Lighting
• Birds kept in buildings must not be kept in permanent darkness.
• Where the natural light available in a building is insufficient to meet the physiological and ethological needs of any birds being kept in it, then appropriate artificial lighting must be provided.
• Birds kept in buildings must not be kept without an appropriate period of rest from artificial lighting.
• Birds should be housed at light levels which allow them to see clearly and which stimulate activity. This should be provided by lighting systems designed, maintained and operated to give adequate light level. Illumination of the house to at least 20 lux* which illuminates at least 80% of the usable area will encourage activity. Houses should have a uniform level of light. A temporary reduction in the lighting level may be allowed when necessary following veterinary advice.
• Within seven days from the time when the birds are placed in the building and until three days before the foreseen time of slaughter, the lighting must follow a 24-hour rhythm and include periods of darkness lasting at least six hours in total, with at least one uninterrupted period of darkness of at least four hours, excluding dimming periods.
*The exact parameters have been set under Council Directive 2007/43/EC. (See Annex 1 of the Directive.)
Emergency Procedures
• Flock-keepers should make advance plans for dealing with emergencies such as fire, flood, power or equipment failure, or disruption of supplies, and should ensure that all staff are familiar with the appropriate emergency action. This must include an independent alarm system that is tested and serviced at regular intervals. At least one responsible member of the staff should always be available to take the necessary steps. Fire precautions should be a major priority for all flock-keepers. Where buildings need to be locked, arrangements must be made to allow rapid entry in case of emergency.
• Expert advice on all fire precautions can be obtained from fire prevention officers of Local Authority.
• Contingency arrangements should be made to ensure that adequate supplies of water and suitable feed can be made available in emergencies. Efforts should be made to minimise the risk of drinking water freezing.