Global Animal Partnership’s

5-Step® Animal Welfare Standards for Chickens Raised for Meat v3.2

About Global Animal Partnership’s (G.A.P.) Animal Welfare CertifiedTM Program

G.A.P.’s Animal Welfare CertifiedTM program assesses the level of welfare of animals on-farm, during transport and at slaughter. Standards for additional components of production, such as hatchery and breeding, will be developed in the future.

Through its very design as a multi-tiered program, G.A.P.’s Animal Welfare CertifiedTM Program promotes continuous improvement in animal agriculture; engages a broad spectrum of producers; allows for wider product selection for greater consumer options; provides more detailed information about the level of welfare of farm animals; and better informs consumers about the production systems they may choose to support.

Each set of tiered standards—from Step 1 to Step 5+—has its own requirements that must be met before certification to that particular Step level can be assigned. As the standard-setter, Global Animal Partnership does not conduct audits nor make Step-level certification decisions. Authorized, third-party certification companies perform the audits and issue Step certificates, as appropriate. As such, producers, consumers, and retailers alike can be confident that Step-levels are fair, accurate, and free of conflict of interest.

About G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Standards for Chickens Raised for Meat

Version 3.0 of the G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Standards for Chickens Raised for Meat was issued on 3 July 2017, was amended (v3.1) on 3 April 2018, and was updated (v3.2) on 1 May 2020. This version (3.1) replaces all previous versions. Any operations audited on or after 3 April 2018, including those undergoing re-certification, will be audited to this version. The development process included consultation and guidance from animal welfare scientific experts, chicken producers and industry

representatives, public comments, and review and approval by the Global Animal Partnership Board of Directors.

After four (4) certification cycles, the standards will be reviewed in full and revised through a process that involves expert guidance from scientists and producers, public comment and field testing, before the draft revision is presented to the Board of Directors for final review and approval. This time frame provides for the standard to be implemented across each of the seasons prior to a thorough review and revision process.

At any time throughout the above-mentioned period, G.A.P. may amend or clarify parts of the standard as issues with implementation arise, new technologies become available, or new scientific findings are made.

About Global Animal Partnership

Global Animal Partnership, a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 2008, brings together farmers, scientists, ranchers, retailers, manufacturers foodservice and animal advocates—a diverse group with the common goal of seeking to improve the welfare of farm animals.

For more information, contact us at info@globalanimalpartnership.org or 877.427.5783.

Program Overview

Chickens raised in Step 1 systems typically live in a stationary housing structure and are provided with space to express natural behavior and enrichment in their environment. In Step 2, they also typically live in an indoor environment but with natural light and are provided with different types of enrichments. Chickens in Step 3 systems have access to the outdoors, when seasonal conditions allow, with provisions that encourage ranging and foraging when outdoors. In Step 4, chickens live on pasture, with access to housing; during winter, chickens may be taken off pasture but must have daily access to the outdoors. In Step 5 and Step 5+, chickens live continuously outdoors on pasture and may only be removed during extreme weather conditions. At Step 5+, chickens are also required to spend their lives from placement on a single farm, and are slaughtered at a mobile or on-farm slaughter facility.

How to Read these Standards

Standards applicable to a Step level are designated with a • symbol in the corresponding Step column. The m indicates the standard is considered a major non-conformance (see Non-conformances section below for more details, and the G.A.P. Policy Manual).

In the example below, the standard is required for each Step level, Step 1 through Step 5+:

In this example, 5.1.1 is required only for Step 3, 5.1.2 is required only for Step 4, and 5.1.3 is required for Step 5-5+. In addition, the  symbol prefaces additional information provided to aid in the understanding of the standard:

Program Requirements

The following is applicable to each operation applying for certification to Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Standards for Chickens Raised for Meat.

1. General

   1. The standards in this document are requirements.

   2. The operation must have read the standards and prepared for the audit or they cannot be certified.

   3. With the exception of Standard 1.1.5 for Steps 5 and 5+, standards for breeding animals are not included in this document and will be developed in the future.

   4. Unless otherwise specified, standards in this document pertain to chickens of any age.

   5. The term “flock” is defined as a barn/house of chickens. In the event of split slaughter ages – for example if the flock is thinned – lameness and foot pad dermatitis assessments must be carried out in the oldest birds to be slaughtered.

      1. An example of a single flock could be one house of 10,000 chicks that are brooded together and then reared through to slaughter all on the same date.

      2. If chicks are brooded together but are subsequently raised to different Step levels, they would be considered two flocks and would require two sets of records.

      3. If 10,000 chicks are brooded together then split into two separate houses for this would be two flocks.

      4. If an operation has a single barn with two floors and the birds on the top floor are placed on one day and the birds on the bottom floor are placed 5 days later this would be two flocks.

   6. The term “operation” is defined as either (i) a single farm or (ii) a farm with more than one location, that meets all of the following criteria:

      1. all staff and chickens are under the direct supervision* of the main farm;

      2. the main farm owns all of the chickens; and

      3. the main farm owns, rents or leases, all the land and/or buildings where the chickens are raised.

         An individual operation can include a farm that is under contract to raise chickens for a larger business OR a farm that owns their own chickens and markets them under their own brand(s).

         *Direct supervision is defined as being when an employee of the main certified farm business is responsible for the chickens on the farm that is at a separate location to the main farm. If the person responsible for the management and care of the chickens at a separate location to the main certified farm business is a contract farmer and not an employee, then that site is a separate operation for the purposes of determining the number of audits – even if there is routine oversight from an employee of the main operation.

   7. In order to achieve certification to a particular Step-level, the operation must meet all applicable standards. For example, all standards specified for Step 3 must be met in order to become certified to Step 3.

   8. The G.A.P. Policy Manual is a companion document to the standards, and details additional program requirements and terms of certification beyond that which is included in the standards (see www.globalanimalpartnership.org for a copy of the Policy Manual).

   9. G.A.P. is developing a Chain of Custody Records Reconciliation Program (CCRRP) and when finalized, all supply chains identified in the CCRRP will be required to be certified. CCRRP certification will include verifying numbers of animals/raw materials through the entire supply chain (i.e. from hatch to market).

   10. Each operation must follow a chain of custody program (see Section 9.6) that is also maintained by the slaughter facility and any further processor. The chain of custody program can be developed and implemented by an affiliated group (e.g., a producer group, co-operative, marketing entity) or created with the aid of external consultation.

   11. A glossary defining specific terms and terminology used in these standards is located at the end of this document.

   12. No standard in this document supersedes governmental regulations or laws, whether local, regional, state, provincial, territorial, federal, national, or other.

2. Applications

   1. Each operation is required to submit a completed G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Chicken application for each certification cycle prior to audit.

   2. Each operation must identify all sites (either owned, leased, and/or shared) used to raise meat chickens by the operation on their G.A.P. application.

   3. Applications, this document, and other program documents, can be downloaded at www.globalanimalpartnership.org/ or by contacting your G.A.P.- accredited certifier.

3. Audit and Certification

   1. Each operation must submit a completed G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Chicken application and be audited and certified prior to marketing any product(s) as G.A.P. Certified.

   2. Each operation must be audited once every certification cycle. A certification cycle is 15 months, which allows for chickens and operations to be assessed seasonally over a 5-year period.

   3. Each operation must have chickens on-site at the time of on-site audit, but not all houses at an operation must have chickens in them at the time of the on-site audit.

   4. At initial audit, the operation must have chickens on-site that are over 21 days old.

   5. At the time of on-site audit, the person(s) responsible for managing the operation and/or an animal caretaker must be present. A designated representative affiliated with a supplier group may also be present at the time of the on-site audit, but cannot be the only person present.

   6. Each operation applying for G.A.P. certification is responsible for ensuring that all required records and documents are available, and that all applicable standards are met, including actions that may be contracted or managed by another entity (e.g. catching and loading, transport, rodent control).

   7. All applicable standards, including those that may be controlled or managed by, or contracted to, another (e.g. the hatchery; a catching and loading crew; a transporter; a producer group, co-operative, or marketing entity; slaughter facility), will be assessed for compliance by the certification company and incorporated into its overall assessment of the operation prior to the final Step determination.

   8. G.A.P. supports the use of video or other electronic monitoring records for the review of brooding (for individual operations that market their own chickens, see n. ii. below) and catching and loading chickens. Use of video technology is not a requirement but can be used in place of certain observations listed in G.A.P.’s Policy Manual. Please refer to G.A.P.’s Policy Manual for additional details about how this must be conducted.

   9. Auditors do not make Step-level determinations nor provide consultative service to producers on meeting standards requirements; reviewers of authorized certification companies make Step-level determinations.

   10. Operations are only considered seasonal if they produce chickens for a portion of the year (e.g. flocks raised from July to November). If an operation produces chickens year-round, but only produces G.A.P. Certified chickens seasonally (e.g. for the holidays), the operation is not considered a seasonal operation.

   11. For operations that (1) only raise chickens seasonally, or (2) are new operations, the issue date of the G.A.P. certificate will be the date of the on-site audit, rather than the date the final Step-level decision is made.

   12. If chickens are not raised on a single operation and different stages of production are conducted by different operations (e.g. chickens are brooded and raised to 4 weeks at location A, and then transported to location B where from 4 weeks onwards they are raised to slaughter age), each operation must submit a completed G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Chicken application and be audited and certified prior to product being marketed as G.A.P. Certified.

   13. Step-wise differentiation cannot be awarded on the basis of season. For example, a Step 3 operation cannot market their chickens as Step 3 during the time of year when chickens would typically be outdoors, and as a Step 2 when chickens would typically be kept indoors.

   14. Specifics for Individual Operations that Market Their Own Chickens

       1. An operation that markets its own chickens must have at least 1 flock inspected when chickens are within 14 days of slaughter.

       2. At least 1 flock must be observed during brooding (up to 21 days) (this can be observed using video technology – see 3 h. above; G.A.P.’s Policy Manual; and check and confirm certifier’s protocols for further details).

       3. If the operation has more than 4 flocks, then a minimum of 50% of the flocks will be selected by the auditor for inspection while on-site with preference given to the oldest flocks. If the operation has multiple locations, the 50% requirement must include at least one inspection at each location.

       4. Catching and loading must be observed and audited at least once each certification cycle (this can be observed using video technology – see 3 h. above; G.A.P.’s Policy Manual; and check and confirm certifier’s protocols for further details).

       5. The catching and loading observation referenced above can be of non-G.A.P. Certified chickens, provided all aspects of the catching and loading process are the same for all flocks, including those to be marketed as G.A.P. Certified.

   15. Specifics for Operations that are Part of an Affiliated Group

       1. For operations that market chickens through an affiliated group (e.g. producer group, co-operative, marketing entity) rather than under the operation’s own name or brand, 30% of the operations must have 1 flock inspected when chickens are within 14 days of slaughter; 5% at less than 21 days of age; and the remaining 65% when the chickens are over 21 days of age.

       2. If an individual operation within an affiliated group has more than 4 flocks, then a minimum of 50% of the flocks will be selected by the auditor for inspection while on-site. If the operation has multiple locations, the 50% requirement must include at least one inspection at each location.

       3. Catching and loading must be observed and audited at least once each certification cycle. If the affiliated group controls catching and loading for multiple operations, the auditor may observe and inspect the catching and loading process for the group rather than on each applicant’s own operation, provided that (1) the assessment is performed at least once per certification cycle, and (2) all aspects of the catching and loading process are the same for all operations. (This can be observed using video technology – see 3 a. vii. Above; G.A.P.’s Policy Manual; and check and confirm certifier’s protocols for further details).

       4. The catching and loading observation referenced above can be of non-G.A.P. Certified chickens, provided all aspects of the catching and loading process are the same for all flocks, including those to be marketed as G.A.P. Certified.

4. Non-conformances

   Note: This section provides a brief overview of the provisions of the G.A.P. Policy Manual relating to non-conformances. For further details please refer to that document.

   1. If an operation fails to meet a standard, it will be considered a non-conformance. There are three categories of non-conformance: minor, major and critical (see G.A.P.’s Policy Manual).

   2. If an operation receives a repeat non-conformance at the time of the next audit – the designation of minor, major and critical impacts the certification decision (see Repeat Non-conformances in G.A.P.’s Policy Manual).

      
      

      In the example below, the C indicates that failure to meet the standard would be considered a critical non-conformance and the operation would be denied certification (see G.A.P.’s Policy Manual for further information).

      STANDARD		Step Level
      		1	2	3	4	5	5+
      2.4 Handling
      2.4.1C	Chickens must be handled properly and respectfully.	•	•	•	•	•	•
      	 [2.4.1 a]: G.A.P. has a zero-tolerance policy to kicking, throwing, striking, punching, hitting and any other actions or omissions in care that could cause harm or injury to chickens.  [2.4.1 b]: Proper and respectful handling extends to all chickens – healthy, sick, injured and/or dead.

      In the example below, the m indicates that failure to meet the standard would be considered a major non-conformance. If at recertification, this standard was still not in compliance, then it would be considered a critical non-conformance and the operation would be denied certification (see G.A.P.’s Policy Manual for further information).

      STANDARD		Step Level
      		1	2	3	4	5	5+
      1.1 Source / Breed / Lines
      1.1.1m	Intentional use of genetically modified or cloned chickens, or their progeny, is prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•

      
      

      In the example below, as there is no m or C beside the standard, this means that the standard is classified as a minor non-conformance if it fails to be met. If at recertification, this standard was still not in compliance, then it would be considered a major non-conformance (see G.A.P.’s Policy Manual for further information).

      
      

      STANDARD		Step Level
      		1	2	3	4	5	5+
      2.2 Hazard Management
      2.2.1	Equipment, fittings, openings, protrusions, housing, outdoor areas, fences, and any other structures must be maintained to prevent injury.	•	•	•	•	•	•

   3. If an operation is issued a critical non-conformance, certification will be denied.

   4. If an operation is issued a major or minor non-conformance, it needs to be addressed and the response submitted to the certifier by the operation within 3 weeks from the date the certifier issues the audit report, and be accepted by the certifier as an acceptable response to the non-conformance, before a certificate is issued. If the operation does not respond to the non-conformance within 3 weeks, it will result in a shortened certificate once an acceptable response is received (see G.A.P.’s Policy Manual).

5. Step Differentiation within the Standards

   1. Each Step level—Step 1 through Step 5+—has its own requirements that must be met to be certified to that level. If an operation, for example, meets some, but not all Step 4 (or higher) requirements, but 100% of the requirements for Step 1, the G.A.P. certification will be Step 1.

   2. Step differentiator standards are those that do not apply to all steps. Meat chickens can achieve Step-levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 5+. Any standard that does not apply to all of those levels is a Step differentiator standard. In the example below Standard 4.5.4 only applies to Steps 1 and 2, Standard 4.5.5 only applies to Steps 3 and 4, and Standard 4.5.6 only applies to Steps 5 and 5+.

      
      

      STANDARD		Step Level
      		1	2	3	4	5	5+
      4.5 Lighting
      4.5.4 m	By day 3 after placement (except when raised under natural lighting conditions and dark periods are shorter), chickens must be provided daily with at least 8 hours of continuous light and at least 6 hours of continuous darkness (<1 lux) throughout their lives.	•	•

      4.5.5	By day 3 after placement (except when raised under natural lighting conditions and dark periods are shorter), chickens must be provided daily with at least 8 hours of continuous light and at least 8 hours of continuous darkness (<1 lux) throughout their lives.			•	•
      4.5.6	From placement (except when raised under natural lighting conditions and dark periods are shorter), chickens must be provided with a daily minimum of 8 hours of continuous darkness throughout their lives.					•	•

   3. At renewal, if an operation fails to meet a standard that is specific to their level, it will drop to the applicable Step level, or lose certification as appropriate, unless the Certifier applies their discretion to issue a non-conformance if and only if:

      1. the standard that is out of conformance is not a repeat from the previous audit; and

      2. the Certifier is confident the operation will be able to achieve and maintain the level specified in the standard; and

      3. the operation is only out of conformance with one standard relating to the Step level the operation is looking to achieve.

6. Step-levels

   1. Step-level certification information (see Standard 9.6.2) must travel with chickens whenever they are being moved off the operation if they are to be marketed as G.A.P. Certified.

   2. All locations must carry the same Step-level or the lowest Step-level is applied to the marketed product.

      1. For example, suppose there are five operations owned by different operators that produce meat chickens marketed under a single brand and chickens are not segregated according to operation. Prior to marketing chickens as G.A.P. Certified, all 5 operations need to be audited. Of these five operations four are certified to Step 4 and one is certified to Step 3. Because chickens are not segregated by operation, all chickens from all five operations would have to be marketed as Step 3.

      2. As a second example, suppose there are six operations owned by different operators that raise chickens marketed by a single producer group with chickens segregated according to operation. Prior to marketing product as G.A.P. Certified, all six operations need to be audited. Of those six operations, four are certified as Step 4 and two are certified as Step 1. As the chickens are segregated according to operation, the chickens from the Step 1 operations can be marketed as Step 1 and the chickens from the Step 4 operations can be marketed as Step 4.

      3. If chickens to be marketed as G.A.P. Certified are not raised on a single operation and different stages of production are conducted by different operations, each operation must submit a completed G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Chicken application and be audited and certified, and the lowest Step-level achieved will be assigned to the marketed product. For example, chicks are brooded at Farm A, which sells the chickens to Farm B for grow-out. Farm A achieves a Step-level of Step 2, and Farm B is certified to Step 3. The final product will be labeled as Step 2.

   3. If an operation produces both G.A.P. Certified chickens and non-G.A.P. Certified chickens on the same site (e.g. where there are multiple houses managed to different programs), this is defined as a split operation. In order to qualify as a split operation, a strict segregation protocol must be in place and approved by the certifier prior to a G.A.P. certification decision being issued. The segregation protocol must include all of the following components (see G.A.P.’s Policy Manual):

      1. A written policy describing how chicken from G.A.P. Certified flocks is segregated from chicken from non-G.A.P. Certified flocks; AND

      2. How chickens are physically separated (for example packed on dedicated lines); OR

      3. How chickens are identified using a method that allows for instant visual identification.

   4. As outlined in the G.A.P. Policy Manual, split operations will not be issued certification to the operation as a whole, rather certificates will specify the certified G.A.P. Certified portion of the split operation.

7. Additional Standards Documents

   Note: The most current versions of the documents listed below can be downloaded at www.globalanimalpartnership.org.

   1. As noted above, G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Standards for Chickens Raised for Meat v3.2 is accompanied by G.A.P.’s Policy Manual.

   2. As per bullet 2a above, each operation is required to complete G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Chicken application each certification cycle.

8. Labeling

   1. Prior to labeling any chicken as G.A.P. Certified, the marketing entity must ensure that they meet labeling regulations for the country in which they are selling.

   2. The use of the G.A.P. label/logo must meet the requirements of G.A.P.’s Labeling Guide, and be approved by G.A.P. prior to use.

   3. Before retail-ready packaged products are labeled as G.A.P. Certified, operations must contact G.A.P.’s Labeled Products Authorization Program at lpa@globalanimalpartnership.org for details of the application, fee schedule and approval process.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. ANIMAL SOURCE AND HEALTH

   Source / Breed / Lines 12

   Growth Rates 13

   Medication 13

   Treatment 13

   On-Farm Euthanasia 14

2. ANIMAL CARE AND MANAGEMENT

   Daily Flock Management 16

   Hazard Management 16

   Chicks and Brooding 16

   Handling 16

   Physical Alterations 16

   Thermal Comfort 17

   Feather Pecking 17

   Footpad Dermatitis 17

   Lameness 18

   Mortality 18

   Culling 19

   Other Commercially Raised Animals

   on the Operation 19

   Domestic Animals on the Operation 19

3. FEED AND WATER

   Water Availability 20

   Feeding Requirements 20

   Feed Hygiene 20

   Additives and Ingredients in Feed

   or Water 20

4. HOUSING

   Housing Systems 21

   Access to Housing 21

   Litter and Flooring 21

   Air Quality 22

   Lighting 22

   Stocking Density 23

   Perches 24

   Environmental Enrichments 24

5. OUTDOOR CONDITIONS

   Outdoor and/or Pasture Access 26

   Vegetation and Foraging Materials 27

   Space Requirements of Outdoor Areas 27

   Provisions to Encourage Chickens to

   Use Outdoor and Pasture Areas 28

6. LOADING

   Condition of Chickens 29

   Water and Feed Withdrawal 29

   Catching and Loading 29

   Transport Containers 30

7. TRANSPORT

   Transport of Chicks 31

   Equipment and Vehicles for Chickens 31

   Transport Personnel Responsibilities

   and Procedures 31

   Transport Duration for Chickens 32

   Transport Records 32

8. RODENT, WILD BIRD, AND PREDATOR CONTROL

   Rodent Control 33

   Wild Bird Control 33

   Predator Control 33

   Guardian Animals 34

9. PLANS, PROTOCOLS, PROCEDURES, TRAINING, RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS

   General Requirements 35

   Written Farm/Animal Health Plan/

   System Plan 35

   Biosecurity Procedures and Protocols 36

   Alternative Power Supply 36

   Training 36

   Traceability and Chain of Custody 37

10. SLAUGHTER REQUIREMENTS

General Requirements 38

Segregation and In-Plant Traceability 39

Appendix I: Breeds/Strains Growth Rates and Step-levels 40

Appendix II: Identifying and Scoring

Footpad Dermatitis 42

Appendix III: Intervention Plans 45

Appendix IV: 3-Category Lameness Evaluation

46

Appendix V: Soiled Feather Assessment 48

Appendix VI: Litter Quality Assessment 50

Appendix VII: Evaluation of Air Quality 52

Appendix VIII: Environmental Enrichments 54

Appendix IX: Illustration of “At Chicken Height”

71

Appendix X: Provisions to Encourage Chickens to Use Outdoor and Pasture Areas 72

Glossary 75

Certain historical records and documents included in this set of standards may not be available at the time of initial audit as the operation applying for 5-Step® certification was unaware they would be required to monitor and/or record them and, therefore, cannot create them for past events, treatments, assessments, or practices. At the time of initial audit, record-keeping, protocols and documentation mechanisms must be in place to meet each of these standards, and be available for review.

1. ANIMAL SOURCE AND HEALTH

   G.A.P. announced in March 2016 that it would be transitioning all of our Step Levels to higher welfare genetics by 2024. To assist us to that end, G.A.P. has provided a research grant to the University of Guelph to determine the specific requirements for each Step level. Once the findings from that study are available,

   G.A.P. will use the information to update this document, and publish as v4.0 of this standard.

   It is G.A.P.’s intention to develop standards for parent stock (i.e. broiler breeders) as a component of v4.0.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   1.1 Source / Breed / Lines The purpose of this Section is to ensure that producers choose the right breed or strain for the system they are managing, whether this is indoors or pasture based. The over-arching principles for good broiler chicken welfare that must be considered when selecting a breed or strain are covered in Standards 1.1.2 to 1.1.4. The informational notes below Standards 1.1.2 to 1.1.4 reference related sections within the standard that can be used to substantiate breed or strain suitability.
   1.1.1m	Intentional use of genetically modified or cloned chickens is prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.1.2	Breeds/lines/strains must be chosen for good leg health and for low levels of mortality.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [1.1.2]: See related Sections 2.9 and 2.10.
   1.1.3	Breeds/lines/strains must be chosen for the ability to range and for good immune systems.				•	•	•
   	 [1.1.3]: See related Sections 1.4.2, 2.10, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4.
   1.1.4	Breeds/lines must be able to perch throughout their lives.					•	•
   	 [1.1.4 a]: G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Standard defines perching as the act of balancing with feet (claws) wrapped around an elevated object such as a wooden bar or pole, or a tree branch. Chickens must be able to perch while in both sitting and standing positions.  [1.1.4 b]: See related Section 4.7 and Standard 5.4.3.
   1.1.5	Each operation must have a signed affidavit from the source confirming that parent stock (i.e. broiler breeders) meet all of the following criteria:					•	•
   	 [1.1.5]: The affidavit may come from the hatchery or the breed company.

   1. fed daily;

   2. not water restricted;

   3. never been kept in cages; and

   4. never given sub-therapeutic antibiotics.

   STANDARD		Step level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   1.2 Growth Rates  Producers are not required to weigh their chickens – compliance is currently determined by G.A.P. from the breeder’s published data.  See Appendix I for a list of breeds/strains, their average growth rate determined from the breeder’s published data, and the maximum step level they can achieve. Any operation with questions around acceptable breeds/strains should contact G.A.P. directly prior to scheduling their audit.
   1.2.1	The maximum average growth rate must not exceed 68 grams (0.150 lbs) per day.	•	•	•
   1.2.2	The maximum average growth rate must not exceed 50 grams (0.110 lbs) per day.				•
   1.2.3	The maximum average growth rate must not exceed 45 grams (0.099 lbs) per day.					•
   1.2.4	The maximum average growth rate must not exceed 35 grams (0.077 lbs) per day.						•
   1.3 Medication
   1.3.1m	Chickens that are given antibiotics, ionophores, beta agonists, sulfa drugs and/or arsenic-based drugs are prohibited from being marketed as G.A.P. Certified.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [1.3.1 a]: This standard applies whether treatments are given therapeutically or sub-therapeutically.  [1.3.1 b]: See Standard 1.4.1 for prompt treatment of chickens.  [1.3.1 c]: Arsenic-based drugs include, but are not limited to 3-Nitro®, Roxarsone, Nitarsone, Arsanilic Acid, and Carbarsone.
   1.3.2	A written protocol must be in place to identify and ensure that any chickens treated with antibiotics, ionophores, beta agonists, sulfa drugs and/or arsenic-based drugs are not marketed as G.A.P. Certified.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.3.3	Off-label / extra-label use of medicines is prohibited unless prescribed or advised by a veterinarian.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [1.3.3 a]: Veterinarian prescription documentation may be acquired via email or fax.  [1.3.3 b]: Parasiticides including coccidiostats and vaccines are not included in this standard.
   1.3.4	Expired medication is prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.4 Treatment
   1.4.1m	Sick or injured chickens must be promptly treated or euthanized according to Section 1.5.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.4.2	Records must be kept of any treatment (medication, vaccinations, probiotics etc.) to any individual or group of chickens including:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.4.3	Veterinarian-prescribed treatments must be administered according to veterinarian guidance.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.4.4	Any area designated for sick or injured chickens, such as a hospital pen or designated area within an existing pen, must meet the space requirements and housing conditions detailed in the HOUSING section.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [1.4.4]: Sick and/or injured chickens may be segregated from healthy chickens when necessary, but it is not required if it is in the best interest of the bird to keep it with the flock.

   1. any substance administered;

   2. date and method of administration; and

   3. flock/bird ID.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   1.4 Treatment Continued
   1.4.5	Segregated sick or injured chickens must be monitored at least twice daily.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.4.6	Operations must have an internal and external parasite control program that can be implemented if parasites are impacting bird health and welfare.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.4.7	Products containing organophosphates, cannot be applied directly to chickens.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.5 On-Farm Euthanasia  This Section and the methods listed in Standard 1.5.7 relate to on-farm euthanasia, which G.A.P. defines as the act of killing individual chickens in response to an irrecoverable illness or injury.  If emergency slaughter of the whole flock or a large proportion of the flock needs to take place due to a disease outbreak, this Section does not restrict the actions of the farm if the conditions or circumstances require them to take action guided by a veterinarian or regulatory official.
   1.5.1	Euthanasia must be performed by a trained person or veterinarian.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [1.5.1]: Producers will not be required to demonstrate the ability to euthanize a bird in order to show compliance with this standard, but they must be able to describe the training they received whether experiential or formal.
   1.5.2	Any bird identified as requiring euthanasia must be euthanized within 4 hours of discovery.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [1.5.2]: Timely euthanasia is vital. Ideally any bird identified as requiring euthanasia will be euthanized immediately; however, G.A.P. understands that it may take time for a trained person or the correct equipment to get to the operation.
   1.5.3	Euthanasia technique(s) must cause rapid and irreversible insensibility immediately followed by death.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [1.5.3]: The operation must be able to articulate to the auditor the visual indicators of death, and the physical parameters that confirm this.
   1.5.4	The person performing euthanasia must remain with the chicken(s) until death is evident.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.5.5	Euthanasia equipment must be maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   1.5.6	All euthanized/dead chickens must be removed immediately from housing and/or outdoor areas and pasture in use.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [1.5.6]: It is the responsibility of the operation to dispose of dead chickens according to local, state, provincial, territorial, and/or federal or national regulations. Removal can include burial or composting in designated areas that will not put chickens at risk from transmission of diseases and/or the attraction of predators.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   1.5 On-Farm Euthanasia Continued
   1.5.7	Methods of euthanasia are listed below, where YES indicates an acceptable method and NO indicates an unacceptable method. Chickens must be appropriately held or restrained as necessary to ensure the euthanasia method can be properly and safely administered. 1Only permitted if used to the manufacturer’s specifications. 2Mulit-phase carbon dioxide systems must have at least two phases where the first phase has a lower concentration of carbon dioxide to render the chickens unconscious before higher levels of carbon dioxide are introduced.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [1.5.7 a]: If an operation uses a method of euthanasia not listed above, written approval from Global Animal Partnership must be received prior to on-farm use in order to meet this Standard.  [1.5.7 b]: Fatigue can be an issue for caretakers when multiple chickens require euthanasia, so G.A.P. encourages appropriate staffing and training.

   METHOD	ACCEPTABILITY
   Manual cervical dislocation (i.e. use of hands only to dislocate the neck as near to the head or skull as possible)	YES
   Penetrating captive bolt pistol1	YES
   Non-penetrating captive bolt pistol1	YES
   Electrical stun knife1 (only permitted if chickens are stunned prior to cutting the neck)	YES
   Gas stunning and killing systems1 using (1) multi-phase carbon dioxide2, (2) argon, (3) nitrogen, or (4) a mixture of these gases	YES
   Veterinarian administered overdose of injectable anesthetics, including barbiturate and barbituric acid derivatives	YES
   Mechanical cervical dislocation (i.e. equipment that pulls/crushes the next such as wringers or poultry pliers or handheld cervical dislocators such as the Koechner Euthanasia Device)	NO
   Manually applied blunt force trauma to the head	NO
   Decapitation	NO
   Bleeding/slitting the throat without pre-stunning	NO
   De-braining (inserting a sharp implement through the roof of the chicken’s mouth into its brain)	NO
   Gas stunning and killing systems using carbon monoxide	NO

2. ANIMAL CARE AND MANAGEMENT

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   2.1 Daily Flock Management
   2.1.1	Each flock must be observed and monitored at least twice daily. Records of observation and monitoring must be kept.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.1.1 a]: Each inspection, whether twice daily or more, must be recorded to meet this standard.  [2.1.1 b]: See also standard 1.4.5 for the observation of individual chickens that have been segregated from the flock.
   2.2 Hazard Management
   2.2.1	Equipment, fittings, openings, protrusions, housing, outdoor areas, fences, and any other structures must be designed and maintained to prevent injury.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   2.2.2	Chickens must be kept from contact with any potentially toxic or injurious substances (e.g., those used for maintenance, sanitation, cleaning, insect and rodent control).	•	•	•	•	•	•
   2.3 Chicks and Brooding See also Section 7.1.
   2.3.1	Placement of chicks must begin within 2 hours of delivery to the operation.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.3.1]: Chick delivery boxes should be kept low to the ground and tipped in a manner that does not cause injury during unloading.
   2.3.2	Houses must be pre-warmed prior to chick arrival to accommodate their thermal needs.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.3.2]: At chick height, a minimum temperature of 90°F (32°C) is recommended, but chick behavior should be the ultimate determinant of their thermal comfort.
   2.4 Handling
   2.4.1C	Chickens must be handled properly and respectfully.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.4.1 a]: G.A.P. has a zero-tolerance policy to kicking, throwing, striking, punching, hitting and any other actions or omissions in care that could cause harm or injury to chickens.  [2.4.1 b]: Proper and respectful handling extends to all chickens – healthy, sick, injured and/or dead.
   2.5 Physical Alterations
   2.5.1	All physical alterations are prohibited, including, but not limited to:	•	•	•	•	•	•

   1. beak trimming / beak conditioning;

   2. dubbing;

   3. caponization;

   4. de-spurring; and

   5. toe trimming/toe clipping/de-toeing/toe conditioning.

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   2.6 Thermal Comfort
   2.6.1	The thermal comfort of chickens must be maintained at all times through management and the provision of supplemental heating and/or cooling, as necessary.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.6.1]: The auditor will assess whether chickens show signs of thermal discomfort at audit.
   2.7 Feather Pecking
   2.7.1	Any evidence of feather pecking must be promptly addressed and managed.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   2.7.2	Records of any evidence of feather-pecking incidences are required, including:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.7.2]: Records are required only if incidence(s) occur.
   2.7.3	The use of goggles, blinkers, contact lenses, or any other artificial devices is prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   2.8 Footpad Dermatitis  See Appendix II for footpad scoring. Note: the sums below are not based only on prevalence, but rather a calculation that accounts for both prevalence and severity of the footpad lesions.
   2.8.1m	Each operation must have a footpad dermatitis monitoring program (per Appendix II) that is conducted either at the slaughter facility OR on-farm.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.8.1 a]: See Appendix II: Identifying and Scoring Footpad Dermatitis for charts of the scoring protocol.  [2.8.1 b]: If chickens are scored on-farm, this must occur during the final week prior to slaughter.  [2.8.1 c]: If scoring is carried out at the slaughter facility the same representative sample of birds must be scored as would be scored on-farm. See Appendix II for further details and examples.
   2.8.2	Records of footpad dermatitis and the corresponding footpad dermatitis sum from the monitoring sample must be kept for each flock.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.8.2 a]: See Appendix II: Identifying and Scoring Footpad Dermatitis for specifications on calculating the flock’s total footpad dermatitis sum.  [2.8.2 b]: Only scores collected during the final week prior to slaughter can be used in determining the sum for each flock.
   2.8.3	Footpad dermatitis sums must not exceed an annual average score of 20.	•
   2.8.4	Footpad dermatitis sums must not exceed an annual average score of 15.		•	•
   2.8.5	Footpad dermatitis sums must not exceed an annual average score of 5.				•	•
   2.8.6	Footpad dermatitis sums must not exceed an annual average score of 2.						•

   1. date of incidence;

   2. percentage of affected chickens per flock (injured chickens, chickens with feather loss, chickens that die from injurious pecking);

   3. actions taken to address the incidence; and

   4. outcomes of the actions taken to address the incidence.

   STANDARD		Step level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   2.8 Footpad Dermatitis Continued
   2.8.7	If the incidence of footpad dermatitis exceeds the footpad dermatitis scores detailed above for any individual flock, an intervention plan, as detailed in Appendix III, that addresses, at a minimum, feed composition, litter management, humidity control, and stocking density must be implemented immediately to reduce levels in subsequent flocks.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.8.7 a]: Operations may find it useful to check footpads earlier in the growing period, but any checks done prior to slaughter do not replace the requirements in 2.8.1.  [2.8.7 b]: An annual average score is used in 2.8.3 to 2.8.6 to accommodate seasonal variability in footpad dermatitis scores; however, operations are required to manage each individual flock that exceeds the relevant score.
   2.9 Lameness  See Appendix IV for lameness evaluations. Note: the sums below are not based only on prevalence, but rather a calculation that accounts for both prevalence and severity of lameness.
   2.9.1m	Lameness evaluations must be conducted on the operation, as described in Appendix IV, during the final week prior to slaughter.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.9.1]: See Appendix IV: 3-Category Lameness Evaluation for scoring protocol, sample size, and specification on calculating the flock’s total lameness sum.
   2.9.2	Lameness records for each flock and the corresponding lameness sum from the monitoring sample for each flock are required.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.9.2]: See Appendix IV: 3-Category Lameness Evaluation for specifications on calculating the flock’s total lameness sum.
   2.9.3	Lameness score for each individual flock must not exceed 20.	•
   2.9.4	Lameness score for each individual flock must not exceed 15.		•	•
   2.9.5	Lameness score for each individual flock must not exceed 5.				•
   2.9.6	Lameness score for each individual flock must not exceed 2.					•	•
   2.9.7	If the lameness evaluation conducted during the final week prior to slaughter exceeds the Step-differentiation total detailed above, a written intervention plan, as detailed in Appendix III, is required to reduce levels in subsequent flocks.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   2.10 Mortality  Flock mortality (from placement) thresholds in Standards 2.10.1 – 2.10.6 do not include predated chickens or culls.  There are four categories of mortality: (a) chickens found dead through natural causes, (b) chickens found dead through predation, (c) chickens that are missing (chickens lost or suspected to be predated) and (d) chickens that are culled (see Standard 1.4.1). Though all categories of mortality must be recorded, the percentages used to calculate the flock mortality thresholds in Standards 2.10.2 to 2.10.4 include only chickens that die through natural causes - point (a) above. Losses due to predation and/or lost or missing chickens are not included in this calculation. Missing birds - point (c) above - are only recorded once for each flock, at removal for slaughter.
   2.10.1	Daily records that separately identify chickens that die, are culled and are predated are required for each flock.	•	•	•	•	•	•

   
   

   STANDARD		Step level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   2.10 Mortality Continued
   2.10.2 m	Annual average flock mortality must not exceed 6%.	•
   2.10.3	Annual average flock mortality must not exceed 5%.		•	•
   2.10.4	Annual average flock mortality must not exceed 4%.				•	•	•
   2.10.5	If individual flock mortality exceeds the percentages above for any one flock throughout the year, a written intervention plan, as detailed in Appendix III, is required to reduce levels in the existing and subsequent flocks.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   2.11 Culling
   2.11.1	Any chickens meeting the following criteria must be culled according to acceptable euthanasia methods and recorded:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [2.11.1]: See Appendix IV: 3-Category Lameness Evaluation for details on scoring lameness, and Section 1.5 for euthanasia requirements.
   2.12 Other Commercially Raised Animals on the Operation
   2.12.1	All species of animals raised commercially on the operation (for which G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Standards exist) must be raised and handled according to Step 1 standards or higher.					•	•
   	 [2.12.1] Animals kept as pets, show animals or other non-commercial situations are excluded from this standard.
   2.13 Domestic Animals on the Operation Domestic animals include dogs, cats, horses, or any other animals on the operation, including both pets and working animals.
   2.13.1	Neglect or abuse of domestic animals is prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   2.13.2	All domestic animals on the operation must be provided with:					•	•

   1. runts;

   2. exhibiting a lameness score of 2; and/or

   3. sick or injured without chance for recovery (for example sick or injured such that the chicken is unable to reach food and water).

   1. food and water on a daily basis, as evidenced by healthy body condition score;

   2. surroundings that do not cause them injury;

   3. an environment that allows for freedom of movement and exercise;

   4. a comfortable resting area that provides protection from temperature extremes; and

   5. veterinary attention, if required.

3. FEED AND WATER

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   3.1 Water Availability
   3.1.1m	All chickens must have continuous access to drinking water.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [3.1.1]: Water may be withheld for up to 2 hours for the purposes of then delivering supplements and/or medication such as vaccine(s) in water.
   3.1.2	Waterers must be checked daily and any debris cleaned out.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [3.1.2]: Cleaning out debris could include removal of dirt or waste matter from bell or pan waterers or flushing nipple lines (as required).
   3.2 Feeding Requirements
   3.2.1m	All chickens must have ad-libitum access to feed during daylight hours.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   3.2.2	Feeders must be designed and distributed to allow chickens to eat without restriction.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   3.2.3	Chickens fed whole grains and/or given pasture access must be provided with insoluble grit.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   3.3 Feed Hygiene
   3.3.1	Feed in storage bins and feeders must not be moldy or mildewed, contaminated by rodents, or otherwise compromised in quality.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   3.3.2	Feeders must be free of debris.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   3.4 Additives and Ingredients in Feed or Water
   3.4.1m	Mammalian by-products are prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [3.4.1]: By-products include animal waste and products derived from slaughter/harvest process (see glossary).
   3.4.2m	Avian by-products, including eggs, are prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [3.4.2]: By-products include animal waste and products derived from slaughter/harvest process (see glossary).
   3.4.3m	Fish and fish by-products are prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [3.4.3]: This includes whole fish, parts of fish, fishmeal, fish by-products from the processing industry and other aquatic species and/or products (does not include seaweed or oyster shell).
   3.4.4	Each operation must keep up-to-date feed ration ingredient lists, or tags, including mineral/vitamin mixes whether using purchased or home mixed feed. Lists and tags need to be made available to the auditor.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [3.4.4]: If the operation is part of an affiliated group which determines the feed ration the group can provide the auditor with this potentially confidential and proprietary information.

4. HOUSING

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   4.1 Housing Systems  Movable pens/coops/huts without floors (also commonly known as tractors and arks) that confine chickens and only allow them to range within the unit can only achieve Step 2.
   4.1.1C	All cage systems are prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.1.1 a]: A cage is a fully enclosed structure made of mesh, bars, or wires that prevents full range of motion and the ability to express natural behavior, such as roosting, foraging, and exercising (e.g., battery cage, caged broiler systems). Cages do not include fenced-in verandas and outdoor enclosures provided they allow for full range of motion and the ability to express natural behavior. Transport containers are also excluded from the definition of cages.  [4.1.1 b]: This standard does not preclude the use of netted mobile/moveable coop systems, however these systems can only achieve Step 2.
   4.1.2	Group size must not exceed 2000 chickens.					•	•
   	 [4.1.2]: A group is defined as a number of chickens associated with either i) a mobile house; ii) a single flock in a stationary house; or iii) a subdivision of chickens within a larger stationary house.
   4.2 Access to Housing
   4.2.1	All chickens must have continuous access to housing, whether mobile or permanent, that provides protection from the elements and predation.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.3 Litter and Flooring
   4.3.1	Floors of all houses, including mobile houses that are stationary for more than 3 days, must be covered with a minimum total of 3 in (7.6 cm) of non-toxic litter.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.3.2	Litter must be managed so it is friable and no more than 10% of the littered area is caked.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.3.2]: Caked litter areas directly under feed and water lines are included in the 10% allowable caked area.
   4.3.3	If litter is not completely removed (i.e. cleaned out) between flocks, all caked litter must be removed between flocks, and top dressed as necessary so that the entire floor is covered to a total minimum litter depth of 3 in (7.6 cm).	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.3.4	Litter must be of quality and quantity to:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.3.5	A Soiled Feather Assessment (see Appendix V) must be conducted for each flock between 15-20 days of age. Records must be kept.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.3.5]: The operation must conduct the assessments as required by the standards. At the time of audit, auditors will perform an assessment of soiled feathers as an additional indicator of litter conditions (NB: the birds assessed by the auditor will not necessarily be 15-20 days of age). See Appendix V: Soiled Feather Assessment.

   1. provide a comfortable environment, and

   2. allow for dust-bathing behavior, and foraging/scratching.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   4.3.6	A Litter Quality Assessment (see Appendix VI) must be conducted for each flock between 15-20 days of age. Records must be kept.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.3.6]: The operation must conduct the assessments as required by the standard. At the time of audit, auditors will additionally perform a Litter Quality Assessment. (NB: the birds assessed by the auditor will not necessarily be 15-20 days of age).
   4.3.7	If the assessment detailed in Standard 4.3.5 shows that more than 10% of sampled birds are severely soiled OR the litter score detailed in Standard 4.3.6 is more than 1, a written intervention plan, as detailed in Appendix III, designed to improve litter quality and ensure that feather soiling does not deteriorate further must be implemented that same day.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.3.7]: Litter quality and feather cleanliness are linked, therefore if either or both measures are outside the limits set by this standard an intervention plan to remediate the situation must be put into place.
   4.3.8	If the assessments detailed in Standards 4.3.5 and 4.3.6 show that more than 10% of sampled birds are severely soiled OR the litter score is more than 1, an additional Soiled Feather Assessment must be conducted for the same flock a week prior to slaughter. Records must be kept.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.3.9	If the assessments detailed in standards 4.3.5 and 4.3.6 show that more than 10% of sampled birds are severely soiled OR the litter score is more than 1, an additional Litter Quality Assessment must be conducted for the same flock a week prior to slaughter. Records must be kept.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.3.10m	Slatted and/or wire floors are prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.4 Air Quality  See Appendix VII: Sensory Evaluation of Air Quality protocol.
   4.4.1	If chickens are shut in housing or structures for any part of the day, air quality must be assessed at least once each day, using calibrated meters or testing strips, or sensory evaluation and records must be kept.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.4.1]: For systems where chickens have access to the outdoors/pasture air quality must be assessed before popholes are opened.
   4.4.2	Air quality measures must not exceed the following levels when calibrated meters or testing strips are used: OR score more than 1 on the air quality scale in Appendix VII.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.4.3	If air quality is found to exceed the levels in Standard 4.4.2, a written intervention plan, as detailed in Appendix III, designed to improve air quality must be implemented that same day.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.5 Lighting
   4.5.1	Light intensity in housing during daylight hours, either from artificial or natural light or a combination of artificial and natural light, must be at least 50 lux (4.6 foot candles).	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.5.1]: Operations that meet Standards 4.5.2 and 4.5.5 (if applicable) do not additionally have to meet this standard.

   1. dust: 10 mg per cubic meter;

   2. ammonia: 20 ppm;

   STANDARD		Step level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   4.5 Lighting Continued
   4.5.2	By 1 January 2022, all operations with chickens housed continuously, seasonally, or during brooding, must be provided with natural light through insulated windows, solar tubes or semi-transparent roofing placed evenly throughout barns/houses so that the combined area through which natural light enters is equal or greater than 1.0% of the total floor space.		•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.5.2]: Operations utilizing curtain barns meet this standard providing the curtain area is equal or greater than 1.0% of the total floor space. See also Standard 4.5.4.
   4.5.3	By 30 September 2018, operations must have a written transition plan detailing the changes they will make to meet Standard 4.5.2 by 1 January 2022.		•	•	•	•	•
   4.5.4	From 1 October 2018, certified operations must start to implement the plan detailed in Standard 4.5.3 and begin the alterations necessary to transition barns to meet Standard 4.5.2.		•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.5.4]: It is recommended that all operations start work to transition barns to provide natural light as soon as possible.
   4.5.5	By 1 January 2022, when curtain barns are used to house chickens there must be a method of providing natural light to meet the requirement of Standard 4.5.2 if the curtains block the light completely when they are closed.		•	•	•	•	•
   	 [4.5.5 a]: This could be through having windows or solar tubes in the roof of the curtain barn, areas of semi-transparent roofing or use of translucent curtains.  [4.5.5 b]: Additional natural light need not be provided if curtains are closed for no more than seven consecutive days per flock for the purposes of acclimatizing birds to cold weather in the winter.
   4.5.6m	By day 3 after placement (except when raised under natural lighting conditions and dark periods are shorter), chickens must be provided daily with at least 8 hours of continuous light and at least 6 hours of continuous darkness (<1 lux) throughout their lives.	•	•
   4.5.7	By day 3 after placement (except when raised under natural lighting conditions and dark periods are shorter), chickens must be provided daily with at least 8 hours of continuous light and at least 8 hours of continuous darkness (<1 lux) throughout their lives.			•	•
   4.5.8	From placement (except when raised under natural lighting conditions and dark periods are shorter), chickens must be provided with a daily minimum of 8 hours of continuous darkness throughout their lives.					•	•
   4.6 Stocking Density  Stocking density must be calculated using the final target weight of all chickens per flock per area at the time of catching plus a maximum of 4% variation to calculate the number of chickens to be placed within a given barn/house. Expected liveability must not be included in the calculation.
   4.6.1	Chickens must have enough space to express natural behavior, including standing, turning around, and preening, without touching another chicken.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   4.6.2 m	For birds placed from 1 January 2018 to 30 June 2020, stocking density must not exceed 6.5 lbs/ft2 (32 kg/m2).	•	•
   	For birds placed from 1 July 2020 onwards, stocking density must not exceed 6 lbs/ft2 (29 kg/m2).	•	•
   	 [4.6.2]: G.A.P. recognizes that Step 1 and 2 operations need time to adjust bird numbers, egg sets and potentially build new housing in order to meet the stocking density required from 1 July 2020 onwards. Operations should use the time allotted to make progress towards meeting the lower stocking density across all their Step 1 and Step 2 housing.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   4.6 Stocking Density Continued
   4.6.3	Stocking density must not exceed 6 lbs/ft2 (29 kg/m2).			•
   4.6.4	Stocking density must not exceed 5.5 lbs/ft2 (27 kg/m2).				•	•	•
   	 [4.6.4 a]: This stocking density only applies if chickens are confined in housing without access to the outdoors.  [4.6.4 b]: If confinement of the flock needs to take place due to a disease outbreak, this Standard does not restrict the actions of the farm if the conditions or circumstances require them to take action guided by a veterinarian or regulatory official.
   4.7 Perches
   4.7.1	Perches must be provided wherever birds roost – whether this is in the housing structure or outside on pasture - at a minimum of 7 in (18 cm) of perch space per bird to enable all chickens to perch simultaneously.					•	•
   	 [4.7.1]: Perches are to be elevated off the floor, be easily used by the chickens, and positioned at heights to allow for use by chickens from an early age throughout their lives.
   4.7.2	Perches must be provided by 4 weeks of age.					•	•
   4.8 Environmental Enrichments  An enrichment is an addition to the chicken’s environment that encourages the expression of natural behavior such as foraging, without losing their novelty. Examples include, but are not limited to, bales of straw or hay, raised platforms and perches, provision of forages or brassicas, and scattered grains. Dust-baths and litter are not considered enrichments. Items that quickly lose their novelty and/or go unused by the chickens are not considered acceptable enrichments.  Examples of enrichments that qualify for this section (and those that do not) are shown in Appendix VIII. This Appendix outlines that one enrichment is defined as either one item from Section A or two (2) items from Section B.  For Step 4 chickens, the standards in this Section apply if chickens are removed from pasture when climatic conditions pose a welfare risk to the chickens.  As chickens raised in Step 5 and Step 5+ systems may only be housed at night and during extreme weather conditions, indoor enrichments are not applicable.
   4.8.1	Indoor enrichments must be provided by the time the chicks are 10 days old.	•	•	•	•
   4.8.2	Indoor enrichments must be maintained throughout the life of the chickens.	•	•	•	•
   4.8.3	The indoor environment must contain at least 1 type of enrichment (See Appendix VIII) that is used by the chickens.	•
   4.8.4	The indoor environment must contain at least 2 different types of enrichments (See Appendix VIII) that are used by the chickens.		•	•	•
   4.8.5m	For every 1,000 ft2 (93 m2), or part 1000 ft2 (93 m2) of indoor space there must be a minimum of 1 enrichment.	•
   	 [4.8.5]: For example, for a house that is 1200 ft2 two enrichments must be provided, for a house that is 1400 ft2 two enrichments would be required and for a house that is 2020 ft2 three enrichments would be required.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   4.8 Environmental Enrichments Continued
   4.8.6	For every 750 ft2 (70 m2), or part 750 ft2 (70 m2) of indoor space, there must be a minimum of 1 enrichment		•	•
   	 [4.8.6]: For example, for a house that is 1500 ft2 two enrichments must be provided, for a house that is 1800 ft2 three enrichments would be required and for a house that is 3000 ft2 four enrichments would be required.
   4.8.7	For every 500 ft2 (46 m2), or part 500 ft2 (46 m2) of indoor space, there must be a minimum of 1 enrichment.				•
   	 [4.8.7]: For example, for a house that is 1000 ft2 two enrichments must be provided, for a house that is 1600 ft2 four enrichments would be required and for a house that is 2200 ft2 five enrichments would be required.
   4.8.8	For houses that are smaller than 1,000 ft2 (93 m2), there must be a minimum of 2 enrichments.	•
   4.8.9	Indoor enrichments must be distributed throughout the house.	•	•	•	•

5. OUTDOOR CONDITIONS

    Outdoor access is defined as an outdoor area such as a dry lot, concrete pad, or pasture, but does not have to be pasture.

    Pasture includes access to rangeland, grassland, planted pastures, managed pastures, wooded areas, and any other areas where chickens have access to vegetation.

    Pastures should be rested and allowed to regenerate between groups.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   5.1 Outdoor and/or Pasture Access  Operations are strongly encouraged to provide chickens access to the outdoors from the youngest age possible and for as much of their lives as possible.
   5.1.1m	All chickens from 4 weeks of age must be given continuous outdoor access during daylight hours unless climatic conditions pose a welfare risk.			•
   	 [5.1.1]: Chickens in Step 3 systems have seasonal outdoor access.
   5.1.2	All chickens from 4 weeks of age must be given continuous access to pasture during daylight hours. If climatic conditions pose a welfare risk then chickens can be removed from pasture but must be given continuous access to an outdoor area during daylight hours. If the risk from climatic conditions is considered extreme, access to outdoor areas may be restricted as long as the restriction does not exceed 25 days (cumulative total) throughout a calendar year.				•
   	 [5.1.2 a]: Chickens in Step 4 systems may only be confined to housing during extreme weather conditions (e.g. heavy precipitation, tornadoes, hurricanes, monsoons, blizzards, floods or non-typical weather for the season such as large swings in temperature) that jeopardize their welfare.  [5.1.2 b]: A calendar year is defined as January 1st through December 31st.  [5.1.2 c]: See Section 5.2 for requirements for pasture and outdoor areas.
   5.1.3	All chickens from 4 weeks of age must be given continuous access to the pasture during daylight hours. If the risk from climatic conditions is considered extreme, access to outdoor areas may be restricted as long as the restriction does not exceed 5 consecutive days and 25 days (cumulative total) throughout a calendar year. Seasonal housing due to inclement climatic conditions is prohibited.					•	•
   	 [5.1.3 a]: Chickens in Step 5 and Step 5+ systems may only be confined to housing during extreme weather conditions (e.g. heavy precipitation, tornadoes, hurricanes, monsoons, blizzards, floods or non-typical weather for the season such as large swings in temperature) that jeopardize their welfare.  [5.1.3 b]: A calendar year is defined as January 1st through December 31st.
   5.1.4	The following records are required:			•	•	•	•
   5.1.5	Any chickens slaughtered before 28 days of age must have access to the outdoors during daylight hours for a minimum of 2 weeks, otherwise the maximum Step-level that is possible for those flocks is a Step 2.			•	•	•	•
   	 [5.1.5]: See Standard 5.1.4 for record requirements.

   1. date chickens are first given outdoor or pasture access;

   2. any day that outdoor or pasture access is denied; and

   3. reasons for any denial of outdoor or pasture access.

   STANDARD		Step Level 27
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   5.1 Outdoor and/or Pasture Access continued
   5.1.6	Openings from the house, whether stationary or mobile, must allow chickens free access to the outdoors during daylight hours.			•	•	•	•
   	 [5.1.6]: As houses are constructed in a variety of designs and dimensions, this standard does not designate a minimum number of access points or the dimensions of each opening. Rather, it requires that there are sufficient entry / exit points so that chickens are readily able to access the outdoors. A house may have several smaller openings spaced along one or more walls (e.g., pop holes) or a single large opening (e.g., a door or wall segment).
   5.2 Vegetation and Foraging Materials There is no set square footage for pasture space per bird (see Section 5.3 for space requirements for outdoor areas), but operations must provide sufficient space such that the vegetative cover conditions in Section 5.2 can be met throughout the life of the flock. The actual area per chicken that is required to meet the requirements of Section 5.2 throughout the life of the flock will depend on the region and/or climate where the chickens are kept.
   5.2.1m	At least 25% of each occupied outdoor area must be covered with vegetation and/or forage.			•
   	 [5.2.1]: This standard can be met by placing cut or harvested vegetation and/or forages, such as alfalfa hay, in the outdoor area). Litter cannot be used as a foraging material for this standard.
   5.2.2	Within 200ft (61m) from the house, at least 50% of each occupied pasture area must be covered with vegetation and/or forage accessible at chicken height throughout the life of the flock.				•
   	 [5.2.2]: See Appendix IX for a definition and illustration of “at chicken height”.
   5.2.3	Within 200ft (61m) from the house, at least 75% of each occupied pasture area must be covered with vegetation and/or forage accessible at chicken height throughout the life of the flock					•	•
   	 [5.2.3]: See Appendix IX for a definition and illustration of “at chicken height”.
   5.2.4	No more than half of the vegetation required by Standard 5.2.2 (25% of the total pasture area) can be cut or harvested vegetation and/or forages such as alfalfa hay.				•
   	 [5.2.4]: Litter cannot be used as a foraging material for this standard.
   5.2.5	The requirements of Standard 5.2.3 must be met by growing vegetation and cannot be met by placing cut or harvested vegetation and/or forages in the pasture area.					•	•
   5.2.6	Denuded areas cannot extend more than 10ft (3m) from the house.					•	•
   5.2.7	If stationary housing is used, there must be at least two pasture areas accessible to the chickens, such that one can be rested while the other is in use.					•	•
   5.2.8	If chickens are removed from pasture during winter months, the outdoor area must include materials that encourage foraging behavior.				•
   	 [5.2.8]: Materials that encourage foraging behavior include, but are not limited to, whole grains, hay and straw.
   5.3 Space Requirements for Outdoor Areas
   5.3.1	The outdoor area must be equal to or greater than 75% of the total indoor floor space of the house.			•
   5.3.2	When removed from pasture during winter months, the outdoor area must be equal to or greater than 100% of the total indoor floor space of the house.				•

   
   

   STANDARD		Step level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   5.4 Provisions to Encourage Chickens to Use Outdoor and Pasture Areas  If chickens feel safe, they are more likely to go outside and use the pasture or outdoor area. Provisions to achieve this are listed in Appendix X.  The house, whether stationary or mobile, does not qualify as meeting the requirements of this Section.
   5.4.1m	Each occupied outdoor and/or pasture area must contain features that encourage the chickens to range.			•	•	•	•
   	 [5.4.1]: Examples include, but are not limited to, bushes, shrubs, shade cloth, A-frame structures, and perches. The house, whether stationary or mobile, including the roof and typical 12” overhang, does not qualify as meeting the requirement of this standard. Any structures attached to the house, such as verandas or awnings, can be counted towards a percentage of the requirements in 5.4.3 as long as they provide free access to the outdoors, and are not the only provision provided (see 5.4.3 for more details). The provisions should be dispersed throughout the outdoor area to encourage roaming and foraging.
   5.4.2	Provisions not attached to the house, must be distributed in a way that encourages chickens to range, and must start within 15 ft (4.5 m) of the house.			•	•	•	•
   5.4.3	For birds placed from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2023, provisions that encourage chickens to range must provide a cumulative total of at least 8 ft2 (0.75 m2) of cover for every 250 chickens in the flock.			•	•
   	For birds placed from 1 January 2024, onwards provisions that encourage chickens to range must provide a cumulative total of at least 8 ft2 (0.75 m2) of cover for every 100 chickens in the flock.			•	•
   	 [5.4.3 a]: G.A.P. recognizes that operations need time to provide provisions in outdoor areas and pasture, particularly if an increase in natural shelter (shrubs, bushes, trees) is intended to meet the 2024 requirements. Operations should use the time allotted to make progress towards meeting the requirements of the 2024 standard – i.e. planting trees/shrubs now so they will provide the required cover by 2024.  [5.4.3 b]: The requirements of this Standard apply to the total number of birds in the flock, not the number of birds that are using the outdoor or pasture area at any one time.  [5.4.3 c]: Verandas or awnings attached to houses/barns can count towards a maximum of 50% of the total square footage required (e.g. a flock of 10,000 chickens requires 320 ft2 of outdoor provisions - 160 ft2 of the 320 ft2 can be a veranda attached to the house. The remaining balance of the square footage required (160 ft2) must be natural or other artificial items not attached to the house.
   5.4.4	Provisions that encourage chickens to range must provide a cumulative total of at least 8 ft2 (0.75 m2) of cover for every 100 chickens.					•	•
   	 [5.4.4 a]: The requirements of this Standard apply to the total number of birds in the flock, not the number of birds that are using the outdoor or pasture area at any one time.  [5.4.4 b]: Verandas or awnings attached to houses/barns can count towards a maximum of 50% of the total square footage required (e.g. a flock of 2,000 chickens requires 64 ft2 of outdoor provisions - 32 ft2 of the 64 ft2 can be a veranda attached to the house. The remaining balance of the square footage required (32 ft2) must be natural or other artificial items not attached to the house.

6. LOADING

    Transportation companies that are currently Poultry Handling and Transportation Certified are automatically in compliance with Standards 6.3.1 to 6.3.4, 6.3.8, 6.3.9 and 6.4.1.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   6.1 Condition of Chickens
   6.1.1m	Transporting unhealthy, non-ambulatory, or injured chickens is prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   6.1.2	All unhealthy, non-ambulatory, injured, or small chickens (runts) who are not loaded for slaughter must be euthanized the same day that chickens from the same flock are transported or slaughtered on-site.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [6.1.2]: See Section 1.5 for euthanasia requirements.
   6.2 Water and Feed Withdrawal
   6.2.1	All chickens must have continuous access to drinking water:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   6.2.2	Feed must not be withheld for more than 12 hours prior to slaughter.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   6.3 Catching and Loading
   6.3.1	Lights must be dimmed throughout the catching and loading process.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   6.3.2	Chickens must be caught calmly to minimize stress and risk of injury.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   6.3.3 m	Kicking, throwing, striking, punching, hitting, or otherwise causing injury to chickens is prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   6.3.4m	Chickens must never be lifted or carried by the head, neck, one or both wings, or tail.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [6.3.4]: G.A.P. discourages the carrying of chickens by a single leg and urges industry to move away from this practice.
   6.3.5	Catchers are prohibited from carrying more than 4 chickens per hand.	•	•	•	•
   6.3.6	Catchers are prohibited from:					•
   6.3.7	Each chicken must be caught by the body with both hands and carried upright.						•
   6.3.8	Mechanical loaders and conveyor belts are permitted for catching and loading chickens into containers only if they are:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [6.3.8]: If operations at Step 5+ are using mechanical loaders this standard supersedes Standard 6.3.7.
   6.3.9	Chickens must be loaded into transport containers without causing injury.	•	•	•	•	•	•

   1. until loading begins if water lines do not need to be elevated prior to catching and loading; or

   2. until 1 hour before loading begins if water lines must be elevated prior to catching and loading.

   1. carrying more than 2 chickens per hand; and/or

   2. carrying chickens by a single leg.

   1. well-maintained;

   2. well-managed; and

   3. do not cause harm to the chickens.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   6.4 Transport Containers for Chickens
   6.4.1	Containers, whether modules, coops, drawers, or other, must be in clean and sound operational condition, and of a design that does not cause injury to the chickens.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [6.4.1]: A container does not necessarily have to be washed in order for it to be clean.
   6.4.2	All chickens must be able to sit on the floor of the container at the same time.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   6.4.3	Containers must be of adequate height to allow the chickens to move their heads freely while sitting.	•	•	•	•	•	•

7. TRANSPORT

    The standards in this Section apply to any transport of chickens onto, within, or off of the operation. Standards for transport containers can be found in the LOADING Section.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   7.1 Transport of Chicks  See also Section 2.3.
   7.1.1	A record of the total number of chicks received from the hatchery for each flock is required.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.1.2	A record of the total number of dead-on-arrivals (DOAs) for each flock is required.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.1.3	Mortality during transport must not exceed 0.5% per shipment.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.1.4 m	The thermal comfort of chicks must be maintained at all times through management and the provision of supplemental heating and/or cooling, as necessary.	•	•		•	•	•
   				•
   7.1.5	Each chick must be provided a minimum of 4 in2 (25.8 cm2) floor space within the delivery box.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.1.6	Each delivery box must be designed with holes for ventilation.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.1.7	Each delivery box must contain a new, absorbent floor pad or be constructed in such a way that chicks stay dry and do not slip.	•	•		•	•	•
   				•
   7.1.8	Chicks delivered via the mail or courier service must be in boxes prominently labelled “LIVE CHICKENS.”	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.1.9	Chicks must be delivered to the operation within 48 hours of removal from the hatcher.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [7.1.9]: The purpose of this standard is to ensure chicks get feed and water before the resources from their yolk sac run out. Hatcheries that use the Hatch Tech system and provide food and water immediately on hatching do not have to meet this requirement.
   7.1.10	Documentation of each shipment of chicks from the hatchery is required that includes:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.2 Equipment and Vehicles for Chickens
   7.2.1	Equipment (e.g., a trailer) and vehicles must be managed to provide for the thermal comfort of chickens at all times.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.2.2	If equipment (e.g., a trailer) or vehicles have open sides or tops, they must have cover(s) that can be fitted securely and adjusted as necessary to protect chickens from inclement weather.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.3 Transport Personnel Responsibilities and Procedures
   7.3.1 m	A clear, written procedure must be made available to the auditor and/or certification company that includes actions and contact information for the driver to follow in case of accident or emergency.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.3.2	The driver must be knowledgeable in all of his or her responsibilities and transport protocols, including those in the case of accident or emergency as per Standard 7.3.1.	•	•	•	•	•	•

   1. time chicks were removed from the hatcher;

   2. time of arrival onto the operation applying for certification to this standard; and

   3. time of placement.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   7.3 Transport Personnel Responsibilities and Procedures continued
   7.3.3	If the vehicle is transporting chickens from more than one operation and/or source, each different group of chickens must be segregated in identifiable containers.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.3.4	If chickens are transported or moved with other species on the same vehicle, they must be placed in separate compartments.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   7.4 Transport Duration for Chickens  Duration of any transport is calculated for each vehicle or trailer and begins when the first chicken is loaded into the container and ends when the vehicle or trailer arrives at its destination under normal/typical driving conditions for that region. In the review of transport duration records, the certifier will take into account cases of unexpected inclement weather, vehicle accidents or malfunction, or other unforeseen circumstances that result in a delay. See Section 7.5 for records requirements.
   7.4.1m	Transport duration must not exceed 6 hours	•	•	•	•	•
   7.4.2	Chickens must remain on the operation at all times through slaughter, whether slaughtered in an on-site facility or a mobile unit.						•
   	 [7.4.2 a]: Chickens raised in Step 5+ systems can only be moved to on-site or mobile slaughter.  [7.4.2 b]: Step 5+ chickens can be crated for movement to the on-site or mobile slaughter facility.  [7.4.2 c]: Chickens can only be transported or moved off the operation in cases of veterinary emergency or extreme weather conditions posing immediate risk to their survival. Transport or movement off the operation for either of these two reasons will not result in non-compliance with the standard.
   7.5 Transport Records
   7.5.1	The following records are required for each vehicle transporting chickens:	•	•	•	•	•
   7.5.2	Separate transport documentation, whether a bill of lading, delivery note, or other, is required for each operation if the vehicle is scheduled to pick up chickens from more than one operation.	•	•	•	•	•
   7.5.3	The following records are required for all chickens slaughtered on site:						•

   1. date of transport;

   2. starting time for catching and loading chickens into each truck;

   3. arrival time at slaughter facility;

   4. reasons for any stops or delays en route; and

   5. number of chickens transported from the operation.

   1. date of transport;

   2. starting and ending times for catching and loading chickens;

   3. arrival time at the place where chickens will be slaughtered; and

   4. number of chickens moved and slaughtered on-site.

8. RODENT, WILD BIRD, AND PREDATOR CONTROL

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   8.1 Rodent Control  The standards in this Section are applicable to any rodent control efforts, whether contracted or not.
   8.1.1	Good sanitation must be the first level of rodent control.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [8.1.1]: Good sanitation includes exclusion of rodents from buildings, bays, or bins where chickens live and where grain or other feeds are stored; clear up of spills of feed; and management of trash to reduce attracting or harboring rodents.
   8.1.2	If good sanitation is ineffective, an integrated rodent control program must be implemented. This program must include:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [8.1.2]: Glue boards, drowning, and drowning traps do not meet the above requirements.
   8.1.3	Multiple catch traps (e.g. tin cats) used for monitoring rodent populations must be baited with rodenticide.	•	•	•	•
   8.2 Wild Bird Control
   8.2.1	Wild birds must be excluded from housing.	•	•	•
   	 [8.2.1]: This Standard only applies to Step 3 operations when chickens are excluded from outdoor areas as described by Standard 5.1.1.
   8.3 Predator Control  The standards in this Section are applicable to any predator control efforts, whether contracted or not.  Control of predators must not violate any local, state, provincial, territorial, federal, national, or other laws.  Note that certain mammals and avian species of the orders Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, Strigiformes and Cathartiformes are strictly protected and any exceptions require approval by relevant wildlife permitting authorities.
   8.3.1	When predators are considered to be a problem, each operation must have a predator control program in place.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   8.3.2	Non-lethal methods of predator exclusion from housing and occupied outdoor and pasture areas must be the first level of control.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   8.3.3	If non-lethal methods are ineffective and chickens are at risk, shooting is the only method of lethal control allowed, and is only allowed if the shooter is skilled, and the shot kills immediately.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   8.3.4m	Poisons, drowning, all snares, leg hold traps and all traps other than live traps are prohibited.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   8.3.5	Any live traps must be checked at least once daily and acted upon within 24 hours.	•	•	•	•
   	 [8.3.5]: Live traps, also known as humane traps, cannot contain poison or maim, or in any other way result in lethal control.

   1. methods of control that only target rodents;

   2. an assessment of different methods of lethal control that are commercially available;

   3. if traps are used they must be species specific, appropriately located, and must be designed to cause rapid death; and/or

   4. licensed rodenticides are only used in areas where traps will be ineffective (traps are most effective in enclosed spaces and rodent pathways) OR when monitoring is required, for example as part of salmonella reduction protocols.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   8.3 Predator Control Continued
   8.3.6	Any live traps must be checked at least twice daily and acted upon within 24 hours.					•	•
   	 [8.3.6]: Live traps, also known as humane traps, cannot contain poison or maim, in any other way result in lethal control.
   8.4 Guardian Animals
   8.4.1	Guardian animals, if used, must be:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [8.4.1]: This includes dogs, llamas, donkeys and any other animals that may be used for guardian duties.

   1. well trained;

   2. capable of deterring predators in the area;

   3. does not harm the flock it is guarding; and is

   4. suitable for the environmental conditions of the operation.

9. PLANS, PROTOCOLS, PROCEDURES, TRAINING, RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS

    Certain historical records and documents included in this section may not be available at the time of initial audit as the operation applying for G.A.P. certification was unaware they would be required and, therefore, cannot create them for past events, treatments, assessments, or practices. At the time of initial audit, record-keeping and documentation mechanisms must be place to meet each of these standards, and records and documentation for, at a minimum, the chickens presently on-site must be available.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   9.1 General Records Requirements
   9.1.1 m	Records must be written and made available to the inspector and/or certification company. Acceptable formats include but are not limited to; record sheets and cards, calendars, notebooks, and computer documents.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [9.1.1]: Records can be collected and stored by producer groups, but must be available at the time of the audit.
   9.1.2	Records must be presented in an organized manner.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   9.1.3	All records, reports, Step certificates, and other materials and correspondence relating to Step certificates must be kept for at least one certification cycle.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [9.1.3]: These materials must be kept until after the operation has been re-certified.
   9.2 Written Farm/Animal Health Plan/System Plan
   9.2.1	Each operation must have a written plan describing:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [9.2.1]: The Farm and Animal Health Plan can be provided by an affiliated group (e.g., a producer group, co-operative, marketing entity) or created with the aid of external consultation (e.g., extension agents, veterinarians, peers), but must include information specific and relevant to the operation applying for G.A.P. certification.

   1. an overview of the operation, including size, type/stage of production, location, and typical climatic conditions;

   2. emergency procedures, including those for natural disasters, fire, water shut off, and, if applicable, power failure;

   3. operational practices and policies for chicken production:

      1. provision for daily feed and water, including ration details;

      2. health programs (e.g., supplementation, vaccination and other preventative, maintenance and/or health-promoting practices);

      3. routine husbandry procedures;

      4. care of sick and/or injured chickens, including on-farm euthanasia policies;

      5. management of outdoor areas, if applicable to production system;

      6. brooding; and

      7. rodent, wild bird, and predator control practices; and

   4. environmental management (i.e. to reflect how various environmental challenges are handled such as large fluctuations in temperature, excessive humidity, etc.).

   
   

   STANDARD		Step Level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   9.3 Biosecurity Procedures and Protocols
   9.3.1	Each operation must have a documented and implemented biosecurity program that covers:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [9.3.1]: G.A.P. has specific protocols in the event of an avian influenza or similar disease outbreak. Please check with your certifier in the event a localized outbreak impacts your operation’s biosecurity procedures.
   9.4 Alternative Power Supply
   9.4.1	If power is essential to the operation of heating, cooling, ventilation, watering, and/or feeding systems, each operation must have:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   9.5 Training
   9.5.1	Each operation must provide training to all care-givers (whether full-time, part-time, seasonal or contractual) and/or managers that:	•	•	•	•	•	•
   9.5.2	Each operation must keep a record of care-giver’s training (whether full-time, part-time, seasonal or contractual), including dates of training and topics covered.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [9.5.2 a]: Training includes initial, re-training and on-going training.  [9.5.2 b]: This record-keeping standard applies to all care-givers but does not include immediate family members.

   1. procedures for bringing any chickens onto the site, including new chicks and any returning chickens (e.g. show chickens);

   2. procedures and policies for caretakers (e.g. dress code and footwear requirements, policies concerning pets and/or the keeping of chickens or other chickens off-site);

   3. procedures and policies for visitors to the operation (e.g. minimizing visitors, provision of foot baths, booties, and protective clothing; visitor logs);

   4. feed trucks and equipment delivery to the operation;

   5. shared borders with neighboring operations, if applicable; and

   6. clean-out procedures of housing units between flocks.

   1. an alternative power supply; and/or fail-safe device in working condition; and

   2. a method of notification in the event of power failure.

   1. is written and/or hands-on;

   2. is presented in all necessary languages;

   3. includes instruction on recognizing signs of normal and abnormal chicken appearance and behavior;

   4. describes all aspects of the individual’s responsibilities;

   5. describes emergency procedures;

   6. is provided prior to the individual’s handling of any chickens on the operation;

   7. covers all requirements of this version of G.A.P.’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Standards for Chickens Raised for Meat; and

   8. is on-going as necessary and, at a minimum, when any changes affecting the care and management of chickens are implemented.

   
   

   STANDARD		Step level
   		1	2	3	4	5	5+
   9.6 Traceability and Chain of Custody
   9.6.1	Each operation must have individual flock records that can trace the flock from the hatchery/hatching through to slaughter.	•	•	•	•	•	•
   	 [9.6.1 a]: See 5(d) in the Program Requirements for segregation protocol requirements.  [9.6.1 b]: For operations supplying producer groups, it is acceptable for the producer group to record and maintain this information for individual operations.  [9.6.1 c]: See 1(j) in the Program Requirements for Chain of Custody Records Reconciliation Program (CCRRP).
   9.6.2 m	Each G.A.P. Certified operation must send a chain of custody record with each truck of chickens transported off the operation to the slaughter facility. The record must include:	•	•	•	•	•
   9.6.3	A copy of the chain of custody record from each load of chickens must be kept by the operation for review by the auditor at re-inspection.	•	•	•	•	•	•

   1. the number of chickens transported;

   2. date of transport;

   3. Step-level;

   4. certificate number; and

   5. certificate expiry date.

10. SLAUGHTER REQUIREMENTS

Appendix I: Breeds/Strains Growth Rates and Step-levels

Section 1.2 sets standards on the maximum growth rate that is acceptable for each Step level. G.A.P. has used published breeders’ data to assess the average daily gain (as hatched) of a variety of commonly used breeds/strains and therefore the maximum Step-level that can be achieved when using that breed/strain. This information is shown in the table below.

The maximum Step-level achievable by each breed is set from the standardized data, reviewed by G.A.P., for chickens at 42 days of age. G.A.P. understands that some operations achieve different growth rates to those shown below and that some operations rear birds to different slaughter ages. However, this is not relevant for the purposes of this standard. As noted at the start of Section 1 of these standards, G.A.P. announced in March 2016 that it would be transitioning all Step Levels to higher welfare genetics by January 1, 2024. To assist us to that end, G.A.P. has commissioned a study to determine the specific requirements for each Step level. Until that study is complete, G.A.P. has set a standard way of assessing breeds and strains and the Step level for which each is suitable. The table below is the result of this process. In practice this means, for example, a Step 3 operation can use a Cobb 500 bird regardless of their on-farm performance and growth rate and their age/weight at slaughter.

If an operation wishes to use an alternative breed/strain they should contact their Certifier for confirmation that the bird they wish to use meets the requirements of their expected Step-level.

….table continues on next page

Appendix II: Identifying and Scoring Footpad Dermatitis

Section 2.8 requires a footpad dermatitis monitoring program, conducted at the slaughter facility or on-farm in the last week prior to slaughter, that includes random sampling. One foot is assessed from each selected chicken. The total number of chickens selected depends on the number of flocks being sent to slaughter on a particular day – see ‘Determining the Sample Group’ below. The identification and scoring protocol below considers both the size and severity of lesions. If 100 birds are assessed the total maximum footpad dermatitis score would be 200 (i.e., all 100 feet scoring ‘2’). The maximum thresholds for a flock’s total footpad dermatitis sum are listed in standards 2.8.3 to 2.8.6 according to Step level.

Standards 2.8.3 to 2.8.6 set limits for footpad dermatitis as an annual average. This means that an operation with some seasonal variation in footpad dermatitis may be within the standards on an annual basis. For example, a Step 2 operation sends one flock to slaughter every month. The scores for each flock were as follows: January = 20; February = 18; March = 15; April = 15; May = 10; June = 10; July = 10; August = 10; September = 12; October = 12; November = 14; December = 14. The annual average score is therefore 13.5. Standard 2.8.3 requires Step 2 operations to have an annual average footpad score of 15 so the operation is in compliance with this standard.

However, standard 2.8.7 requires an intervention plan (see Appendix III) to be written and implemented for each individual flock that exceeds the level set in Standard 2.8.3. This operation must therefore have written a plan to reduce their risk of footpad dermatitis in January of the example year above and created a new plan, updating their progress and detailing any new actions, in February of the example year.

PROTOCOL

Step 1: Determining the Sample Groups

• At the slaughter facility: Determine how many flocks were sent from each operation. The minimum sample size is 100 birds if only one flock is sent to slaughter. If more than one flock is sent to slaughter an additional 25 birds for each additional flock must be assessed; for example, if 5 flocks are sent to slaughter on the same day the sample group must be 100 plus 25, plus 25, plus 25, plus 25 for a total of 200 birds assessed with one foot for each bird scored. Once the sample size is set, randomly collect a total of different legs to meet the sample size, and score the footpads at a convenient time during the day.

• On-farm: Determine how many flocks will go to slaughter on the same day. The minimum sample size is 100 birds if only one flock is sent to slaughter. If more than one flock is sent to slaughter an additional 25 birds for each additional flock must be assessed; for example if 3 flocks are sent to slaughter on the same day the sample group must be 100 plus 25, plus 25 for a total of 150 birds assessed with one foot for each bird scored. Once the sample size is set, in the last week before those birds go to slaughter, randomly catch chickens in 4 different locations in each house to meet the required sample size, examine their feet and score the footpads. A representative sample of birds across all flocks must be assessed. If three flocks are sent to slaughter and 150 in total must be scored, 50 should be scored in each house.

  Appendix II: Identifying and Scoring Footpad Dermatitis continued

  Step 2: Scoring

• Use the following chart to score the feet from each flock with a footpad dermatitis score of ‘0,’ ‘1,’ or ‘2.’

  
  

  Step 3: Calculating the Flock’s Total Footpad Dermatitis Sum

• (# of feet scoring ‘0’ x 0) + (# of feet scoring ‘1’ x 1) + (# of feet scoring ‘2’ x 2) / (number of feet scored/100) = Total Footpad Dermatitis Sum

  
  

• In the above calculation, the Total Footpad Dermatitis Sum is determined as follows:

  • a foot scoring ‘0’ does not get any points

  • a foot scoring ‘1’ gets 1 point

  • a foot scoring ‘2’ gets 2 points

• For example:

  • Of 100 feet from 100 chickens assessed: 65 score ‘0,’ 30 score ‘1,’ and the remaining 5 score ‘2.’

  • (65 x 0) + (30 x 1) + (5 x 2) / (100/100) = 0 + 30 + 10 / 1, for a Total Footpad Dermatitis Sum of 40

  • Of 500 feet from 500 chickens assessed 320 score ‘0’, 140 score ‘1’and the remaining 40 score ‘2’

  • (320 x 0) + (140 x 1) + (40 x 2) / (500/100) = 0 +140 + 80 / 5 for a Total Footpad Dermatitis Sum of 44

Adapted and reprinted with permission: “Foot-pad dermatitis in broilers: a photo guide to broiler foot health classification.” Dr Lotta Berg, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden

Standards 2.8.7, 2.9.7, 2.10.6 and 4.4.3 all require written intervention plans to be put into effect if the levels of foot pad dermatitis detailed in Standards 2.8.3 (Step 1), 2.8.4 (Steps 2 and 3), 2.8.5 (Steps 4 and 5) and 2.8.6 (Step 5+); lameness detailed Standards 2.9.3 (Step 1), 2.9.4 (Steps 2 and 3), 2.9.5 (Steps 4 and 5)

and 2.9.6 (Step 5+); flock mortality detailed in Standards 2.10.2 (Step 1), 2.10.3 (Steps 2 and 3) and 2.10.4 (Steps 4, 5 and 5+); and air quality detailed in Standard

4.4.2 (all Steps), do not meet the requirements of the standards. The intervention plan template below must be completed and implemented for each flock when this occurs. G.A.P. Certifiers will review these plans at audit.

Template:

Example of completed template:

This template is also available for download on our website on the Producer Resources page.

Appendix IV: 3-Category Lameness Evaluation

Standard 3.15 requires a lameness evaluation conducted on-farm during the final week prior to slaughter. This 3-category lameness evaluation assesses and scores the mobility of chickens observed in 4 different locations within each house, on each floor if multi-level, or in each outdoor area. If 100 birds are assessed, the total maximum lameness sum possible is 200 (i.e., all 100 chickens scoring ‘2’). The maximum thresholds for a flock’s total lameness sum are listed in Standards 3.16.1 to 3.16.3 according to Step level.

PROTOCOL

Step 1: Determining the Sample Groups

• Determine how many flocks will go to slaughter on the same day. The minimum sample size is 100 birds if only one flock is sent to slaughter. If more than one flock is sent to slaughter an additional 25 birds for each additional flock must be assessed; for example, if 3 flocks are sent to slaughter on the same day the sample group must be 100 plus 25, plus 25 for a total of 150 birds assessed for lameness.

• Once the sample size is set, in the last week before those birds go to slaughter, assess groups of chickens in 4 different locations in each house to meet the required sample size. A representative sample of birds across all flocks must be assessed. If three flocks are sent to slaughter and 150 in total must be scored, 50 should be scored in each house.

  
  

  Step 2: Scoring and Suggested Best Practices

• Use the following chart to score chickens from each flock with a lameness score of ‘0,’ ‘1,’ or ‘2.’

• Watch one chicken at a time for at least 15 seconds.

• Each chicken’s mobility must be assessed and scored from the side in order to observe foot placement and length of stride.

• Gentle nudging may be necessary to encourage movement.

• Chickens must always be approached from behind, if movement must be encouraged.

• Once the chicken is moving, back away to assess the gait and assign a lameness score of ‘0,’ ‘1,’ or ‘2’ according to the chart below.

  
  

  Step 3: Calculating the Flock’s Total Lameness Sum

• (# of chickens scoring ‘0’ x 0) + (# of chickens scoring ‘1’ x 1) + (# of chickens scoring ‘2’ x 2) / (number of assessed birds/100) = Total Lameness Sum

  
  

• In the above calculation, the Total Lameness Sum is determined as follows:

  • a chicken scoring ‘0’ does not get any points

  • a chicken scoring ‘1’ gets 1 point each

  • a chicken scoring ‘2’ gets 2 points each

    Appendix IV: 3-Category Lameness Evaluation continued

• For example:

  • Of 100 chickens assessed: 62 score ‘0,’ 23 score ‘1,’ and the remaining 15 score ‘2’

  • (62 x 0) + (23 x 1) + (15 x 2) / (100/100) = 0 + 23 + 30 /1, for a Total Lameness Sum of 53

  • Of 300 chickens assessed: 200 score ‘0’, 88 score ‘1’ and the remaining 12 score ‘2’

  • (200 x 0) + (88 + 1) + (12 x 2) / (300/100) = 0 + 88 + 24 /3 for a Total Lameness Sum of 37.3

Appendix V: Soiled Feather Assessment

Standard 4.3.4 requires that litter within housing structures to be of quality and quantity to (1) provide a comfortable environment and (2) allow for dust-bathing behavior. At the time of audit, auditors will perform the following Soiled Feather Assessment as an additional indicator of litter conditions by observing a minimum of 100 chickens in the flock. In addition, as part of Standard 4.3.5, operations must perform this same assessment along with a Litter Quality Assessment (see Standard 4.3.6 and Appendix VI) when the flock is between 15-20 days.

If the Soiled Feather Assessment at flock age of 15-20 days shows that more than 10% of sampled birds are severely soiled; OR the Litter Quality Assessment carried out at the same time shows that litter scores 2 or 3, Standard 4.3.7 requires that a written intervention plan is put into place to improve litter quality and Standards 4.3.8 and 4.3.9 require that subsequent Soiled Feather and Litter Quality Assessments are carried out in the same flock in the week before slaughter.

Protocol for Operations:

1. Assess each flock between 15 and 20 days.

2. For each assessment randomly select 10 chickens from 5 different locations throughout the house or pasture area for a total of 50 chickens.

3. Use the scoring system below and visually assess the back and top of the chicken, not including the legs and feet. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR BIRDS TO BE PICKED UP TO CARRY OUT THIS ASSESSMENT.

4. Record the assessments. For your convenience, a template score sheet has been created in case it is needed1.

5. If any flock has an assessment where more than 10% of sampled birds are severely soiled; OR if the Litter Quality Assessment in Appendix VI gives litter scores of more than 1, each flock must additionally be assessed during the week prior to slaughter.

1 Scoring sheets illustrated below can be downloaded from www.globalanimalpartnership.org.

Photos courtesy of 2 Sisters Food Group Ltd. Scoring guide adapted with permission from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Welfare Standards for Chickens, 2011)

This template is also available for download on our website on the Producer Resources page.

Appendix VI: Litter Quality Assessment

Litter serves several important functions. For example, it absorbs excess moisture from drinkers and the birds’ droppings; it dilutes fecal matter so reducing contact between chickens and manure – so promoting bird cleanliness; and, it provides a protective cushion between the birds and the floor. Good litter management is therefore crucial for chicken welfare.

At the time of audit, auditors will perform the following Litter Quality Assessment. In addition, as part of Standard 4.3.6, operations must perform this same assessment along with a Soiled Feather Assessment (see Standard 4.3.5 and Appendix V).

If the Soiled Feather Assessment at flock age of 15-20 days shows that more than 10% of sampled birds are severely soiled; OR the Litter Quality Assessment carried out at the same time shows that litter scores more than 1, Standard 4.3.7 requires that a written intervention plan is put into place to improve litter quality and Standards 4.3.8 and 4.3.9 require that subsequent Soiled Feather and Litter Quality Assessments are carried out in the same flock in the week before slaughter.

Protocol for Operations:

1. Assess each flock between 15 and 20 days of age.

2. For each assessment pick up three litter samples from three different areas in the house – one from each end of the house and one in the middle. There is no need to dig out a sample – it can be collected from the surface.

3. Use the scoring system below to assess litter quality. The worst score of the three samples must not exceed 1.

4. Record the assessments. For your convenience, a template score sheet has been created in case it is needed.

5. If any flock has an assessment at 15-20 days where litter scores are more than 1; OR if the Soiled Feather Assessment in Appendix V shows that more than 10% of sampled birds are severely soiled, an intervention plan as described in Standard 4.3.7 must be implemented AND that flock must additionally be assessed during the week prior to slaughter.

Appendix VI: Litter Quality Assessment Continued

Other resources: https://www.poultryventilation.com/sites/default/files/tips/2011/vol23n3.pdf http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/388/litter-quality-and-broiler-performance/ http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.cfm?number=B1267

This template is also available for download on our website on the Producer Resources page.

Appendix VII: Sensory Evaluation of Air Quality

Section 4.4 requires assessment of air quality using ammonia meters, testing strips or sensory evaluation. Most operations do not use calibrated equipment to assess air quality on a daily basis. While this type of specialized equipment is an accurate way to measure air quality, it’s typically too costly for everyday use. Sensory evaluation or testing strips are more commonly used. Protocols for all three methods are shown below.

Option 1: Sensory Evaluation

Below is a subjective score that can be used to assess air quality during daily monitoring.

Scores 2-5 (Moderate, Strong, Very Strong, and Overpowering) indicate that ammonia and dust are excessive and need to be addressed immediately for both human safety and animal health.

1. Once each day during flock monitoring, score and record the air quality just prior to leaving the house.

2. Record your air quality score.

3. If action is required (score 2-5), make any necessary adjustments to ventilation, management, etc. to improve air quality in your barn(s).

Option 2a: Use of ammonia test strip papers

1. Once each day during flock monitoring, score air quality just prior to leaving the house.

2. Wet the test strip with distilled water (tap water contains impurities that can affect the test result). Wave the strip in the air at bird height for 15 seconds.

1. Compare the color of the exposed test strip to the calibrated color chart provided by the manufacturer to find the ppm of ammonia in the air.

2. Record the ammonia level found.

3. If action is required (score more than 20 ppm), make any necessary adjustments to ventilation, management, etc. to improve air quality in your barn(s).

Option 2b: Use of continuous ammonia sensor papers

Some types of ammonia sensor use a detection system similar to paper test strips, but rather than testing each day these are designed to provide readings for up to two months. These sensors provide a 3-hour time-weighted average of ammonia levels on a continuous basis. The visual sensor changes color (from golden yellow to blue) depending on the ammonia concentration in the surrounding environment.

1. Note expiration date (two months from the date of first use) on the sensor.

2. Attach sensor centrally & directly above the area to be monitored with string or twine. (It is recommended to have one sensor every 5,000 ft2 - approximately 70ft x 70ft).

3. Once each day during flock monitoring, score air quality just prior to leaving the house.

4. Compare sensor color (center square) to surrounding color chart (outer circle) and record the ammonia level found.

5. If action is required (score more than 20 ppm), make any necessary adjustments to ventilation, management, etc. to improve air quality in your barn(s).

6. Replace after two months of use.

Option 3a: Use of electronic ammonia meters

1. Once each day during flock monitoring, turn the ammonia meter on outside the house.

1. Go inside and walk through the house for at least 2.5 minutes.

2. Read the result from the meter.

3. Record the ammonia level found.

4. If action is required (score more than 20 ppm), make any necessary adjustments to ventilation, management, etc. to improve air quality in your barn(s).

Option 3b: Use of ammonia detection tube meters

1. Once each day during flock monitoring, score air quality just prior to leaving the house.

2. Break the ends of the single use glass tube provided with the gas detection meter.

3. Place the tube inside the hand-operated pump.

4. Pull back the handle of the pump and draw a 100 mL sample of air into the glass tube from bird height. The ammonia in the air reacts to chemicals in the tube, changing the color of the chemicals the length of the tube from purple to beige.

5. The higher the level of ammonia in the house, the longer the color change down the length of the tube. Read the result from the graduated scale on the outside of the detection meter.

6. Record the ammonia level found.

7. If action is required (score more than 20 ppm), make any necessary adjustments to ventilation, management, etc. to improve air quality in your barn(s).

8. For a more accurate reading multiple samples should be taken.

   Appendix VIII: Environmental Enrichments

   Chickens, like other animals, benefit from a rich environment that is stimulating and allows for them to engage in natural behavior; particularly foraging behavior and exercise. Providing enrichments can improve the welfare of chickens in a commercial setting. Section 4.8 requires Step 1-4 chickens to be provided with environmental enrichments. The following document details the importance of these items, as well as outlining enrichments that count towards the requirements of the Standards as well as those that do not.

   
   

   Enrichments are an addition to the chickens’ environment that encourages the expression of natural behavior such as ground scratching, pecking, and foraging. As well, enrichments that increase physical activity and promote exercise can minimize undesirable and even harmful behavior, including aggression, feather- pecking, cannibalism, flightiness, and distress. (Items that are fundamental to the welfare, including health, of the chickens, such as dust-baths and litter are not considered to be enrichments as they are basic requirements). Of course, enrichments should also ensure they do not put chickens at risk of injury or stress.

   
   

   The aim of an enrichment, however, is to:

   1. add stimuli and long-term novelty to the chickens’ environment;

   2. evoke – and maintain – their interest, and;

   3. improve their physical, behavioral, and/or mental well-being.

Enrichments can benefit chickens raised in any setting, whether exclusively indoors, with outdoor access, or on pasture. By introducing these interactive elements, the lives of chickens can most certainly be enhanced. However, not all enrichments are the same in terms of how well they actually do “enrich” the chickens environment.

EXAMPLES OF ENRICHMENTS THAT COUNT AND DO NOT COUNT TOWARDS THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 4.8

The tables below list enrichments that count towards the requirements of the Section 4.8 and those that do not, and are by no means exhaustive. The examples and discussion on why, or why not they are enrichments that count towards the requirements of Section 4.8 are intended to help understand what provisions are most meaningful to chickens.

The enrichments that count towards the requirements of the Section 4.8 are categorized into two different sections – A and B depending on the size of the enrichment and the number of ways that the chickens can interact with it, so that there is equivalence between the different choices for enrichment.

For enrichments where dimensions have been listed, operations are able to utilize smaller sized enrichments as long as the cumulative total of enrichment square footage or linear space is provided to the birds.