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 3000kg of live birds/hectare at 25DSE [1200kg of live birds/acre at 10DSE]

4 The maximum shed density should be 1000kg 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 edition of the animal welfare code for poultry which is approved in each State and Territory.

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 under veterinary direction, are therapeutic antibiotics permitted. Treated birds must not be sold as Free Range.

9 Purposely inducing moulting, by not feeding is not permitted

10 Toe trimming, de-snooding is not permitted.

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

12 Housing, equipment, ventilation, temperature and health practices must in accordance with the current edition of the animal welfare code for poultry which is approved in each State and Territory.

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

14 All breeders must be tested Salmonella pullorum free.

15 Hatchery must be registered with the relevant state authority and comply with the Live Stock Disease Control Act 1994

16 Culled and surplus hatchlings must be disposed of in accordance with the current edition of the animal welfare code for poultry which is approved in each State and Territory,

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

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

19 All farms must comply with appropriate sections of the National Farm Biosecurity Manual – Poultry Production.

20 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.

Standards available for download by clicking here…