This unit applies to the processes involved in setting up a shed for the placement of day old chickens conducted within routines, methods and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to work in poultry shed

1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from work program where necessary, and confirmed with management.

1.2. Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the production process.

1.3. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.

1.4. Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked, and maintained if necessary.

2. Check and maintain shed and equipment

2.1. Level of shed cleanliness is checked and where required, shed is cleaned to meet enterprise standards.

2.2. Shed repair and maintenance are carried out to maximise pest and vermin exclusion and control.

2.3. Bird wire and rodent barriers are maintained in good order to minimise the risk of disease introduction.

2.4. Shed equipment and machinery are checked and appropriate action taken as required according to establishment practice.

2.5. Lights, time switches and all other shed equipment are operated and checked for proper function as required by lighting and flock programs.

2.6. Quarantine procedures are in place to prevent entry of pathogens on personnel and equipment.

3. Prepare shed

3.1. Litter is correctly ordered to provide adequate quantity for new chickens.

3.2. Litter is spread or paper is laid evenly on shed floor or brooder cages to depth specified by establishment and appropriate for the class of poultry.

3.3. Watering, feeding, ventilation and fogging systems are cleaned, reinstalled and tested for operation.

3.4. Lighting levels for day old chickens are selected and adjusted as required.

3.5. Alarm systems and the time switches are tested to ensure timely warning of system malfunctions.

3.6. Brooders are tested for correct operation and thermostat control. Brooder curtains are installed if required.

3.7. Time clocks are adjusted.

3.8. Specific extra requirements of day old chickens are carried out in readiness for brooding operations.

4. Place chickens

4.1. Chickens are placed from chick boxes into correct sheds, pens or cages with a minimum of stress.

4.2. Chickens are checked after a short period to observe behaviour.

5. Complete hygiene and activities

5.1. Equipment is cleaned in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.

5.2. All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the operations are disposed of safely and appropriately.

5.3. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with organisational requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and follow safety directions

prepare and clean sheds

put bird wire and barriers in place

maintain biosecurity and hygiene protocols

read thermometers and adjust ventilation

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

bird behaviours in the first few hours of life

brooder shed set up and environmental parameters

biosecurity and hygiene

animal welfare.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

check alarms, time switches and lighting systems are working effectively prior to placement of the hatchlings

put bird wire and rodent barriers in place

handle and move birds in line with animal welfare codes of practice

place birds evenly throughout shed

maintain hygiene and quarantine procedures

dispose of left over fluids, waste and debris from the operation

maintain temperature and air quality.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Day-old chickens may include:

all poultry species and breeds produced in an intensive environment.

Unit sector

Poultry

This unit contains employability skills.