ICS 67.120.20 
 Reference number
DRS 549-1: 202 3
© RSB 202 3
  
 RWANDA 
STANDARD  DRS 
549-1 
 
First edition  
yyy-mm-dd  
 
Code of good chicken husbandry practices 
for poultry — Part 1: Broiler and layers 
   
DRS 549-1:2023 
©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved                  ii 
 In order to match with technological development and to keep continuous progress in industries, 
standards are subject to periodic review. Users shall ascertain that they are in possession of the latest 
edition 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© RSB 2023 
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized 
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without 
prior written permission from RSB. 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to: 
Rwanda Standards Board 
P.O Box 7099 Kigali-Rwanda 
KK 15 Rd, 49 
Tel. +250 788303492 
Toll Free: 3250 
E-mail: info@RSB.gov.rw  
Website: www.RSB.gov.rw  
ePortal: www.portal.RSB.gov.rw  DRS 549-1:2023 
iii                ©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved 
 Contents Page 
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................ iv  
1 Scope ...................................................................................................................................................... 1  
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................ 1  
3 Terms and definitions ........................................................................................................................... 1  
4 Minimum requirements ......................................................................................................................... 3  
4.1 Farm components ................................................................................................................................. 3  
4.1.1 Farm Location/ Site Selection .............................................................................................................. 3  
4.1.2 Site history ............................................................................................................................................. 3  
4.1.3 Farm layout ............................................................................................................................................ 3  
4.1.4 Chicken housing .................................................................................................................................... 4  
4.1.5 Storage facilities .................................................................................................................................... 5  
4.1.6 Holding yard for culled chickens ......................................................................................................... 5  
4.2 Feed, Veterinary inputs, and Water ..................................................................................................... 6  
4.2.1 Feeds and Veterinary inputs ................................................................................................................ 6  
4.2.2 List of banned chemicals and veterinary products ........................................................................... 7  
4.2.3 Water quality and treatment of water .................................................................................................. 7  
4.3 Farm Management ................................................................................................................................. 7  
4.3.1 Farm Manual .......................................................................................................................................... 7  
4.3.2 Farm operators and workers/ Farm personnel ................................................................................... 7  
4.3.3 Competency ........................................................................................................................................... 8  
4.3.4 Hygiene and Sanitation ......................................................................................................................... 8  
4.3.5 Waste management and Environment Management ......................................................................... 9  
4.4 Chicken Health Management ............................................................................................................. 10  
4.4.1 Introduction of new stock ................................................................................................................... 10  
4.4.2 Surveillance and control of diseases ................................................................................................ 10  
4.4.3 Biosecurity measures ......................................................................................................................... 11  
4.4.4 Laboratory testing ............................................................................................................................... 11  
4.4.5 Protocols when disease is suspected............................................................................................... 11  
4.4.6 Treatment ............................................................................................................................................. 12  
4.4.7 Chicken welfare ................................................................................................................................... 13  
4.5 Transportation and Storage ............................................................................................................... 15  
4.6 Record keeping .................................................................................................................................... 16  
4.7 Egg management ................................................................................................................................. 17  
4.8 Review and Evaluation of Practices .................................................................................................. 17  
 DRS 549-1:2023 
©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved                  iv 
 Foreword 
Rwanda Standards are prepared by Technical Committees and approved by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) 
Board of Directors in accordance with the procedures of WDB, in compliance with Annex 3 of the WTO/TBT 
agreement on the preparation, adoption and application of standards. 
The main task of technical committees is to prepare national standards. Final Draft Rwanda Standards 
adopted by Technical committees are ratified by members of RSB Board of Directors for publication and 
gazettment as Rwanda Standards. 
DRS 549-1 was prepared by Technical Committee RSB/TC 005, Meat and meat products.  
In the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following standard: 
1) IS 7049: Code for handling, processing, quality evaluation and storage of poultry 
2) RS 289 2021 Handling, processing and storage of poultry 
3) Code of good chicken husbandry for poultry – Broiler and Layer 
The assistance derived from the above source is hereby acknowledged with thanks. 
Committee membership  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee on Meat and meat products. 
(RSB/TC 005) in the preparation of this standard. 
Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) – Secretariat 
 DRS 549-1: 2023 
1                ©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved 
 Code of good chicken husbandry practices for poultry — Part 1: Broiler 
and layers 
1 Scope 
This Working Draft specifies the general principles of good practice and minimum requirements for the 
production, handling, transportation and storage of chicken and its products within the farm, in the 
commercial or backyard rearing/farming of broiler and layer chickens for food use . 
2 Normative references 
There are no normative references in this document. 
3 Terms and definitions 
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply. 
3.1 
Abnormal behaviour 
Any changes developed as a response to poor or wrong management practice causing stress to the chicken 
3.2 
Authorized 
That which has been permitted by the competent authority 
3.3 
Competent authority 
An entity/agency who has the knowledge, expertise and authority as designated by law 
3.4 
Farm owner/operator 
Physical person or legal entity who is responsible for the management and general operation of the farm  
3.5 
Farm worker /personnel  
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 Personnel responsible for the rearing of chickens / persons engaged by the business on a full time, parttime or 
casual basis 
3.6 
Foot wear  
Outer coverings for the feet, such as shoes or boots that protect the wearer and can be disinfected to prevent 
the spread of infection 
3.7 
Good health status 
Free from illness, injury or pain 
3.8 
Potable water 
water either in its original state or after treatment, intended for human drinking, cooking, food preparation, or 
other domestic purposes, food production, regardless of its origin whether it is supplied from a distribution 
network, from a tanker or in bottles 
3.9 
Protective clothing 
Clothing especially designed, fabricated, or treated to protect personnel against contamination and dangerous 
working conditions 
3.10 
Ration 
Daily feed/diet of the chickens 
3.11 
Rearing 
The act of raising of chickens. The term is used interchangeably with farming throughout the text 
3.12 
Vehicle DRS 549-1: 2023 
3                ©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved 
 Any means of transporting chickens, including but not limited to trucks, tractors, trailers, trains, ferries, ships 
and aircrafts 
4 Minimum requirements 
4.1 Farm components 
4.1.1 Farm Location/ Site Selection 
The farm should: 
a) Not conflicting  with the appropriate land use plan of the local government and should be 
compliant with national regulations,  
b) have a continuous supply of adequate power, potable water and good access to road. 
c)   be appropriately isolated from bodies of water and wetlands that are frequented by migratory 
fowl. 
d) Not be prone to flooding. Perimeter canals that drain to a closed lagoon may be constructed to 
prevent runoff from contaminating bodies of water and/or adjacent farms. 
e) Not be near slaughterhouse facilities and be sufficiently isolated from any other chicken 
facilities. 
f) Not be on a site that could be a possible source of physical, chemical and microbiological 
hazards. Existing farms should have full control of the risks and ensure that there are mitigation 
measures in place. 
g) be accessible to major facilities of production (i.e., feed mill, water system). 
4.1.2 Site history 
Where applicable and informationsareis available from relevant government agencies or organizations on the 
prior land use, then it should be used to establish that the site is not a possible source of physical, chemical 
and microbiological hazards. However, when these data are not available and uncertainty exists as to the 
suitability of the land for agricultural use, it is recommended to have the soil analysed for heavy metal 
contamination, etc. 
4.1.3 Farm layout 
The farm should: 
a) Have a suitable area set aside for storage of feed, carcass destruction, waste management, 
workers area including toilets and washrooms. 
b) Have a design that incorporates ventilation and ease of cleaning.  
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 c) Have buildings and perimeter fences constructed to prevent contact between livestock and 
stray and wild chickens including potential disease carriers and pets. 
d) Electrical conduits should be properly installed and covered to prevent possible electrocution. 
e) Layout and emergency procedures shall be placed in the most conspicuous place. 
4.1.4 Chicken housing 
4.1.4.1 The chickens should be housed in a suitable structure or building, appropriate for the intended use of 
rearing and housing chickens, with sufficient shelter and ventilation to protect chickens.  
4.1.4.2 when building chicken housing facilities may also refer to the Standard on Chicken Housing 
established by competent authorities. 
4.1.4.3 Have a logical layout for the chicken husbandry activities with sanitation as a guide making it easy for 
staff to move from clean areas into dirty areas following biosecurity protocols 
4.1.4.4 The premises should be kept clean at all times to prevent disease occurrence, establishment of 
breeding ground for pests and avoid environmental degradation. 
4.1.4.5The building intended for keeping chickens should be constructed in the orientation that minimizes the 
adverse effects on chicken performance and eliminates possible hazards to its surroundings. 
4.1.4.6 The building should be designed and constructed using materials that: 
a) Should not cause any injury or impart hazard to the welfare of chickens; 
b) Provide comfort 
c) Can be easily cleaned and disinfected; 
d) Can be easily replaced when damaged; 
e) Create efficient stock management; 
f) Enhance biosecurity. 
1) There should be an effective drainage system in place at the building. 
2) Chickens should be provided with sufficient floor space/size suitable for their age, 
3) body weight and size to ensure comfort to the chickens. 
4) Chickens should be provided with appropriate space to feed and drink comfortably. DRS 549-1: 2023 
5                ©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved 
 5) The feeding and drinking equipment and facilities should conform with the standards/requirements 
for each species and should be constructed and conspicuously placed such that: 
6) chickens are allowed to eat and drink freely, allowing them to behave normally; and contamination 
with chicken faeces and urine is prevented. 
7) Pens should be: 
a)  designed and constructed to prevent chickens from escaping; 
b) free from protruding objects or structures (e.g., nails and bolts) that may cause injury to the chickens and 
farm operators and farm workers. 
1) Housing design (particularly roof height and sides) should provide proper ventilation (whether natural 
of artificial) to maintain a comfortable environment. 
2) Chicken buildings should have adequate lighting to ensure that chickens can be thoroughly inspected 
as required. 
3) Electrical installations and wirings should be protected and should not be accessible to the chickens. 
4) The fence, including its posts and gates, should be effectively designed to prevent entry of stray 
chickens, and escape or injury of the chickens. If electric fence is used, it should be operated as per 
manufacturer’s instructions. 
4.1.5 Storage facilities 
4.1.5.1 Storage facilities should: 
a) have facilities for proper storage. 
b) be kept cleaned at all time. 
c) have adequate ventilation, adequate protection from moisture and should be vermin proof. 
4.1.4.1 If applicable, First in First out (FIFO) should be practiced. 
4.1.6 Holding yard for culled chickens 
4.1.6.1 Sufficient pens and floor space should be provided to prevent overcrowding and permit necessary 
segregation of chickens. 
4.1.6.2 The holding yard should be constructed in such a way that it will adequately protect the chickens from 
adverse weather conditions and will provide sufficient ventilation. 
4.1.6.3 The holding yard should have proper facilities for chickens to feed and drink.  
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 4.2 Feed, Veterinary inputs, and Water 
4.2.1 Feeds and Veterinary inputs 
4.2.1.1The farm operator should provide the chickens with adequate, safe and clean feed and that would 
allow them to meet their optimum nutrition level 
The farm operator should provide a daily feeding schedule or routine. 
4.2.1.2 Owners or managers of chickens should acquire feed from suppliers who follow recognized good 
manufacturing practices and/or good hygiene practices and that meet quality and standards set by the country 
regulations or government directives, e.g. Chicken Feeds,  
4.2.1.3 Where onfarm manufacture of feeds is practiced, procedures designed to minimize contamination and 
prevent the inclusion of undesirable feed components should be followed Farm operators should only use 
ingredients from authorized and traceable suppliers. Records of purchases should be kept. Where necessary, 
an expert assistance should be sought. 
4.2.1.4 The feed mixing equipment should be kept clean at all times and have regular preventive maintenance 
schedule. 
4.2.1.5 The feed chain (transport, storage, and feeding) should be managed in such a way as to protect feed 
from contamination (biological, chemical, and physical hazards) and minimize deterioration. 
4.2.1.6 Feeds and veterinary inputs should be used in accordance with label instructions, paying special 
attention to the withdrawal period of each specific drug being administered before the chickens are sent to 
market. 
4.2.1.7 Feeds and veterinary inputs should be kept in a designated area under good ventilation. 
4.2.1.8 The farm should record and keep documents, these include but is not limited to the following: 
a) Supplier information or source of feed concentrate; 
b) type of feed; 
c) quantity; 
d) declaration of ingredients; 
e) document of feed analysis; 
f) date of delivery; and 
g) date of manufacturing and batch number DRS 549-1: 2023 
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 4.2.2 List of banned chemicals and veterinary products 
4.2.2.1 The farm should have an updated list of veterinary products registered/approved by the country 
available for viewing. 
4.2.1.2 The farm should have an updated list of chemicals that are regulated and banned by the country 
available for viewing. 
4.2.1.3 Feeds should not contain banned ingredients, chemicals and veterinary drugs, including those 
disallowed by the authorities of importing countries 
4.2.3 Water quality and treatment of water 
4.2.3.1 Potable water should be used. 
4.2.3.2 Ensure that only water of known and acceptable chemical and microbiological  quality (i.e. fit for 
chicken consumption) is used for watering stock. 
4.2.3.3 Non potable water should be treated to comply with standards. 
. 
4.2.3.4 Water treatment systems are checked regularly and the appropriate parameters are recorded. Record 
sheet is retained with batch records at end of batch. 
4.2.3.5 Treated water may be used for drinking water for chickens cooling systems and shed wash downs. 
4.2.3.6 Pathogen levels should be checked regularly (E. coli and other faecal coliforms may be used as 
indicators of efficacy of sanitation). 
4.3 Farm Management  
4.3.1 Farm Manual 
4.3.1.1 The farm should have a policy statement that covers commitment and emergency procedures. 
4.3.1.2 A farm management system should be documented and available for inspection. 
4.3.1.3 The farm should have an organizational chart. 
4.3.2 Farm operators and workers/ Farm personnel 
4.3.2.1 The farm owner should conform to existing chicken farming legislation. This covers the management 
of environment issues, farm location,  chicken welfare requirements, disease control, production of 
wholesome food and occupational hazard associated with chicken farming.  
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 4.3.2.2 The farm owner should observe the International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions and 
Recommendations on Child Labour. 
4.3.2.3 The farm owner should ensure that all farm operators and farm workers are in good health and 
undergo annual routine health check up. 
4.3.2.4 The farm owner should always promote a safe and healthy working condition in the farm. The farm 
workers should be equipped with suitable protective gears and tools while working in the farm. Accident and 
emergency management procedures should be available with clear instructions for all workers. First aid kits 
and fire extinguishers should be easily available and accessible at all times. The farm worker should be 
insured against accidents in the conduct of his/her farm work. The farm owner should report to relevant 
authorities any occurrence of accident in the farm that may result to serious physical injuries of workers. 
4.3.2.5 The farm owner should encourage the promotion of gender equality in the work place 
4.3.2.6 The farm operator/worker should be responsible for the welfare of the chickens by giving adequate 
provisions so that they are able to perform at their optimum levels. 
4.3.2.7 Appropriate working uniform/attire and footwear should be provided to farm operators or visitors who 
need to be at the production area 
4.3.3 Competency 
4.3.3.1 Workers should be trained for the tasks that they are required to do. In addition workers should be 
trained in the following procedures: farm sanitation, personal hygiene, chicken handling and welfare, breeding 
program, medicine dispensing and quarantine. 
4.3.3.2 Workers should be competent in the tasks that they are required to do and the competency should be 
reviewed on a regular basis. 
4.3.3.3 The farm should have sufficient workers/personnel/staff to perform the required workload including the 
services of a farm supervisor and veterinarian. 
4.3.4 Hygiene and Sanitation 
4.3.4.1 Personal Hygiene  
4.3.4.1.1  Workers should wear appropriate protective clothing, if necessary, with masks, and foot wear at all 
times that can be sanitized.  
4.3.4.1.2 Workers’ movement in the farm should be controlled to avoid cross contamination between different 
age groups of chicken. Workers should enter clean areas first then move to dirty areas. Workers should not 
move from dirty areas to clean areas.  
4.3.4.1.3 Workers should ensure that no unnecessary accessories and personal effects that may pose 
hazards may be brought in the production area.  DRS 549-1: 2023 
9                ©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved 
 4.3.4.1.4 Downtime/quarantine should be observed before entering the production area for workers coming 
from outside the farm.  
4.3.4.2 General Farm Hygiene 
4.3.4.2.1 The farm should have a cleaning and disinfection procedure in place. Farm premises should be kept 
clean and free of potential conditions conducive to breeding of pests, chicken parasites and disease outbreak.  
This is to avoid negative effects on the landscape, environment and chicken welfare.  
4.3.4.2.2  Organic materials should be regularly removed from all livestock contact surfaces (i.e. floors, pen 
partitions). Where bedding is used, it should be regularly changed and/or topped up.  
4.3.4.2.3 The farm should have a proper and functional drainage system.  
4.3.4.2.4 Only approved chemicals by competent authorities in the country should be used for cleaning and 
sanitation.  
4.3.4.2.5 The farm should have appropriate equipment and tools for effective and functional hygiene and 
sanitation operation. 
4.3.5 Waste management and Environment Management 
4.3.5.1 The farm operator should take necessary measures to ensure that activities related to livestock 
farming do not contribute to the degradation of the environment (i.e.land, water, air) and cause destruction to 
bio‐diversity. 
4.3.5.2 Litter, solid (including biohazard waste) and liquid waste should be managed and disposed according 
to the country’s regulations. 
4.3.5.3 The farm operator should maintain and display clear instructions on procedure for disposal of  farm  
solid  wastes  and  farm  chemical  wastes  (e.g.  expired pesticide/herbicide and containers, paint, etc.). 
4.3.5.4 Dead chickens should be buried properly, incinerated or disposed in a manner that complies with 
country regulations. 
4.3.5.5 Compost stations should be positioned away from the activities of the farm, 
4.3.5.6 waterways and also be protected from rain to avoid leaching. 
4.3.5.7 Toilet septic tanks should be maintained so that potential overflows will be avoided. 
4.3.5.8 Effluent ponds should be located away from farming operations and should not overflow. 
4.3.5.9 Wastewater from farms shall be treated before discharging into public water resources. 
4.3.5.10 Any wastewater treatment process should be properly functional.  
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 4.3.5.11 Measures should be in place to keep out noise that could potentially affect growth and productive 
performance of chickens, specifically around poultry brooder house 
4.3.5.12 The farm should regularly monitor the air quality and maintain it at acceptable levels. 
4.3.5.13 The farm should take appropriate measures to minimize excessive odor coming from the farm and 
that which may be associated with waste decomposition. 
4.3.5 Pest Control 
4.3.5.1 Farm premises should be maintained in a good condition to prevent possible vermin infestation.  
4.3.5.2 The farm should have pest control programs to reduce or eliminate pests including rodents and 
insects. 
4.3.5.3 Only approved chemicals and baits should be used in pest control programs.  
4.4 Chicken Health Management 
4.4.1 Introduction of new stock 
4.4.1.1 Acquire chickens only from sources with known good health status, certified by a qualified veterinarian 
and/or competent authority. 
4.4.1.2 Keep newly arrived chickens separate from resident stock for an appropriate period, to prevent 
possible disease transmission. 
4.4.1.3 Each batch of chickens purchased or hatched should have batch identification for traceability 
purposes. 
4.4.2 Surveillance and control of diseases 
4.4.2.1 There should be a written chicken health program in place, including a vaccination and deworming 
program, if required, that is updated regularly and supervised by a licensed veterinarian, in accordance with 
the requirements of the competent authorities. 
4.4.2.2 The vaccination program should be adopted against the diseases as required by competent authorities 
and it should be in a written form. Only vaccines approved by a competent authority in the country should be 
used. 
4.4.2.3 The health status of chickens should be monitored and recorded regularly, and veterinary assessment 
of the establishment should be carried out annually by a licensed veterinarian and/or by a competent 
authority. 
4.4.2.4 Separate diseased from healthy chickens such that transmission of infection does not occur, and 
where necessary, cull diseased chickens humanely. DRS 549-1: 2023 
11                ©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved 
 4.4.2.5 Identified isolation area/pen for “suspected diseased birds” should be provided. 
4.4.2.6 The use of drugs, medicines, vaccines, and medicated feeds for disease control should be in 
accordance with the instructions of a veterinarian following country regulations. 
4.4.2.7 Drugs or medicines should only be used for prophylactic and treatment reasons. 
4.4.2.8 Keep all treated chickens on the farm and ensure that these chickens and/or their products are not 
used for human consumption until the drug withdrawal period is completed and certified fit for human 
consumption by veterinarians. 
 
4.4.3 Biosecurity measures 
4.4.3.1 The farm should have a written protocol of bio-- ‐security measures. Proper warning signage should be 
provided. 
4.4.3.2 Bio‐security procedures should be well implemented to prevent introduction of disease into the farm 
and/or to control its spread within the farm. 
Example: 
For chickens that are in coops/poultry houses/buildings, the cages should be netted to prevent entry of 
migratory birds. In the cases of free-range chicken, control measures that include putting them in cages while 
there are cases of avian influenza outbreak to prevent them co-mingling with migratory species. 
4.4.3.3 The implementation of biosecurity measures should be continuously monitored to assess the 
effectiveness of the program. 
4.4.3.4 The farm should have the appropriate and functional layout and infrastructure to ensure effective 
implementation of the bio-security measures. This should include facilities: 
4.4.4 Laboratory testing 
4.4.4.1 Routine testing should be carried out in qualified laboratories for surveillance and/or monitoring. 
4.4.4.2 In case of reportable disease outbreak, testing should be conducted in an approved/accredited 
laboratory and should continue until it can be shown that the disease has been controlled. 
4.4.5 Protocols when disease is suspected 
4.4.5.1 If there is an outbreak or suspicion of epidemic disease, the farm should follow the requirements of the 
laws and regulations on chicken epidemic disease control of the country and OIE guidelines. 
4.4.5.2 Emergency biosecurity procedures should be followed management manual for commercial poultry 
farming and biosecurity protocols for poultry  
©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved                  12 
 4.4.5.3 The farm operator should report immediately or within 24 hours to relevant authorities any incidence of 
abnormal behavioural changes, health conditions and mortalities in the farm or any characteristic of a disease 
outbreak (e.g. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), New Castle’s Disease). 
4.4.6 Treatment 
4.4.6.1 The use of medicines should be under the supervision of veterinarian or competent authority. 
4.4.6.2 The farm should maintain updated records of medicine purchase and administration that should 
be readily available for inspection. 
4.4.6.3 Drugs, medicines, and vaccines should be stored and identified properly; proper disposal of these 
items should be followed to prevent contamination to the environment. 
4.4.6.4 The farm operator should keep and maintain complete records of farm operations, management 
routines, and chicken health records like disease monitoring and medication. These records should be easily 
retrievable. 
4.4.6.5 Records include, but are not limited to, the following: 
a) Vaccination program; 
b) Deworming; 
c) Disease condition; 
d) Diagnosis; 
e) Intervention or treatment done; 
f) Control measures; 
g) Post-mortem findings 
h) Surveillance and 
i) Disposal. 
4.4.6.6 The farm should maintain updated records of medicine purchase and administration that should be 
readily available for inspection. 
4.4.6.7 The procurement records should have: 
a) Date of purchase; 
b) Name of the product (generic compound); DRS 549-1: 2023 
13                ©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved 
 c) Quantity purchased; 
d) Batch number; 
e) Expiry date; and 
f) Name of supplier. 
4.4.6.8 Administration records at farm level should consist of the following: 
a) Type of drugs or medication used; 
b) Batch number; 
c) Quantity of medicine used; 
d) Date administered; 
e) Route of administration; 
f) Identification of chickens/group treated; 
g) Number of chickens treated; 
h) Date of completion of treatment; 
i) Withdrawal period; and 
j) Name of the person who administered the medicine. 
4.4.7 Chicken welfare 
4.4.7.1 Care shall be taken to preserve the welfare of chickens. In case of injury, sickness or deformity, 
chickens shall be appropriately treated to avoid suffering.  
4.4.7.2 All chickens should have access to and are sufficiently provided with feed, water and space (refer to 
OIE guidelines on Chicken Welfare).  
4.4.7.3 The farm operators and personnel should not cause cruelty to chickens, which includes but is not 
limited to:  
a) Maltreatment of chickens under his/her care and attention. 
b) Neglect of chicken, such that it experiences pain, suffering or distress.  
©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved                  14 
 c) Failure to provide adequate resources to maintain the live weight of the 
d) Chicken within the normal physiological range for the species type, age and sex. 
e) Removal of any part of the anatomy without adequate anaesthesia, whenever applicable. 
f) Putting to sleep (euthanasia), confine handle or transport any chicken in a manner causing deliberate pain, 
suffering or distress. 
g) Keeping a chicken alive, especially that which is pronounced physically or 
h) physiologically incapacitated, unless it is under the direct care of a licensed 
i) and registered veterinarian. 
4.4.7.4 The farm operator and personnel should not neglect chickens according to the following criteria;  
a) Freedom from hunger and thirst and malnutrition. Feed withdrawal of chickens should not be more than 
eight (8) hours before slaughter; 
b) Freedom from physical discomfort and pain; 
c) Freedom from injury and disease with due consideration to the differences in the production system 
(confined and free range), 
d)  chickens should be given enough freedom to conform to essential behaviour patterns, (i.e. specific 
growing stage of poultry); and 
e) Freedom from fear and distress. 
4.4.7.5 Handling and restraining of chickens 
a) Chickens should always be handled and restrained in such a way to protect them from fear, stress, pain 
and injury. 
b) Appropriate equipment and tools should be provided and used in handling or restraining the chickens. 
c) Appropriate tools should be used for the purpose of effective chicken 
d) management and the operators should acquire the skills and techniques to use the tools. 
e) Tools should be used in a manner that minimize stress and does not injure the chickens. 
f) Tools should be functional for efficient application on the chickens by the operators. DRS 549-1: 2023 
15                ©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved 
 g) Sick, injured or disabled chickens should be separated from healthy chickens and should be given the 
necessary veterinary attention. 
h) Proper techniques should be applied to handle and restrain chickens. 
 
4.5 Transportation and Storage 
4.5.1 The transport of chickens from point of origin to final destination should be in a manner that does not 
cause stress throughout the journey and does not pre dispose them to injury and disease.  
4.5.2 Appropriate space allowance and ventilation should be provided during transportation. Only clean 
vehicles should be used to transport chickens.  
4.5.3 Vehicles used to transport chickens should be exclusively used for chicken transport only. 
4.5.4 Vehicles used for the transport of chickens should be according to the following specifications:  
a) Allow easy loading and unloading; 
b)  Has communication equipment and first aid kit; 
c) Ensure safety of the chickens and personnel during transport; 
d) Clean and sanitized; 
e) Equipped with floors that provide secure footing; 
f) Have proper drainage; and 
g) Have a decal/label “live chicken on board” at the sides and front/back. 
4.5.5 Transportation should be carried out at the coldest time of the day in order to avoid heat stress to 
chickens.  
4.5.6 The transport of chickens from point of origin to final destination should be through the most direct and 
appropriate route that should be completed without unnecessary delay.  
4.5.7 The transporter should be fully responsible for the care and welfare of the chickens as well as ensure 
the cleanliness of the vehicle during the entire process of transporting.  
4.5.8 Disposal of the waste should be done in an environment friendly manner.  
4.5.9 Day old chicks should be packed in appropriate packaging or restraining containers as required by the 
country regulations.   
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 4.5.10 Where appropriate, chickens should be segregated according to species, size, sex, and age or 
according to customer requirements.  
4.5.11 Chickens destined for slaughter should be rested for 6 to 12 hours upon arrival at the slaughterhouse.  
4.5.12 Chickens being transported should be in a good state of health. However, stressed or sick chickens, 
may be transported but with extra-- ‐precautionary measures.  
4.5.13 A transport or movement permit should be obtained prior to shipping chickens as required by the 
country regulations with chicken health certificate signed by a veterinarian.  
4.5.14 In cases wherein the establishment seeks the services of a second party to ship the live chickens, the 
shipper should be properly informed of the recommendations stated in 4.5.13. 
4.6 Record keeping 
4.6.1 When a problem arises, be it a disease, a chemical hazard issue or a physical safety matter, record 
keeping is central to any effort to trace the source of the problem and eliminate it. Hence, as far as is 
practicable, farmers should keep records of: 
a) Chicken identification records; 
b) Chicken source records especially import chickens; 
c) Feed records; 
d) Chicken Health (Treatment and Vaccination) records; 
e) Chicken movement records; 
f) Personnel Health records; 
g) Breeding records; 
h) Laboratory records; 
i) Sanitation and Hygiene records; 
j) Pest control records; 
k) Training records; 
l) Waste management records; 
m) Production records; DRS 549-1: 2023 
17                ©RSB 2023 - All rights reserved 
 n) Procurement records; 
o) Storage records; 
p) Visitor records; 
q) Transportation records; 
r) Traceability records (e.g. chicken/lot/batch ID, customer record, etc.). 
4.6.2 Records should be kept for a minimum of 3 years or a time specified by Government directives. 
4.7 Egg management 
4.7.1 Egg collection workers should sanitize their hands prior to handling eggs and between handling floor 
eggs and nest eggs. 
 
4.7.2 All eggs found to be cracked, defective and/or dirty should be identified and use accordingly. All eggs 
collected from the floor should be placed in separate trays and labelled. 
 
4.7.3 All eggs should be stored in a clean well ventilated cool area after sorting. 
 
4.7.4 Eggs should be transported in the coolest time of the day in appropriate transport vehicles and delivered 
to their destination as quickly as possible. 
 
4.7.5 Egg trays should be cleaned and sanitized after each use. 
 
4.7.6 Records of eggs collected and sold/shipped should be kept and maintained properly.  
4.8 Review and Evaluation of Practices 
Practices should be checked for compliance and evaluation for effectiveness and do ability on a regular basis. 
In cases where provisions are no longer applicable, they should be amended.  DRS 549-1: 2023 
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©RSB 2023- All rights reserved