FREPA

THESE STANDARDS WERE FORMED TO CREATE A
NON-STRESSFUL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BIRDS

1. Breeders must have easy access to an area on which to range during daylight hours.

2. The land where birds are permitted to range must have shade, shelter and palatable vegetation. A natural green feed supplement may be given as necessary.

3. The maximum range density is 3000kgs of live birds/hectare at 25DSE [1200kgs of livebirds/acre at 10DSE]

4. The maximum shed density should be 1000kgs live weight birds per unit [mobile or static].

5. Birds must have permanent access to clean, dry food, fresh water in accordance with the current Victorian Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Poultry.

6. Where artificial lighting is used a combination of natural and artificial lighting must not exceed fifteen hours in any twenty four hour period.

7 . Natural foods only are permitted with the addition of vitamins and minerals as required for the birds’ welfare.

8. Only on veterinary direction is use of antibiotics or other medications permitted.

9. Purposely inducing moulting, by not feeding is not permitted

10. Toe trimming, de-snooding is not permitted.

11. All farms must comply with appropriate sections of the Chicken Meat Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice

12. A reasonable attempt must be made to protect hens from predators at all times.

13. Housing, equipment, ventilation, temperature and health practices must be in accordance with the current Victorian Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Poultry.

14. Fertile eggs are to be stored between 10 – 18 degrees Celsius.

15. All breeders must be tested salmonella pullorum free.

16. Hatchery must be registered with DPI and comply with the Live Stock Disease Control Act 1994

17. Culled and surplus hatchlings must be disposed of, in accordance with the current Victorian Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Poultry.

18. All birds are to be transported in accordance with Land Transport Code.

19. All birds to be vaccinated in accordance with Livestock Disease Control Act

20. All farms must comply with appropriate sections of the Chicken Meat Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice.

21. The Board, may at its discretion, allow a producer to deviate from the above standards, for an agreed time period, in the interest of research which is supervised by a reputable scientific organisation, and reported to the Board at agreed dates.