A. Education and Training of Supplier Personnel
Documented training programs must be in place to assure that all employees involved in the handling of live animals have been educated as to appropriate practices per industry guidelines. In addition, each company and each producer should have a written plan for disaster response and recovery, including, but not limited to, structural damage and water, feed and electrical outages.

B. Improved Hatchery Operations
Conditions that optimize hatchability and minimize early mortality are favorable to good welfare of hatching birds. Programs must be in place, therefore, to assure constant monitoring of all climate control systems. Additionally, systems should be in place to monitor chick injuries so that corrective actions can be taken.

C. Proper Nutrition and Feeding
The good health of the animals depends upon a proper diet formulated to prevent nutritional deficiency. Feed and watering systems should provide adequate access for all birds. Water should be made available in adequate quantities for normal hydration, health, and productivity.

D. Appropriate Comfort and Shelter
Animals should be housed in shelters that are clean, comfortable, well-ventilated, and protective. Temperature, humidity, ammonia levels and physical surroundings should all be maintained so as to minimize discomfort and injury to the birds.

E. Health Care
A written health plan must be developed in consultation with a veterinarian that includes preventive care and disease control to ensure bird well-being. Relevant items include: vaccination programs, daily checks on bird condition; monitoring of morbidity and mortality; and approaches to control of avian pathogens.

F. Adequate Growth Space
Birds must be able to move about freely and be able to physically access feed and water adequate for normal growth and development.

G. Inspection of Facilities
Certain on-farm practices are necessary to ensure good bird welfare. Examples include: twice-daily inspection of birds under good quality light; daily inspection of feeding, drinking, and ventilation systems; and humane approaches to euthanasia performed by trained individuals.

H. Catching and Transportation
Whenever birds are handled for any reason, handling must be accomplished in a manner that avoids injuries. During transport and holding, birds must be protected from temperature extremes and adequate ventilation must be provided.