3. Inspection and Husbandry
3.1 Birds should be treated at all times with due regard for their health and welfare and in such a way as to avoid injury and minimise stress. This is particularly important for birds destined for release, where a degree of wildness is retained.
3.2 Gamebirds should not be handled more than is strictly necessary; they are non-domesticated species and therefore may be more prone to stress than domesticated farmed poultry. Where handling proves necessary this should be done in an appropriate manner.
3.3 Birds should be housed at all times to provide appropriate social groups (age, species, sex, sex ratios and size) and to minimize the risk of aggressive behaviour. Batch sizes of birds should be kept within easily manageable limits. Where possible, groups should be small enough so that if a disease problem arises the group can be isolated.
3.4 The breeding/rearing house or pen system should be designed and managed in such a way as to minimise aggressive behaviour within the flock. This may be achieved by providing physical and sight barriers, perches and hiding places within the pens, together with forms of environmental enrichment.
3.5. All game breeders and rearers should register with a veterinary practice in order to deal with any incidences of poor welfare, disease problems or injuries that require attention. Expert advice should be sought from veterinary surgeons and other suitably qualified advisers whenever necessary. Staff should be sufficiently knowledgeable to recognize normal behaviour and the early signs of abnormal behaviour associated with injury and disease.
3.6 Good biosecurity is essential to prevent disease. Regularly changed disinfectant foot baths should be in use at all main entrances to the unit to ensure adequate biosecurity. Disinfectants should be used appropriately with regard to the safety of the birds. Staff and visitors should be aware of the need for suitable footwear and other protective clothing, and should use the footbaths. It is advisable to keep a record of all visitors to the site.
3.7 All incoming chicks, poults or adult birds should be inspected for health on arrival. Eggs should be checked, cleaned, washed and fumigated as necessary. Where problems are identified appropriate remedial action should be taken.
3.8 It is recommended that birds should be checked at least daily for signs of disease or injury and more frequently during the breeding and rearing period. This inspection should be carried out by knowledgeable staff. All birds suffering ill health, injury or subject to equipment failure must receive immediate and appropriate attention, including the involvement of a veterinary surgeon where necessary. In cases where euthanasia proves essential, this must be carried out humanely and should be performed by trained members of staff.
3.9 All chicks, poults and adult birds should be adequately protected from predators. Any methods used must conform to legal requirements. Pest control procedures should be operated to ensure the health and welfare of the birds.
3.10 There should be a contingency plan to prevent or deal with emergencies such as fire, flood, storm damage, interruption of supplies or notifiable disease. A prominently positioned emergency action board should provide details of emergency procedures and also phone numbers of the emergency services, location of the unit and of local water sources.