Turkey producers certified under the RSPCA Assured scheme are being urged to prepare for a series of updated welfare standards set to come into effect later this year.
RSPCA Assured has announced that the revised RSPCA turkey standards will take effect from 17 August 2026, following the organisation’s standard three-month notification period. All RSPCA Assured turkey members have now been formally notified of the upcoming changes, which introduce new and revised requirements covering areas including poult management, housing, enrichment, transport and contingency planning for disease outbreaks.
According to the RSPCA, the updated standards are intended to deliver measurable welfare improvements throughout every stage of a turkey’s life, while also providing farmers with clearer guidance and practical support as they adapt to evolving welfare expectations.
Chloe Pate, scientific and policy officer at the RSPCA, said the revised standards reflect the latest scientific understanding of turkey welfare and aim to make meaningful improvements on farm.
Among the most significant updates are new feeding space requirements for younger birds in ‘brood and move’ systems, alongside revised guidance on drinker provision for poults.
For producers using non-permanent housing, the revised standards will now require an independent site suitability survey, together with strengthened expectations around ongoing maintenance and safety inspections.
Environmental enrichment has also been expanded considerably. Under the updated standards, turkeys must be provided with a greater variety of enrichment materials, including pecking blocks, brassicas such as cabbage and cauliflower, maize stalks, pumpkins, rope and hanging objects such as plastic bottles or CDs.
Disease preparedness has become another major focus. Farms will now be required to have formal contingency plans in place for the possibility of mass culling during disease outbreaks, including avian influenza.
Transport requirements have also been updated, with upright carrying now mandatory for birds weighing more than 5kg. The RSPCA is also encouraging producers and handlers to adopt more upright handling methods for smaller birds where possible, in an effort to reduce stress and improve welfare during loading and movement.
Changes have also been introduced at slaughter, with new guidance on electrical stunning and a requirement for slaughterhouses to have a back-up killing method available to safeguard bird welfare in the event of equipment failure.
Izzy Candy, head of farming and technical engagement at RSPCA Assured, said any new, prospective or existing members needing support in meeting the updated turkey standards are encouraged to get in touch for advice and guidance.