The Animal Welfare Approved program and food label promote the well-being of animals and the sustainability of humane family farms.
Is your food Animal Welfare Approved? Ask!
ABOUT OUR AWA CERTIFICATION
Our organically biodiverse farm relies on a synergistic relationship between our endangered breeds of egg-laying ducks, our rare heirloom plants, and ourselves. We want to help people to see how easy and rewarding it is to make sustainable choices when it comes to what they eat. We have strong values when it comes to the way we grow our food and the way we raise our ducks, these values should be as clear to our customers as it is to us.
OUR STANDARDS, THEY ARE LONG!
Animal
Welfare Approved Standards for Ducks
PDF Version of Duck Standards
Farmers in this program will be
distinguished by a humane and conscientious attitude toward the animals in
their care as well as by housing and husbandry which meet the Animal
Welfare Approved standards.
Farmers in the program agree to a
minimum of one visit a year from Animal Welfare Approved staff or
agents, with the possibility of additional visits if deemed necessary to
confirm compliance with the standards during various seasons and to allow
observation of animals in different phases of life. Participation in the
program is on an annual basis and participation must be renewed each year.
The Animal Welfare Approved
program must be informed immediately of any deviations from the standards.
Temporary deviations will be taken into consideration when unexpected
circumstances that are not under the control of the farmer arise. All other
deviations from the Animal Welfare Approved standards can be cause for
reconsideration of the farmer's participation or removal from the Animal
Welfare Approved program and use of its seal, in conjunction with that farmer's
products.
The premise of the Animal
Welfare Approved standards is that animals must be allowed to behave
naturally. The following required criteria allow ducks the opportunity to
perform natural and instinctive behaviors essential to their health and
well-being. Provisions are made to ensure social interaction, comfort, and
physical and psychological well-being.
The Animal Welfare Approved
standards do not supersede national government or state legislation.
1.0 OWNERSHIP AND
OPERATION
1.0.1 Each farm must be an
independent family farm*, that is, one on which a family or individual:
1.0.1.1 Owns the animals.
1.0.1.2 Participates in the day
to day physical labor to manage the farm and its animals.
1.0.1.3 Derives a share of
his/her/their livelihood from the farm. The family farm requirement does not
prohibit networking among farmers provided that all criteria listed in these
standards are adhered to by every member of the network.
1.0.2 The family or individual
may participate in family farm networks, as long as all other requirements
listed in these standards are adhered to by every member of the network.
1.0.3 The family or individual
must employ the Animal Welfare Approved standards for all of their
ducks. Farmers must not use "split" or "dual" systems, in
which some birds are simultaneously kept in systems that do not meet Animal
Welfare Approved Standards for Ducks.
* Exceptions may be permitted for
farms that serve an educational purpose or demonstrate exceptionally high
animal welfare.
2.0 BREEDS AND ORIGIN OF
ANIMALS
2.1 Genetic selection
2.1.1 Birds who have undergone
genetic selection to the point that their welfare is negatively affected are
prohibited.
2.1.2 Birds must be chosen with
consideration of their ability to thrive in the prevailing climatic
conditions of the farm, in free
range, forage-based, outdoor systems.
2.1.3 When averaged over their
entire lives, the rate of growth of birds allowed to grow naturally on an
optimum ration must not exceed 0.132 lbs (60 g.) per day.
2.1.4 Cloned or genetically
engineered birds, breeding stock and semen and/or embryos are prohibited.
2.2 Breeding flock
2.2.1 The use of birds, eggs
and/or ducklings derived from confinement and caged systems is prohibited.
2.2.2 Artificial insemination is
prohibited.
Note: Exceptions may be
granted on a case-by-case basis.
2.2.3 Breeder flocks must be
allowed to molt naturally. Forced molting of laying ducks, as well as any other
techniques including food withdrawal and/or the use of a low protein diet for
the purpose of inducing molting, is prohibited.
2.2.4 The breeder flock must be
allowed to molt once before removal of the flock.
Note: Under exceptional
circumstances a farmer may seek permission from the Animal Welfare Approved program to end the
life of a breeder flock prior to one molt.
2.2.5 The Animal Welfare
Approved program recommends the use of birds derived from standard breeds.
This recommendation will be reviewed annually with the expressed intent of
making this standard a requirement whenever sufficient suitable stock is
available.
3.0 HEALTH MANAGEMENT
It is recognized that proper
health and management planning increases both positive welfare and
productivity.
3.0.1 Each farmer in the Animal
Welfare Approved program must establish contact with a veterinarian
familiar with poultry and the health requirements in the state to maximize bird
health and the welfare of the flock. An Animal Welfare Approved
poultry advisor can also be consulted for further assistance.
3.0.2 A health plan emphasizing
prevention of illness or injury must be prepared in consultation with the
farm's veterinarian to promote positive health and limit the need for
treatment. (See section 10.0.1) It must address:
3.0.2.1 Avoidance of physical,
nutritional or environmental stress.
3.0.2.2 Climatic considerations.
3.0.2.3 Vaccinations and other
methods to cope with prevailing disease challenges.
3.0.2.4 Bio-security measures.
3.0.2.5 Nutrition.
3.0.2.6 Environmental impacts
including manure management and run-off.
3.0.2.7 Ranging and foraging
management.
3.0.2.8 Exclusion of predators
and control of rats and mice.
3.0.2.9 Euthanasia.
3.0.3 All birds must be
thoroughly inspected at least once per 24 hours. During this inspection, the
welfare of each bird must be observed. If any duck is not in a state of
well-being, the bird must be cared for immediately and corrective measures must
be taken. During a time of increased risk to health and welfare, inspections
must be increased as necessary to protect the bird's well-being.
3.0.4 Vaccines must be used where
appropriate to decrease the incidence or risk of disease on farm.
Note: In order to help
eliminate or reduce the chickens' vulnerability to disease and the need for
antibiotics at therapeutic levels, Animal Welfare Approved encourages the appropriate use of vaccines for
prevention of disease.
3.0.5 Any sick or injured birds
on the farm must be treated immediately to minimize pain and distress. This
must include veterinary treatment if required.
3.0.5.1 Homeopathic, herbal or
other non-antibiotic alternative treatments are preferred.
3.0.5.2 If alternative treatments
are not suitable or not effective or if a veterinarian has recommended
antibiotic treatment, this must be administered.
3.0.5.3 Withholding treatment in
order to preserve a bird or flock's eligibility for market is prohibited.
3.0.5.4 Birds treated with an
antibiotic must not be slaughtered for the Animal Welfare Approved
program for a period of time that is at least twice the licensed withdrawal
period of the antibiotic used.
Note: Animal Welfare Approved auditors, at
inspection, will note gait, any signs of feather loss or feather pecking, and
obvious signs of untreated clinical illness and injuries. Depending on severity
or if withholding of treatment has been deliberate, finding untreated injured
or ill birds may be grounds for suspension from the program.
3.0.6 A safe place must be
provided for sick or injured birds to recover, free of competition.
3.0.7 Injured birds must only be
kept separate from the flock until such time they can rejoin the flock without
adversely affecting either the health or welfare of the individual or the
flock.
3.0.8 The non-therapeutic use of
antibiotics to control or prevent disease or promote growth, or any other kind
of substances as growth promoters (including sulfa drugs or ionophores), is
prohibited.
3.0.9 Records must be kept of the
administration of veterinary medical products. (See section 10.0.2)
3.0.9.1 Date of purchase.
3.0.9.2 Name of product.
3.0.9.3 Quantity purchased.
3.0.9.4 Identity of the birds or
flock treated.
3.0.9.5 Reason why a bird was
treated.
3.0.9.6 Number of birds treated.
3.0.9.7 Date when treatment
started and finished.
3.0.10 Regular ranging and
foraging area rotations and proper bedding management and removal must be the
primary method of preventing parasitical infestations.
3.0.11 If prevention has not been
effective, medicine regimens must be implemented to effectively control worms,
lice, red mites and any other parasites.
3.0.12 The use of
organophosphates is prohibited.
Note: An exception to the
standard above may be considered if other treatments have been shown to be
ineffective.
3.1 Temporary separation
3.1.1 A duck must not be kept in
isolation unless briefly required for veterinary procedures or to recover from
an illness or injury.
3.1.2 The primary enclosure for
any temporarily single-housed birds must meet their basic accommodation needs.
Note: See the specified space
allowances in the housing section.
3.1.3 Temporarily single-housed
ducks should have visual and auditory contact with other ducks.
3.1.4 All enclosures for sick,
injured or quarantined birds must be cleaned between each use.
3.2 Euthanasia
3.2.1 Birds experiencing pain or
suffering from which they are unlikely to recover must be immediately and
humanely euthanized on the farm.
3.2.2 Euthanasia must be carried
out in a manner that renders the bird immediately insensible to pain.
Note: Please contact Animal Welfare Approved if further
information on appropriate methods of euthanasia is required.
3.2.3 Euthanizing birds in a way
that poses unnecessary pain or suffering is prohibited. Prohibited methods
include:
3.2.3.1 Suffocation.
3.2.3.2 Blow to the head by blunt
instrument.
Note: 3.2.3.2 does not
preclude the use of percussive poultry killers that are specifically designed
for the humane slaughter of birds.
3.2.4 When local or national
authorities order the killing of a flock of birds or if any large-scale
euthanasia is about to take place to eradicate disease, the Animal Welfare
Approved program must be notified immediately. Such an event must be
supervised by a veterinarian, government authority, poultry expert, and/or
official representative of the Animal Welfare Approved program, to
ensure that the proper euthanasia protocol and humane handling procedures are
being followed.
4.0 EMERGENCIES
4.0.1 A plan to care for or house
birds in emergency situations must be prepared and be understood by all of
those working with the ducks. (See section 10.0.3)
4.0.1.1 The plan must consider
the welfare of the birds during a fire. In shelters or housing with restricted
access (a single door or doorways), a fire plan must be established with escape
routes to the outdoors, available from the interior of the shelter to allow all
birds to be evacuated quickly. In shelters or housing with restricted access, a
method to extinguish the fire (fire extinguisher, water source) must be readily
accessed. Birds must be kept from direct access to electrical wiring and heat
sources as a fire prevention measure.
4.0.1.2 The plan must ensure
welfare of the birds is maintained in any potential climatic extreme such as
floods, snow storms, or drought.
4.0.1.3 The plan must ensure
welfare of the birds is maintained during any potential disruption of services
or mechanical breakdown, such as water supply cutoff and breakdown of feeding
or ventilation machinery.
4.0.1.4 The plan must ensure the
welfare of birds is maintained during transport to include actions to be taken
in the event of an accident or vehicle breakdown.
5.0 FLOCK MANAGEMENT
5.0.1 Animal Welfare Approved
recommends that ducklings and breeding birds are obtained from farms or
hatcheries following the Animal Welfare Approved standards.
5.0.2 Records must be kept of the
purchase, sale or transfer of Animal Welfare Approved birds on or off
the farm. (See section 10.0.4) They must include:
5.0.2.1 Whether birds are bought
or transferred from Animal Welfare Approved hatcheries or farms.
5.0.2.2 The destination and ages
of the birds sold or transferred.
5.0.3 Records must be kept of
mortalities and morbidity including cause where known. (See section 10.0.5)
5.0.4 Records must be kept of the
number and reasons for birds being culled. (See section 10.0.5)
5.0.5 Action must be taken to
treat lameness and to remove any causes of lameness.
5.0.6 Birds must be maintained in
stable groups of a suitable size to uphold a well-functioning hierarchy.
Introduction of new birds to a group should be avoided, but if necessary, it
must be carefully managed and supervised.
5.0.7 Ducks kept together must be
carefully monitored to minimize fighting, feather pecking and other negative
behaviors, and necessary steps must be taken to protect birds from harm.
5.0.8 The Animal Welfare
Approved program recommends that ducks are kept in flocks of no more than
100 birds.
5.0.9 If negative behaviors
affecting the welfare of birds in the flock are seen or reported the Animal
Welfare Approved program may require the farmer to reduce the flock or
colony size within the affected flock or any future flocks in order to remain
in the program.
Note: Flock size is a factor
that has been shown to affect the occurrence of negative behaviors, such as
feather pecking and cannibalism.
5.0.10 The indoor and outdoor
environment must allow the birds to exhibit their normal physical and social
behaviors, including self-isolation and must enable positive social interaction
among the birds.
5.0.10.1 All ducks must have
access to dust baths.
5.0.10.2 All ducks must have
access to water for behavioral needs. (See section 8.2)
5.0.10.3 All ducks must have
access to areas of retreat both in the house and out on range.
5.0.10.4 Muscovy ducks (breeder
flocks and laying ducks) must have access to perches. The aerial perch space
must provide a minimum of 15.7 in (40 cm) per bird.
5.0.11 Ducks must at all times
have adequate space to socialize, fly, walk, stretch, and look for food and
water.
5.0.12 Confinement systems,
in-house or field-based pens or cages, are prohibited.
5.0.13 The use of goggles is
prohibited.
5.0.14 All fencing must be
maintained such that birds do not escape.
5.0.15 All facilities, equipment,
fittings and range areas used by ducks must be free of debris. In addition,
they must be designed and maintained in such a way that they do not pose a
risk, or inflict injury or damage to the birds.
5.1 Provisions for
different types of ducks
5.1.1 Provisions for breeder
flocks and laying ducks.
5.1.1.1 Ducks must have
continuous access to individual nest boxes and nesting material. In the case of
Muscovy ducks, covered nests must be provided.
5.1.1.2 Ducks must have an
adequate number of nests/nest boxes, at least one for every five birds.
5.1.1.3 Ducks must be provided
with nesting material.
5.1.1.4 Nest boxes must be
arranged to allow ducks to get away from brightly lit areas when laying eggs,
whether the light be natural or artificial.
5.1.1.5 Nest boxes must have
floors that provide free drainage.
5.1.1.6 Nest box floors and
bedding must be maintained in a friable condition and consider the nesting
habit of the breed.
5.1.1.7 Laying ducks must be
allowed to molt naturally. Forced molting of ducks, as well as any other
techniques including food withdrawal and/or the use of a low protein diet for
the purpose of inducing molting, is prohibited.
5.1.1.8 The layer flock must be
allowed to molt twice before removal of the flock.
Note: Under exceptional
circumstances a farmer may seek permission from the Animal Welfare Approved program to end the
life of a breeder flock prior to two molts.
5.2 Provision for hatching
5.2.1 Natural brooding is
recommended.
5.2.2 Hatchery records (see
section 10.0.6) must be kept to allow the auditor to determine:
5.2.2.1 The number of eggs
received.
5.2.2.2 The number of eggs set.
5.2.2.3 The number of eggs
hatched.
5.2.2.4 The number of ducklings
delivered to the growing farm.
5.2.3 The hatchery must be
constructed in such a way as to allow cleaning and disinfection.
5.2.4 There must be an alarm to
show power failure to the incubator and hatchery.
5.2.5 A backup generator that meets
the power requirements for the hatchery is required. It must be maintained and
tested as per the manufacturer's instructions with a record kept of this. (See
section 10.0.6)
5.3 Provision for
ducklings
5.3.1 Throwing ducklings or
mechanical moving of ducklings from delivery containers is prohibited.
5.3.2 Ducklings must be placed
from a height of 12 in (30.48 cm) or less.
5.3.3 Litter must be provided
from placement of ducklings.
5.3.4 Ducklings must be placed
within 36 hours of the first egg hatching.
5.3.5 In weather that does not
pose a risk to bird health, ducklings must have outdoor access from four weeks
of age.
5.3.6 Ducklings should have
access to greens immediately after placement.
5.3.7 Ducklings must have access
to greens within the first week of placement.
5.4 Physical alteration
5.4.1 All mutilations or physical
alterations are prohibited. These include:
5.4.1.1. De-billing (bill
clipping, tipping and trimming).
5.4.1.2 De-clawing.
5.4.1.3 De-spurring.
5.4.1.4 De-toeing.
5.4.1.5 Hole punching.
5.4.1.6 Pinioning.
5.4.1.7 Notching.
5.5 Identification
5.5.1 Individual identification
may be undertaken provided that the method used does not cause injury to the
bird.
5.6 Castration
5.6.1 Castration (caponizing) of
ducks is prohibited.
6.0 FOOD AND WATER
6.0.1 Ducks must have free access
to clean, fresh drinking water at all times.
6.0.2 There must be a written
duck feeding plan that will guarantee a varied, well-balanced and wholesome
nutritional regime that meets the optimal nutritional requirements of the age,
breed and size of the birds on the farm. (See section 10.0.7 and 10.0.8)
6.0.3 Food and water must be
distributed in such a way that it minimizes competition.
6.0.4 Ducks must have constant
access to food.
6.0.5 Birds must always have access
to insoluble grit. Birds must be able to pass the grit into the gizzard.
6.0.6 Grit provided for layers
must be rich enough in calcium to ensure optimal shell production.
6.0.7 Feeding ducks eggs, avian
and/or mammal protein or other animal by-products is prohibited.
Note: Feeding dairy products
or by-products is permitted.
6.0.8 Animal Welfare Approved
requires that wherever possible, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or
derivatives of GMOs, including GMO feed and veterinary and health care products
containing GMOs or their derivatives as well as the growing of genetically
engineered crops be avoided.
7.0 HOUSING AND SHELTER
Shelter may be provided by
natural features such as shade, trees, or by buildings. Housing may also be
used as shelter.
7.0.1 Birds must have continuous
access, as required, to housing or shelter that protects them from weather
extremes, including high winds, sleet and heavy snows, and sun in climatic
regions where high temperatures may negatively impact their welfare.
7.0.1.1 Shelter and housing must
be sufficiently spacious to allow all birds to move freely, stretch their wings
and engage in natural behaviors.
7.0.1.2 The following space allowances are recommended.
Minimum indoor area:
Type of bird: Space per bird/ Space
per bird
Meat duck: 0.67 sq. feet/ 0.06 sq meters
Laying duck: 1.8 sq. feet/ 0.16 sq. meters
Breeder duck: 1.8 sq. feet/ 0.16 sq. meters
7.0.2 The roof and sides of
housing and shelter must provide a barrier to predators.
7.0.3 Shelters and housing must
be well ventilated and allow fresh air and natural light to enter.
7.0.4 Stationary housing and
shelters must have solid floors.
Note: Floors- the surface of
the ground or pasture - may be natural or artificial. Existing mesh or slatted
flooring areas may be covered to create the equivalent of a solid surface. An
area of wire or slat under a drinker will be deemed drainage not a floor.
Standard 7.04 does not apply to range, pasture or forage area, unless the area
is covered by a house or designated as a shelter area.
7.0.5 Inspection of ducks must be
possible at any time day or night.
7.0.6 Wet bedding must be removed
and manure or soiled bedding must not be stored in the house.
7.0.7 Structures housing birds
must be well-insulated with internal temperature and humidity controls, either
natural or mechanical.
7.0.8 Housing must be kept dry.
7.0.9 Maintenance and
housekeeping routines must be in place to minimize any potential problems from
rats or mice.
7.0.10 Lighting in housing must
meet the following requirements:
7.0.10.1 In housing, birds must
not be subjected to dim and/or continuous lighting or kept in permanent
darkness.
7.0.10.2 Housing must be kept at
an average of at least 15 lux in daylight hours.
7.0.10.3 Shelters and housing
must be constructed with windows or openings that allow daylight and
circulation of air and allow the birds to experience natural light patterns.
7.0.10.4 Use of artificial light
is permitted as long as it does not exceed a maximum day-length of 16 hours.
7.0.10.5 Artificial light must be
distributed evenly.
7.0.10.6 Lighting may not be kept
artificially dim or bright.
7.0.11 The house and fittings
must be constructed so that they can be easily and effectively cleaned.
7.0.12 If a house is depopulated,
bedding must be removed and the house completely cleaned and left for at least
24 hours before restocking.
7.0.13 Houses must be fully dry
before a new flock is introduced.
7.0.14 Structures and outdoor
areas must encourage birds to go outside in the hours of daylight.
7.0.15 There must be more than
one entry and exit open at any time to allow birds free access to outside.
7.0.16 Openings must be large
enough to allow at least two birds to pass without touching.
7.0.17 There must be no obvious
obstructions that would prevent birds from seeing the exits.
7.1 Not allocated
7.2 Bedding
7.2.1 In housing, bedding must be
available to ducks at all times.
7.2.2 Bedding must be kept in a dry, mold-free, friable condition and
replenished as necessary.
7.2.3 Bedding from timber-based
products sourced from chemically treated wood, paper-based materials and/or
cedar wood is prohibited.
8.0 RANGING AND FORAGING
ACCESS
8.0.1 Continuous outdoor ranging
and foraging access is required for all ducks from the age of four weeks old
onwards.
Note: Animal Welfare Approved recommends
that all ducks have access to the outdoor ranging and foraging area from as
early on in life as possible. This could be from two to three days old onwards
if conditions allow.
8.0.2 The amount of outdoor area
must be such that the health of the birds as well as range and vegetation
quality is maintained.
Note: Animal Welfare Approved recommends
that ranging and foraging areas be used in rotation.
8.0.3 The ranging and foraging
area must be well drained and clean.
8.0.4 A ranging and foraging
management plan must be in place that addresses the specific farm site. (See
section 10.0.9) It must demonstrate that paddocks are an appropriate size and
layout to ensure that:
8.0.4.1 Ducks have access to
growing green vegetation on the range whenever conditions allow.
8.0.4.2 The composition of the
ranging and foraging areas does not inadvertently create health problems for
ducks.
8.0.4.3 Ranging and foraging
areas are not denuded by overuse and other management techniques.
8.0.4.4 The location of water,
shelter, and feeders is addressed.
8.0.4.5 Non-point pollution and
other local environmental standards are being met.
8.0.4.6 Ranging and foraging
areas that have been used, worn out or denuded are restored.
8.0.5 The application of
pesticides and herbicides on areas being utilized by ducks is prohibited.
Note: A minimum interval of
21 days is required between application of any pesticides and the resumption of
use of the range.
8.0.6 Sufficient ranging and
foraging area must be provided such that the bird's activities do not lead to
more than 20% of the range being denuded.
8.0.7 The birds must be able to
forage and seek nutrition from the range.
8.0.8 The ranging and foraging
area must provide birds with access to a rich variety of vegetation and green
plants that are rich in calcium and other vitamins.
8.0.9 Clean drinking water must
be continuously available to birds on range.
8.0.10 Birds must be protected
from the immediate threat or fear of aerial predators.
8.0.11 Areas of retreat or cover
must be available close to the birds and provided in a manner that encourages
ranging behavior and ensures maximum use of the ranging and foraging areas
available.
Note: These can be natural
(for example: trees, shrubs and cover crops) and/or artificial.
8.0.12 The colony or flocks must
be moved before the land becomes damaged or contaminated. The frequency of the
rotation will depend on the size of the flock, range and forage quality, land
available, and weather conditions.
8.1 Exclusion from
ranging and foraging areas
8.1.1 Ducks over the age of four
weeks must only be excluded from ranging and foraging areas in emergency
situations or extreme weather conditions where the welfare of the birds would
otherwise be affected.
8.1.2 When ducks are excluded
from ranging and foraging areas at times of disease risk or inclement weather,
they must be provided with vegetative material so that they can engage in
foraging behavior.
8.2 Access to water
8.2.1 Ducks must always have
access to water for behavioral needs.
Note: Different species of ducks have different behavioral needs. All ducks
must have access to water such that they can dip their heads in water and
spread water over their feathers. Mallard ducks additionally require water they
can swim in, whereas Muscovy ducks do not. Ducklings are included in the
requirement above but they must be protected from the risk of drowning. This
may necessitate excluding them from large bodies of water.
8.2.2 Water for swimming needs must be deep enough for ducks to fully invert
their bodies in the water and swim without their feet touching the bottom.
8.2.3 Natural and artificial water sources must be kept clean and well
maintained.
8.2.4 Ponds and swimming water must be maintained and managed to prevent
environmental pollution
9.0 PROTECTION FROM
PREDATORS AND CONTROL OF RATS AND MICE
9.0.1 Birds must be protected
from predators.
9.0.2 In the event that exclusion
is unsuccessful and predation remains an issue, live trapping may be used. (Please
contact Animal Welfare Approved for guidance.)
9.0.3 Live traps must be checked
twice daily.
9.0.4 All other forms of traps
are prohibited.
9.0.5 All snares and leg hold
traps are prohibited.
9.0.6 The use of poisons against
predators is prohibited.
9.0.7 If live trapping is not
possible or is not successful, lethal control of specific animals may be
carried out.
9.0.8 All lethal
control/euthanasia of predators must result in instantaneous irreversible
unconsciousness and death.
9.0.9 If a predatory animal has
been euthanized to protect the animals on the farm, there must be records kept
of the species in question, number of animals, and euthanasia method. (See
section 10.0.10)
9.0.10 Glue boards for the
control of rats and mice are prohibited.
9.0.11 Licensed rodenticides
placed such that non-target species have no access to them may be used for the
control of rats or mice.
10.0 RECORDS AND
RECORD-KEEPING
This section lists the records
that must be maintained on farm.
10.0.1 Records of a health plan.
10.0.2 Records of the
administration of veterinary medical products.
10.0.3 Records of an emergency
plan.
10.0.4 Records of purchase, sale
or transfer of any Animal Welfare Approved birds on or off the farm.
10.0.5 Records of mortality,
morbidity and culling.
10.0.6 Records of hatchery
information and backup generator.
10.0.7 Records of a feeding plan
including nutritional regime.
10.0.8 Records of ingredients of
feed for each class of bird, proportion of the constituents to the total feed
on a dry matter basis, and/or sources of the constituent parts.
10.0.9 Records of a ranging and
foraging area management plan.
10.0.10 Records of predatory
animals who have been euthanized to protect the birds on the farm.
10.0.11 Records of a plan for
transporting birds.
Note: For new farmers
entering the program, a period of 12 months will be provided to put the program
plan and documents in place. The Animal Welfare Approved consultancy team will be able to assist in
this process. The Animal Welfare Approved program will also provide
templates for record-keeping upon request.
11.0 HANDLING
11.0.1 Birds must be caught in
darkness.
Note: Individual birds may be
caught in daylight for required treatments or inspections.
11.0.2 Ducks must always be
carried individually with two hands and lifted with support to the breast and
with the head upward.
Note: Please contact Animal Welfare Approved if further
information on appropriate methods of catching and handling is required.
11.0.3 Abuse or maltreatment of
birds is prohibited.
11.0.4 Birds must be caught with
a minimum of chasing.
11.0.5 Handling and catching must
only be done by competent persons able to complete these actions without
causing injury or undue stress.
11.0.6 Hired catching teams must
have completed training on humane methods of duck handling.
11.0.7 In the event a duck
suffers accidental injury during catching, the bird must receive individual
treatment to minimize pain and suffering immediately.
11.0.8 Sick, injured and/or
suffering birds discovered during the catching process who are not expected to
recover must be euthanized.
12.0 TRANSPORT
12.0.1 A plan must exist to
ensure that welfare of the birds is maintained during transport both around the
farm and off the farm. (See section 10.0.11)
12.0.2 Birds who are sick or
injured must not be transported.
12.0.3 Mailing of live birds is
prohibited.
12.0.4 Any person transporting
birds must ensure they are taken without delay to their destination.
12.0.5 The person in charge of
the ducks being transported must ensure that the birds are not caused any
injury or suffering, during the crating procedure, during transport, or after
they have been unloaded.
12.0.6 Farmers who are not doing
the handling and/or transport of the birds themselves are responsible for selecting
responsible and conscientious handlers and truckers who will adhere to Animal
Welfare Approved requirements and prohibitions during loading, transport
and unloading at the destination.
12.0.7 Hired handlers and
truckers with sole responsibility must have completed training on humane
methods of poultry transport. The Animal Welfare Approved program
recommends the Trucker Quality Assurance training program, but will
consider equivalent programs on a case-by-case basis.
12.0.8 Birds must not be transported
during extreme weather conditions. If delays during transport or unloading upon
arrival at destination are anticipated, catching, loading and transport must
not commence until those complications are resolved.
12.0.9 During transport, all
ducks must be protected from harm or stress. The birds must not be exposed to
drastic temperature changes and hot or cold thermal stress.
12.0.10 The vehicle transporting
the ducks must be capable of providing protection from high wind currents or
rain and snow while still allowing the birds to receive breathable fresh air.
12.0.11 Transport after dark is
recommended as it helps keep the birds calm and quiet.
12.0.12 Birds must have
continuous access to water until the point of catching.
12.0.13 Feed must not be
withdrawn for more than eight hours before slaughter.
Note: If birds are crated
overnight and go directly to slaughter in the morning, feed withdrawal may
exceed eight hours.
12.0.14 Birds destined for
slaughter may be crated overnight provided that they have adequate ventilation,
are not overcrowded, and are transported to their final destination within
three hours of dawn.
12.0.15 Overcrowding of birds
during transport is prohibited.
12.0.16 Transport to slaughter
must not exceed four hours.
12.1 Transporting
ducklings
12.1.1 Ducklings must be
transported in boxes designed for the purpose.
12.1.2 Boxes must have non-slip
pads on the bottom.
12.1.3 The number of day-old
ducklings must be put in boxes according to box count.
12.1.4 Delivery containers must
not cause crowding or packed conditions for ducklings.
12.1.5 Boxes used for ducklings
must not be stacked on one another unless specifically designed for the
purpose. When stacking boxes, care must be taken to ensure that air flow to the
ducklings is not restricted.
12.1.6 Live ducklings must only
be transported in temperature controlled vehicles.
12.2 Transport crates
12.2.1 Any bird over 36 hours old
should be transported in a crate rather than a box for ducklings.
12.2.2 Crates must be capable of
being cleaned and disinfected. Crates must be designed to allow birds to be
easily loaded and unloaded.
12.2.3 The use of wire transport
cages is prohibited.
12.2.4 The doors on the crates
must be sufficiently large to allow the insertion and extraction of birds to be
easily tolerated. Crates with additional openings on top are preferable.
12.2.5 Crates must be designed so
that the birds can sit comfortably next to each other, but not stand.
Note: This limited space
helps the birds stay calm and avoid harming themselves or stressing others by
banging into the surrounding walls.
12.2.6 The density of birds put
in transportation crates must not exceed 7 lbs (3 kg) per sq. feet (0.028 sq.
meters).
12.2.7 The containers and
vehicles in which ducks are transported must be thoroughly cleaned and dried
prior to loading.
12.2.8 Transport crates must be
capable of providing the birds with adequate fresh air and protection from
inclement weather.
12.2.9 Transportation crates must
allow for proper care and inspection of the birds. They must have a mark that
indicates the upright position and a symbol that shows they contain live
animals.
12.2.10 If crates are stacked,
extra care must be taken to ensure ducks have sufficient ventilation.
12.3 Transporting breeder
ducks
12.3.1 Adult breeder ducks must
be transported in either individual crates or, if moved in a trailer, birds
must be separated according to ducks and drakes and also separated based on
weight and age.
12.3.2 Flooring must consist of
heavy bedding so birds are able to stand comfortably without slipping.
12.3.3 The permission to
transport breeder ducks by direct destination flights in temperature controlled
environments may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
13.0 SLAUGHTER
13.0.1 On farm slaughter is recommended
and Controlled Atmosphere Killing (CAK) or Controlled Atmosphere Stunning
(CAS), in which ducks remain in their crates and their oxygen is slowly
replaced by a mixture of argon and/or nitrogen, are the preferred slaughtering
methods.
Note: On-farm mobile
slaughter and CAS/CAK are not readily available. It is the goal of the Animal Welfare Approved program to
make these processes more widely available and acceptable for USDA-approved
programs.
13.0.2 CAK and CAS using carbon
dioxide must only be used in a two phase process where ducks are initially
stunned by a mix of not more than 30% CO2 before moving into higher
concentrations of this gas.
Note: Due to the highly aversive effect of CO2 on waterfowl Animal
Welfare Approved will keep this standard under review.
13.0.3 When a slaughterhouse
using CAK/CAS in a form that includes the use of anoxic gas is available, such
a plant must have priority.
13.0.4 Slaughterhouses receiving
birds in the Animal Welfare Approved program, or the process of slaughtering
on-farm, must be reviewed by the Animal Welfare Approved program and
pass an audit for pre-slaughter handling, stunning, and killing.
13.0.5 Animal Welfare
Approved recommends that the person delivering the birds to slaughter stay
with them to ensure that they are slaughtered according to Animal Welfare
Approved guidelines in 13.0.2.
13.0.6 Birds must be handled as
little as possible up to the point of slaughter. If containers are used they
must be unloaded horizontally and must be handled with care to ensure they are
not tipped.
13.0.7 Birds must be unloaded and
slaughtered within two hours of arrival at the slaughterhouse.
13.0.8 At the slaughter plant
birds must be unloaded in a dimly lit room.
13.0.9 Containers must be
unloaded in an upright position and handled with care. No person must cause or
permit a duck to sustain any avoidable excitement, pain or suffering.
13.0.10 Any person involved in
the killing or slaughter process, including catching and movement of the ducks,
must have the knowledge and skill to perform those tasks humanely and
efficiently.
13.0.11 All ducks must be
restrained prior to stunning and slaughter in a manner that spares them any
avoidable pain, suffering, agitation or injury.
13.0.12 Shackling of live birds
is prohibited.
13.0.13 Stunning must be followed
immediately by killing (bleeding). When one person is responsible for both
operations, they must be carried out consecutively on one duck before moving on
to the next.
13.0.14 Killing birds without
prior stunning is prohibited.
13.0.15 Cones may be used to
restrain birds prior to stunning.
13.0.16 If cones are used, birds
must not leave the cone until dead as demonstrated by the bird having no blink
reflex and no reaction to pressure on the comb.
14.0 DEROGATIONS
14.0.1 If, in the opinion of the
Animal Welfare Approved Standards Board, a system meets all of the principles
of the program but does not pass a specific standard or standards, derogation
may be granted.
14.0.2 In order for a derogation
to be granted, an inspection report must be submitted stating the deviation
from the published standard, the reason for this deviation, the length of time
this deviation from standards will occur and the welfare outcome should the
derogation be granted.
Version 1.01
© 2008 Animal Welfare Institute
Copy by written permission only from Animal Welfare Institute
www.animalwelfareapproved.org