Fallen stock
Fallen stock can be any bird or animal that has:
died of natural causes or disease on the farm
been killed on the farm for reasons other than human consumption
Farmers with fallen stock must use approved means and places for their disposal. The National Fallen Stock Company can help with the disposal of fallen stock and advise on the disease prevention rules, as part of the National Fallen Stock Scheme.
If you suspect that a bird or animal has died of a notifiable disease, you must tell your local AHVLA.
For contact details of your local AHVLA use the postcode search tool on the Defra website.
There are also special regulations governing on-farm incineration.
For more information, see the guide on fallen stock.
Unwanted chicks and hatchery waste
Surplus chicks must be killed humanely and as rapidly as possible by someone with sufficient knowledge or training. Killing can be undertaken using a mechanical apparatus causing immediate death, exposure to gas mixtures or dislocation of the neck.
Where a gas mixture is used chicks must remain in the gas mixture until dead. Only gas mixtures specified at Schedule 11 of the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (as amended) can be used. If neck dislocation is used dislocation must be accompanied by severance of the spinal cord and blood vessels in the chick’s neck.
Embryos in hatchery waste must be killed instantaneously using a mechanical device.
Further information on poultry welfare off the farm
For more information and guidance on livestock and agricultural farming, the sources listed below may be useful.
One of the major roles of Defra is to help the farming industry operate as efficiently as possible. Defra administers European support policies which provide around £3 billion to UK agriculture. They also oversee a number of agencies that work with arable farmers, imports and exports of crops and implement pest and disease controls. You can call the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77.
The AHVLA is an executive agency of Defra and is responsible for ensuring the welfare of farmed animals in Great Britain. The agency is also responsible for managing outbreaks of notifiable animal diseases and helping to ensure suitable standards of egg and dairy production are met. You can call the AHVLA Information Line on 0844 884 4600.
You should contact your nearest AHVLA if you have any suspicions of disease in your farm animals.
For contact details of your local AHVLA use the postcode search tool on the Defra website.
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is responsible for licences and schemes for growers as well as for running the Single Payment Scheme (SPS). For more information about SPS and how it can help your farming business, you can call the RPA SPS Helpline on 0845 603 7777.
The Environment Agency is a public body responsible for helping to protect and improve the environment in England and Wales.
It also regulates intensive poultry farms. If your farm exceeds certain capacity thresholds, you will need an environmental permit to operate. Find out about environmental regulations and licences for poultry farmers on the Environment Agency website.
The British Poultry Council (BPC) is the voice of the poultry meat sector. As the only trade association for producers of poultry meat and products, they are the key link between member companies, government and stakeholders. Read about the role of the BPC on the BPC website.
The Assured Chicken Production (ACP) scheme is an industry-wide initiative that addresses all the important issues concerning the production of chicken. It is an independently assessed assurance scheme designed to deliver confidence to the consumer. Standards have been written to include best practice in food safety, bird health, welfare and traceability. Read about the ACP scheme on the ACP website.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) represents the farmers and growers of England and Wales. It aims to promote successful and socially responsible agriculture and horticulture, while ensuring the long-term viability of rural communities. You can read about the work of the NFU on their website.
You are likely to come into contact with local authorities over a number of farming, land use, food standards and environmental regulations. Your local authority may also be able to provide further information or resources.