or ages must be isolated from each other with appropriate biosecurity measures, as identified in the Biosecurity Plan. c) Cleaning and sanitation procedures: Feed bins and equipment must be flushed out if they previously contained feed with prohibited ingredients or feed that is nutritionally inappropriate for the incoming flock Watering equipment must be cleaned and disinfected with an appropriate product to prevent biofilm from forming inside the lines Barns and permanent fixtures must be washed/cleaned After washing, apply disinfectant to any equipment or permanent fixtures that will be reused by the new flock (e.g. feeding, watering and ventilation equipment, nest boxes, etc.) Wash and disinfect enrichment objects between flocks, or dispose of and replace those that cannot be sanitized Allow time for the barn to dry thoroughly after washing before applying a disinfectant Allow disinfected areas to dry thoroughly before adding bedding or placing birds Used litter must be removed and replaced with new, fresh bedding between flocks d) All by-products such as manure, litter and carcasses must be managed and disposed of in accordance with relevant local, provincial and federal government regulations (or recommendations where regulations do not exist), including the provincial Poultry Biosecurity Program guidelines for mortality handling. Containment and disposal must be managed in a way that prevents access by chickens, predators and nuisance animals. e) All farm visitors must: Be informed and in understanding of all on-farm biosecurity requirements prior to accessing areas housing birds Only be allowed to enter barns under proper supervision and/or with permission, and their access must be monitored (COP 5.4) Be recorded in a log (e.g. calendar, spreadsheet, handwritten form) to assist in on-farm disease tracking/control. At minimum, the log must indicate the visitors names and contact information, the date and time of each visit, as well as when the visitors last contact with another poultry farm occurred. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing on site (e.g. single-use plastic booties or disinfected rubber boots, clean cover-alls, etc.). 21 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

24 Have access to foot dips (or boot sanitation stations) and hand sanitizers (or hand wash stations) at each barn to avoid cross-contamination, especially if different breeds, species, ages or sources of poultry are located on the same site Follow any other biosecurity protocols specified by the farm owner and/or outlined in the farm s Biosecurity Plan Source all new birds from sources of known health status where high management and sanitation practices are in place (e.g. government-registered hatcheries) Plan barn orientation, barn spacing, and ventilation systems in a way that will avoid contamination of one barn with exhaust from another Ensure all farm visitors are free from contact with other poultry for at least 24 hours prior to their visit When moving from one barn to another is necessary, move from a younger flock to an older flock, and/or from the healthiest flock down to the least healthy flock Have a self-quarantine protocol in place and include it in the written Biosecurity Plan Limit or restrict movement of equipment between barns unless it can be fully sanitized first 4.9 Nuisance Animal Control Biosecurity as well as the health and welfare of the hens may be at risk if they are exposed to other animals or insects. Prevention of access to the premises (i.e. exclusion) is of primary importance and should be implemented as the first step in controlling nuisance animal populations. a) Monitor facilities for signs of rodents and other animals, wild bird and insect infestations at least once weekly. b) Control fly and insect populations in indoor and outdoor settings. Fly paper and zap traps are acceptable Take steps to locate and eliminate potential insect breeding areas c) The primary step in protecting hens from rodents and wild birds in the barn involves their exclusion from the premises: Eliminate clutter in and around the barn Take steps to rodent-proof feed storage containers and bins Ensure other structures are dry and inaccessible (e.g. litter storage facilities, etc.) Familiarize stockpeople with places rodents and birds prefer to take shelter and take steps to eliminate or reduce those areas d) If rodent access to the barn is achieved, a method of lethal control may be chosen to resolve the issue: Quick-kill snap traps (preferred over rodenticides): Traps must be checked daily. Rodents found alive and injured by traps must be promptly euthanized. Ineffective traps must be replaced. Rodenticides: May only be used to control severe rodent outbreaks and must only be applied using bait stations managed according to Health Canada s Pest Management Regulatory Agency regulations (see Appendix E for how to find the PMRA regulations) Prohibited methods: Methods of control that prolong discomfort or suffering, either due to the method itself or because the method is ineffective, are unacceptable, as are those that endanger other animals. Therefore, the use of glue boards, electrocution, drowning, live freezing/hypothermia, and traps that cause death by starvation are strictly prohibited. e) Traps, nets, and screens used to prevent access of wild birds to the barn must be checked daily. Birds found caught in the net may be freed if they are healthy. Birds found alive but injured must be promptly euthanized. f) Poultry must be protected from predators (including dogs and cats) and any other nuisance animals not covered above, firstly by methods of exclusion, such as overhead cover and perimeter fencing, 22 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

25 and by methods that do not cause pain and suffering (e.g. use of guardian animals). Also see Section Range Management. g) Lethal control of predators may only be used as a last resort, after exclusion and other animal management methods have been attempted and proven unsuccessful. When used, methods of lethal control must result in instantaneous, irreversible unconsciousness and death of the predator, thus the use of poisons against predators is prohibited. Records must be kept regarding the predator(s) in question, the number and type of animals killed, and the method used. h) The use of leghold traps and snares are prohibited. i) Any guardian animals (e.g. dogs) used to protect the flock must be given care suitable to maintain good health and welfare. This includes access to an appropriate feed and water, grooming for the purpose of maintaining good health (e.g. nail or hair trimming when necessary), and veterinary care that includes parasite control and the monitoring and treatment of injuries and illnesses. j) Guardian animals must be provided with retirement plans (e.g. re-homing options) at the end of their working career. If euthanasia is required due to declining health it must be carried out by a veterinarian. Killing of healthy guardian animals for owner convenience is prohibited. Ideally, perimeter fencing should extend into the ground to prevent nuisance animals from burrowing underneath to enter range areas. To ensure a prompt death, euthanize live and injured rodents found in traps using manually applied blunt force trauma to the head followed by immediate use of a secondary method such as cervical dislocation (mice only), decapitation, exsanguination (bleeding out) or CO2. To ensure live, injured nuisance birds found trapped in nets receive a prompt death, euthanize them using any of the following methods: Shot to the head Captive bolt followed by immediate use of a secondary method (e.g. cervical dislocation, decapitation, exsanguination (bleeding out) or CO2) Birds under 100g: Cervical dislocation by a trained individual followed by immediate use of a secondary method (e.g. decapitation, exsanguination (bleeding out) or CO2) Birds g: Manually applied blunt force trauma to the head followed by immediate use of a secondary method (e.g. decapitation, cervical dislocation, exsanguination (bleeding out) or CO2) 23 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

26 5.0 MANAGEMENT 5.1 Record Keeping a) All farm records must be kept up to date (see Appendix A for a complete list of record keeping requirements). b) Upon obtaining certification, Members will be expected to retain all records between one Annual Assessment and the next for a minimum of 3 consecutive years. Template record keeping forms are available from the Certification Body upon request or via the online web portal. It is acceptable to use record keeping forms from industry programs or those that have already been developed for the operation. Applicants that do not have a consistent record keeping system are encouraged to use and implement the Certification Program forms. 5.2 Staff Knowledge and Training Personnel who work directly with animals must understand what is expected of them as they carry out duties relating to animal care. It is important to stress a zero tolerance policy for any abuse, neglect, cruelty or mistreatment of animals that, if breached, would result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. By reviewing a Code of Conduct with personnel that includes these expectations, employees understand their responsibility to ensure proper animal care and report improper care. a) All staff with responsibility for the flock must have access to a copy of, and be familiar with, the SPCA Certified Standards for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens and the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens (2017). b) The farm must have a zero tolerance policy for abuse, neglect, cruelty or mistreatment of hens and any other animals kept on the farm. A Code of Conduct that covers this policy and bird welfare must be communicated to, and annually reviewed with, all on-farm personnel responsible for care and handling of the flock. c) An on-farm training program must equip farm staff with knowledge and skills essential to perform their job and provide access to new information on animal husbandry methods and welfare issues. d) Prior to being charged with care of the flock, all stockpeople must be trained in, and knowledgeable of: Basic requirements for flock care, such as feed, water, lighting, ventilation and temperature Behavioural and biological needs of laying hens Normal and abnormal chicken behaviours Common illnesses/diseases of chickens How to care for sick or injured chickens Low-stress chicken handling methods Skills in performing common husbandry procedures Contact the Egg Farmers of Canada or your provincial egg board for a template copy of a Code of Conduct and farm animal welfare policy 24 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

27 5.3 Physical Alterations a) Physical alterations must only be performed by trained, experienced and competent personnel using accepted veterinary techniques. b) All equipment used to perform physical alterations must be regularly inspected, maintained, calibrated, cleaned and used according to the manufacturers instructions. c) Trimming of wing feathers is permitted. d) Routine on-farm beak trimming is prohibited. Producers must first attempt to use non-invasive methods to prevent and control problematic pecking behaviour (see Section 4.4 Managing Sick and Injured Birds). On-farm beak trimming may be permitted in exceptional circumstances if determined to be necessary for emergency welfare reasons and all other measures to control cannibalism within the flock have been pursued. If permitted: A veterinary consult is first required, as is veterinary oversight during the procedure (COP ) Only infrared or hot blade methods may be used for beak treatment Only the very tip (i.e. the sharp hook) of the upper mandible may be removed. The lower beak may be stopped using heat treatment (but not removed) to avoid distorting beak formation later in life. This will reduce the potential for injury to other birds without compromising the recipient birds ability to perform natural feeding and preening behaviours. The date the procedure was performed, age of bird, method used and reason for trimming must be documented, with records made available to the Validator Re-trimming of previously trimmed birds is prohibited e) The application and use of spectacles, goggles, blinkers, and the like to prevent feather pecking is prohibited at any age. f) The Certification Body understands that the following practices are not generally performed in the production of laying hens in Canada, but prohibits them as a precautionary measure: Toe trimming, de-toeing, de-clawing Comb or wattle trimming, dubbing Pinioning, de-winging (surgically removing the joint of a bird s wing farthest from the body to prevent flight) Caponization, de-crowing or de-spurring of roosters kept with the flock Infra-red beak treatment is preferred over hot blade beak trimming for chicks Provide an electrolyte solution containing vitamin K in the birds water a few days before and after beak trimming as this will assist with blood clotting, alleviation of stress and prevention of dehydration Pay special attention to consumption of feed and water after beak trimming until the birds beaks have healed. It may be necessary to increase feed levels and reduce water pressure. Producers are strongly encouraged to source birds that have not been beak trimmed as beak trimming is stressful. With a good environment and proper management, cannibalistic behaviour can be prevented. 5.4 Bird Identification a) Where identification is required, it must not cause harm to the bird. b) Expandable leg bands designed for use on chickens are acceptable for identifying individual birds. c) Although not commonly practiced in laying hen production in Canada, hole-punching (punching a hole between the toes) as a method of identification is prohibited. 25 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

28 5.5 Controlled Moulting Moulting is a process during which a bird sheds old feathers to make way for new growth. It typically occurs once per year in adult birds, often in late summer or autumn. It s a way for them to refresh their plumage naturally, but birds also tend to reduce or stop egg production during a moult since feather growth uses up many of the hen s nutritional resources. Once the feathers have regrown, egg-laying continues. On farms, hens may be forced to moult by restricting feed or certain feed nutrients, sometimes by also restricting water, and by reducing day length. This is done to reinvigorate egg-laying. However, this drastic and unnatural forced moult, no matter how controlled, is stressful to birds and can greatly diminish their health and welfare. a) Hens must not be forced to moult. 5.6 Purchase and Sale of Hens At this time, Standards have not been developed for breeding facilities, hatcheries or pullet growers. Until Standards for such operations have been developed, replacement flocks need not be from a source approved by the Certification Body, with the understanding that approved operations will be required in the future. The Program discourages the use of auctions/markets (including online) for purchasing or selling poultry. However, it is understood that some small flock owners use such outlets to source birds. a) The following documentation (to be kept on file) is required for each bird purchased at auctions or markets: Farm of origin documentation A complete history, including vaccination history, movement and transportation records, and documentation of the previous owner(s) and farm(s) names Note: When purchasing birds, ensure compliance with Section 4.8 (a,b) regarding mixing of stock, flock age and flock type b) Required flock inventory records: Breeds and population size of all birds Sources of all purchases and sales of birds (a complete audit trail from farm to final sale) Health records of purchased birds Bird inventories: Number placed and number shipped at end of cycle Source birds from reputable, government-registered facilities where health status is known and management and sanitation practices are stringent and verifiable It is recommended that birds sourced have a record of being vaccinated for Marek s disease Producers are strongly encouraged to source birds that have not been beak trimmed as beak trimming is stressful to young birds. With a good environment and proper management, cannibalistic behaviour can be prevented. (See Section 5.3 Physical Alterations regarding permission of beak trimming within the SPCA Certified program) 26 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

29 5.7 Emergency Preparedness a) An emergency plan for reasonably foreseeable emergencies that would impact bird welfare must be prepared and reviewed with all farm personnel (COP 5.9). The emergency plan must cover procedures to be followed in the event of a natural disaster, power outage, or mechanical failure, and is especially important for ventilation, heating, feeding and watering systems. b) An emergency backup system (i.e. a backup generator or alternate equipment to be used during a power failure) must be available to ensure electrically dependent mechanical systems needed for bird health and welfare may continue to operate during a power outage (COP 5.9). This system must be tested regularly in a mock power outage situation. c) An emergency potable water supply sufficient for one day of use must be available in case of shut-off of main water supply. d) At least one responsible person must be available at all times to take action in the event of an emergency. Emergency contact information must be readily available to personnel. (COP 5.9) e) Develop and follow an ongoing facility/equipment maintenance and testing program so that all alarms, fail-safe devices, equipment and facilities are inspected at regular intervals and defects or malfunctions are corrected in a timely manner. All fire prevention and detection devices must be tested and serviced according to the recommendations specified by the manufacturer. f) Ensure waste storage facilities are maintained in a way that prevents groundwater and stream contamination, or other such environmental disasters, in the event of flooding. A map of the farm illustrating all areas (indoor and outdoor), exits, emergency equipment and evacuation routes should be posted to assist farm staff in preparing for emergencies Management and staff should review and update (if necessary) the emergency plan and management protocols annually, at minimum, as well as after any major incident or significant change in farm operations When extreme weather events are predicted, ensure there is sufficient feed on hand in case regular feed deliveries are interrupted Install fire extinguishers in each barn and check/maintain them annually to ensure they work properly Install monitoring systems and alarms that can alert personnel of critical system failures (e.g. feed, water, electricity and ventilation failures) 27 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

30 6.1 Training and Preparation Pre-Transport 6.0 TRANSPORTATION The Certification Body is aware that, in some cases, Marketing Board orders prevent egg farmers from managing the depopulation of their own end-of-lay flocks. In these instances, farmers are advised to be present during catching and loading, ensuring humane handling of birds by catching crews. a) Task only trained and competent stockpeople with catching, loading and unloading birds. b) The catching and loading process must be planned in advance. Define the role and responsibilities of farm staff, catchers and the hauler prior to shipping birds. Those involved need to know: The number of birds to be shipped and resulting number of shipping containers required (COP 6.1) The type of housing the birds will be collected from and the estimated catching time (COP 6.1) The trip duration Whether additional services such as feed, water and rest stops will be needed during the trip c) Haulers must have a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Emergency Protocol for transportation. It must be provided to the Validator upon request. At a minimum, the SOP and Emergency Protocol must outline how the requirements in Section 6.0 are met. If the hauler holds certification in a poultry transport training program, verification of this training (e.g. copy of current certificate) will be accepted in lieu of the SOP d) Personnel involved in transport and handling of birds are expected to have access to and adhere to: Provincial and federal animal transport regulations, including the federal Health of Animals Act, which regulates humane handling and transport of animals (see specifically the Health of Animals Regulations, Part XII (Transportation of Animals), available through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency link in Appendix E) The most current Transportation Code of Practice, available through the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) The SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens The transporter s Standard Operating Procedure and Emergency Protocol, as approved by the Certification Body (if applicable) Use catchers and haulers that have been trained and certified for humane catching/handling and transport procedures Ensure the catching and loading equipment will be compatible with the farm s loading system to avoid possible delays due to system incompatibility If weather conditions are not ideal for poultry transport, assess whether transport should move forward as planned or be rescheduled Complete required paperwork (e.g. bills of lading, manifests, flock health records, etc.) in advance so the hauler can leave immediately after loading the birds Schedule transport and delivery so that birds can be unloaded promptly upon arrival to their destination Confirm the number of birds that will be shipped with the processor in advance of transport to ensure there are adequate accommodations for the birds at the processing facility 6.2 Fitness of Chickens for Transport a) Evaluate individual hens fitness for transport in the context of each trip with consideration of factors like weather and total trip duration. Hens that are too sick or injured to be transported must be held back for treatment or euthanized on site. Do not load wet birds. 28 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

31 See Section 4.4 Managing Sick and Injured Birds See Section 7.0 Euthanasia See Appendix B Decision Tree: Should This Bird Be Loaded? b) Hens that have not completely withdrawn from a previous treatment with medication (i.e. the treatment withdrawal period has not lapsed) must not be shipped off the farm. Remove birds that are unfit for transport prior to the arrival of transport vehicles to simplify the catching and loading process 6.3 Catching Because end-of-lay hens have weak bones, they are susceptible to bone fractures and hip dislocation when caught and handled, especially if caught by only one leg. Catching by both legs and holding hens upright will help to mitigate this, and can be done just as quickly and efficiently by a well-trained catching crew using dollies or wheeled carts. Care in performing catching and loading must not be sacrificed for speed of performing the job. a) Feed and water must be made available to the hens until the time of catching. The Certification Body is aware that poultry processors require birds to undergo a period of feed withdrawal pre-slaughter in order to limit contamination at processing. In cases where producers live only a short distance from their poultry processor, they must ensure their birds do not go without feed for longer than 12 hours before slaughter. b) The catching area must be safe for birds and personnel. c) Precautions must be taken to minimize noise levels from personnel or equipment during the catching, loading and unloading process. d) Unless using mechanical catchers, barn lights must be dimmed as much as possible while still allowing catchers to see the birds (e.g. 0.5 lux) to reduce fear and associated behaviours among the birds. If light intensity cannot be reduced, conduct catching after dark. e) Catchers must move among the birds in a manner that prevents crowding or piling. If birds become crowded or piled, catching procedures must be stopped and lighting intensity increased until the birds calm and spread out in the barn. Use temporary partitions to help avoid crowding and piling. f) Hens must be caught and carried with care and in a manner that imposes the minimum possible stress on the birds. Best: Hold the hen upright with one hand supporting the hen s breast, one leg between the 1 st and 2 nd fingers of the support hand, and the other leg between the 2 nd and 3 rd fingers of the support hand. Place the other hand on the hen s back to prevent her wings from flapping. Acceptable: Hold the hen upside-down by both legs, carrying no more than 2 hens per hand Unacceptable: Carrying hens by a single leg; carrying more than 2 hens per hand; carrying hens by the head, neck, wing or tail feathers Release: Set the hen down on its breast or feet or release it from a low height that enables it to land normally, feet first. Avoid releasing hens in a way that requires them to fly. g) Catching crews must be supervised by competent farm personnel who are readily available to provide assistance throughout the catching and loading process if needed. If crews or individuals are seen handling hens in a way that would negatively affect their welfare, corrective action must be taken (COP 6.3). Purchase a lux meter in order to more accurately measure and adjust (if needed) light intensity Dim lights to 0.5 lux or less during catching. This is slightly lighter than that emitted from a full moon on a clear night, but less light than that emitted at the end of twilight. Use blue lighting during catching, if available 29 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

32 Turn off lights and use night vision goggles during catching, if available Lift feeders and waterers before catching If possible, move outdoor-housed hens inside prior to catching Corral hens to the loading door using a net, screen, or similar device rather than catching and carrying them Avoid passing birds among handlers 6.4 Loading It is important that equipment used to load and transport hens be purpose-designed, well-constructed and maintained so it is clean and free from protrusions and sharp parts that may injure the birds. Crates and carts are most typically used to contain laying hens during transport. Carts are preferred as birds can be loaded into them while upright. Full carts can then be kept in the barn until they are all ready to be loaded onto the transport vehicle. This affords the hens protection from poor weather. The egg industry has committed to phasing out the use of shackle carts by 2022, as being shackled upside down for long periods of time causes undue stress and discomfort to birds (COP 6.4). a) When using transport containers, load the containers inside the barn as close as possible to the birds so that every effort can be made to minimize the duration of the time the bird is carried, especially if carried upside-down. b) Acceptable loading densities are as follows: Loading Conditions Ideal weather ( Load )* Extreme weather ( Caution )* (20% reduction in density) Density 57 kg/m 2 (11 lb /ft 2 ) 46 kg/m 2 (9.5 lb /ft 2 ) *Refer to Appendix C for a range of temperatures and corresponding humidities advising load, caution or do not load c) Determine the number of birds that will be loaded into each transport container prior to loading, considering the amount of available container floor space, hen body size/weight, weather conditions and journey duration (COP 6.4). d) Upon being loaded into transport containers: Hens must be able to quickly regain an upright position All hens must be able to rest on the floor at the same time when evenly distributed No part of the hen shall protrude from the container in any way that is likely to cause injury to the bird or impede its movement Containers must be handled and moved gently and securely positioned on the transport vehicle e) Conveyors used for loading bird containers onto the transport vehicle must not tilt them, causing birds to pile up. f) Take measures to prevent birds from becoming too hot or too cold during the loading process, especially during extreme weather periods (COP 6.4). g) Take measures to protect birds from becoming wet during the loading process, especially in cold or rainy weather, and when hens are poorly feathered (COP 6.4). h) Check the transport vehicle and loading area for loose birds before the vehicle moves. i) All injuries occurring during catching, loading, transport and unloading must be recorded. A copy of this record must be kept on the farm and made available to the Validator. 30 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

33 Birds housed outdoors are loaded more easily when moved in small groups Carts (except shackle carts) are preferred over crates for containing hens during transport Keep crates and carts inside the barn until they are all fully loaded and ready to be placed onto the transport vehicle. This allows protection of birds from weather conditions such as wind, rain and temperature extremes. Space loaded carts and crates apart in a way that allows for adequate air flow between them until they are ready to be loaded onto the transport vehicle Avoid leaving loaded carts on a stationary transport vehicle for too long. Move all loaded carts onto the transport vehicle at once and then start driving right away. See Section 3.5 (Temperature) and Appendix C (Temperature-Humidity Index) to assist with determining when loading densities and transport times should be altered to protect birds from weather extremes To calculate the number of birds per container, use the following equation: Density (kg/m 2 ) x [container interior floor space (m 2 )] Average weight of birds (kg) 6.5 Transport Conditions a) Birds must not go without feed for more than 12 hours. Therefore, time in transit should be such that the birds reach their final destination and are slaughtered within 12 hours from the time they are caught and loaded onto the transport vehicle. b) Measures must be taken to shelter chickens from unfavourable environmental conditions (e.g. extreme wind, rain, heat or cold) during transport and before slaughter. When weather exceeds 25 o C (77 o F), transport birds at night or during the coolest part of the day. c) If the transport vehicle is required to remain stationary for a substantial period of time during hot or sunny weather, measures must be taken to ensure avoidance of heat stress, such as parking the vehicle in the shade or using fans to ensure continuous ventilation. If possible, keep trucks moving in hot weather to ensure continuous ventilation. d) A list of all deaths occurring during transport must be kept on file and made available to the program Validator during assessments. Per Section 4.6 (Culls and Mortalities), take remedial action if transport DOA s exceed 0.3% per load. e) Haulers must take prompt corrective action to prevent identified causes of injury and/or mortality during transport. Ideally, birds should not go without feed for more than 8 hours See Section 3.5 (Temperature) and Appendix C (Temperature-Humidity Index) to assist with determining when loading densities and transport times should be altered to protect birds from weather extremes Only transport hens in vehicles specifically designed for poultry transport Use only short duration, direct from farm to final destination trips, as they are least detrimental to the birds health and well-being Have haulers avoid driving during high traffic times or on congested routes Use actively ventilated transport vehicles and on-board equipment for monitoring temperature and humidity 31 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

34 6.6 Unloading and Placement of Birds a) Source chicks and pullets from suppliers near to the laying facility in order to minimize their time in transit. b) Farm personnel must be present at the time of delivery and placement of birds so they can assess the physical condition of the birds upon arrival. c) Take steps to prevent newly arrived birds from becoming chilled or overheated during the unloading process. d) When unloading chicks, handle boxes with care and ensure unloading personnel do not drop them. Chicks are easily injured. 32 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

35 7.0 EUTHANASIA 7.1 Training and Planning Euthanasia attempts are very traumatic when performed incorrectly or ineffectively. Correspondence with poultry veterinarians indicates that many producers are not properly trained in poultry euthanasia techniques and may not be aware of it. It is important that all stockpeople responsible for euthanizing poultry be trained in the proper procedures and techniques, as taught by a poultry veterinarian or through an industry-provided poultry euthanasia certification/course. Euthanasia procedures most commonly performed incorrectly include blunt force trauma and cervical dislocation. a) A written euthanasia plan is required (per COP 7.1) and must include the following: A description of which birds are to be euthanized and why (i.e. what is the decision making process? See recommendations below for guidance.) An outline of the equipment and methods of euthanasia used on farm and which birds they are appropriate for (see Section 7.2 for a list of permitted methods) A protocol that ensures euthanasia is performed in a timely manner How to determine insensibility (see Section 7.2d) A list of stockpersons authorized and trained to perform euthanasia b) The written euthanasia plan must be reviewed annually and revised, if necessary. The plan and any amendments must be reviewed with all stockpersons authorized to perform euthanasia. (COP 7.1) c) Ensure that those responsible for hen euthanasia are competent, comfortable with performing the procedure(s), and are physically able to do so. Supervise stockpersons responsible for performing euthanasia until they have proven to be competent in their ability to do so effectively (COP 7.2). Make use of formal training programs to train stockpeople on the skills and competencies necessary for hen euthanasia Use bird carcasses to train stockpeople on physical methods of euthanasia, such as cervical dislocation or use of a captive bolt, prior to performing the procedure on live hens Consult your veterinarian for assistance in developing the on-farm euthanasia plan Euthanize hens immediately if they: Are not likely to recover Do not respond to treatment and recovery protocols within 48 hours Have signs of chronic, severe, or debilitating pain and distress causing them to suffer Cannot walk or stand Cannot access water and feed Exhibit rapid weight loss or rapid loss of body condition Additional euthanasia decision guidance is available in the COP Appendix D 7.2 Equipment and Procedures For any euthanasia method or procedure to be considered humane, it must render the hen insensible to pain (unconscious) very quickly and the hen must not return to sensibility (consciousness) prior to death. a) Equipment purchased and used for euthanasia of laying hens must be designed for that purpose and operated according to the manufacturer s specifications or per veterinary advisement. 33 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

36 b) Acceptable methods of euthanasia and related procedures include: Method Age/Size Application and Further Guidance Anesthetic overdose Penetrating captive bolt & Non-penetrating captive bolt Manually applied cervical (neck) dislocation Decapitation Gas inhalation: Nitrogen Gas inhalation: Carbon dioxide (CO2) mixture Any Over 7 days of age Up to: 3 kg (7 lb) Any Any Any Must be administered by a licensed veterinarian (COP Appendix E) and the carcass cannot be submitted for normal rendering due to contamination. The device must be purpose-designed for use on chickens and be suitable for, or adjustable to, the size of the chicken being euthanized. Correct placement of the device on the chicken s head is critical (consult the manufacturer s user guide). The bird must first be restrained as wing flapping and convulsions will occur. Operators must first be trained on use of the device and related procedures. This method can also be used to render a hen insensible as the first of a two-step euthanasia method (if to be followed by cervical dislocation or decapitation, for example). Suitable if performed only on a small number of birds as operator fatigue compromises the effectiveness of this method. Ensure the stockperson has the training and strength to deliver fast and effective dislocation of the neck. The site of dislocation must be as close to the head as possible. Vertebrae must not be crushed in the process. Spinning or flicking of the bird by the head (e.g. windmilling ) must not be performed to accomplish cervical dislocation. The chicken must be restrained. The blade must be sharp and of adequate size, and the procedure must be carried out in one quick, smooth motion, resulting in complete severance of the head on the first attempt. This method is not appropriate when blood contamination poses a biosecurity issue. Not commonly used on farm. Requires a purpose-designed closed chamber which must: Be charged with pure nitrogen before birds are introduced (do not use in mixtures with other gases) Have monitoring gauges to appropriately monitor the gas concentration Be designed to allow continual filling to maintain correct gas concentration, ensuring oxygen level remains under 2% Be stocked with birds loosely to allow gas penetration Allow exposure of birds to the gas for a long enough time to cause death or a state of unconsciousness that does not permit recovery Not commonly used on farm. Use of controlled atmosphere stunning with no more than 30% CO2 and 2% oxygen by volume, mixed with an inert gas, such as argon or nitrogen. Requires a purpose-designed closed chamber which must: Be designed to allow continual gas refilling to maintain correct concentrations Have monitoring gauges to appropriately monitor the gas concentrations Be stocked with birds loosely to allow gas penetration Allow exposure of birds to the gas for a long enough time to cause death or a state of unconsciousness that does not permit recovery 34 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

37 c) Prohibited methods of euthanasia include: Manual blunt force trauma using devices not specifically designed for poultry euthanasia (e.g. hammer, pipe, the floor) Spinning or flicking of the bird by the head ( windmilling ) is not an acceptable method of euthanasia as it results in incorrect dislocation of the neck vertebrae, extended time to unconsciousness, and prolonged suffering Mechanical cervical dislocation devices, as they typically involve crushing of the cervical vertebrae in the neck Any other method that involves crushing of the cervical vertebrae in the neck Pure, unmixed carbon dioxide (CO2) as it causes distress and discomfort to birds prior to rendering them insensible Carbon monoxide (CO) and vehicle exhaust, as it is dangerous and potentially explosive at high concentrations Any form of suffocation, including piling in disposal containers, chest compression and drowning Gunshot Electrocution Chloroform Ether Cyanide Thermal exhaustion (i.e. hyperthermia) Any other method determined by the Certification Body to be inhumane or inappropriate for layer birds d) Inspect birds for signs of sensibility (consciousness) and confirm the bird has died after attempting euthanasia (COP 7.4). Look/listen for each of the following signs: Corneal reflex: The bird should not blink when the surface of the eye is touched Rhythmic breathing: Observe the vent area. There should be no sign of abdominal movement. Vocalization: The bird should not make any vocalizations Response to painful stimulus: There should be no response to pinching the comb Death: Death is confirmed when breathing and the heartbeat have stopped. Confirm death prior to leaving the bird or disposing of its carcass. e) Should the first attempt at euthanizing a bird fail, immediate application of the same or an alternate acceptable method of euthanasia is required. Have a backup method of euthanasia readily available. f) Remove dead birds from the flock immediately and dispose of their carcasses per biosecurity protocols (see Section 4.8 Biosecurity and Sanitation Protocols). g) Euthanasia equipment must be kept clean and well maintained and not overloaded (COP 7.4). This will ensure equipment continues to operate effectively and efficiently. Train stockpeople on how to properly maintain euthanasia equipment. When euthanizing chickens, do so out of sight of live birds To ensure captive bolt devices don t malfunction due to a buildup of carbon or animal matter, clean the device daily when fired. Consult the user manual on how to properly maintain the device to keep it in good working condition. Regularly assess euthanasia methods and equipment for effectiveness, noting any increase in failure rates, so that remedial action can be taken 7.3 Mass Depopulation The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens (2017) requires that producers have a plan for mass depopulation of the flock available or accessible in the event the entire flock or a large number of birds must be euthanized at once (COP ). Refer to the Code of Practice for further instruction. 35 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

38 7.4 Certification of Abattoirs While not currently a program requirement, the Certification Body will be phasing in a requirement that abattoirs (slaughter houses) and farms that slaughter hens on site for consumption as food be assessed by a third party auditor for adherence to an approved slaughter program. Farms and abattoirs that pass the audit will be certified for slaughter of chickens. Until the time in which use of an approved/certified abattoir is required, producers must ensure that birds are slaughtered quickly and efficiently, causing minimal pain or suffering in the process. 36 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

39 APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF REQUIRED RECORD KEEPING Record Keeping and Related Forms Upon obtaining certification, Members will be expected to retain all records between one Annual Assessment and the next for a minimum of 3 consecutive years. The Certification Body can provide template record keeping forms upon request. It is acceptable to use records from industry programs and/or any record keeping forms that have already been developed for the operation. Applicants who do not have a consistent record keeping system are encouraged to use and implement the Certification Program forms. The following records are required for all flocks on all sites certified under the Program: Section 2.0 Feed and water a) List of feed ingredients, including an ingredient breakdown and minimum guaranteed nutrient analysis of feedstuffs for each flock of birds b) List of feed supplements and additives, if used, and the application guidelines (e.g. product justification, dosage and duration of treatment) c) List of current feed suppliers d) Water test results e) List of water supplements and additives, if used, and the application guidelines (e.g. product justification, dosage and duration of treatment) Section 3.0 Environment a) Bird suppliers (e.g. hatchery, pullet grower), and type of pullet housing used for rearing b) Natural or full spectrum lighting transition plan, if applicable For barns on existing operations that do not currently have a source of natural or full spectrum lighting (per Section 3.4 Lighting), where renovation is needed in order to comply with this requirement, owners are granted a period of up to 3 years from the date of publication of this standard to install full spectrum lighting and up to 10 years from the date of publication of this standard to install natural lighting sources, provided that a renovation plan is in place and has been submitted to the Certification Body within 12 months of publication of this standard c) Lighting program details d) Daily minimum and maximum barn temperatures e) Weekly ammonia levels (per room, facility and site) assessed at birds head height, beginning at 14 days after placement in the barn f) Free-range producers only: A log documenting days on range and pophole opening and closing times. The log must also include periods where access to the outdoors was restricted with reasons and supporting documentation from veterinary or government officials, if applicable Evidence of range use, if popholes do not meet program requirements Section 4.0 Health and Biosecurity a) Flock Health Plan and the following related records: A medial log to record flock vaccinations and birds undergoing treatment and recovery that outlines: reasons for treatment, method used, method of identification, medication withdrawal times, and treatment outcome A copy of all veterinary prescriptions All vaccines, drugs and treatments used and purchased (receipts should be kept) recommend keeping a record of drug serial numbers, withdrawal dates, dosages, expiry date on bottle, reason for use and location of administration. This includes homeopathic medicines. 37 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

40 Supporting scientific documentation as proof of the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies for the use intended, if applicable to the operation Mortalities, culls, euthanized birds, and transport DOA s (including number of birds and cause/reason) Disease outbreaks (including cause, if known) Lab testing, veterinarian s reports or other diagnostics b) Biosecurity Plan c) Visitor log d) When methods of lethal control are used on predators, records must be kept regarding the predator(s) in question, the number and type of animals killed, and the method used Section 5.0 Management a) Beak trimming records, including date the procedure was performed, age of bird, method used and reason for trimming b) Records for birds purchased at auctions/markets: Farm of origin documentation A complete history, including vaccination history, movement and transportation records, and documentation of the previous owner(s) and farm(s) names c) Flock inventory Breed and population size of all flocks Sources of all purchases and sales of birds a complete audit trail from farm to final sale Health records of purchased birds Bird inventories: number placed and number shipped at end of cycle d) Emergency Plan e) Emergency contact information f) An ongoing facility/equipment maintenance and testing program Section 6.0 Transportation a) Verification of hauler certification in a poultry transport training program, or a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Emergency Protocol for transportation if hauler is not certified b) Record of all injuries occurring during catching, loading, transport and unloading c) Condemnations and dead-on-arrival records from the processor Section 7.0 Euthanasia a) Written euthanasia plan 38 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

41 APPENDIX B: DECISION TREE - SHOULD THIS BIRD BE LOADED? The chart on this page was reprinted with permission from Farm & Food Care Canada 39 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens

42 See Section 6.4 The chart on this page was reprinted with permission from Farm & Food Care Canada 40 SPCA Certified Standard for the Raising and Handling of Egg Laying Hens