Hornemanni France has created this document to raise awareness among its members of the importance of animal welfare and species protection, issues which are of concern to the French public. We have a responsibility to keep our birds in a controlled environment and to protect our flocks or breeding establishments from escapes, which could have disastrous consequences for French flora and fauna as invasive species.
Animal welfare has been defined by the World Organisation for Animal Health. It encompasses respect for five fundamental freedoms: freedom from hunger, thirst, fear, physical and thermal stress, freedom from pain and disease, and freedom to express the normal behaviour of their species in an appropriate environment.
Ensuring your pet’s well-being means meeting its physiological and behavioural needs and providing it with the necessary care. This means proper nutrition, adequate living conditions, regular preventive care and good hygiene.
As breeders and keepers of birds, we have a responsibility to meet the physiological and behavioural needs of our birds. This means providing a suitable diet for each species and an appropriate rearing environment. We must ensure that we maintain an adequate temperature in our facilities, using heated or unheated rooms in winter depending on the species, and protecting our birds from extreme heat in summer. It is also important to monitor humidity levels to ensure that they remain adequate.
When it comes to the environment of our flocks, we can encourage a naturalistic approach by providing natural elements such as wild plants. This can provide birds with a more stimulating environment that is closer to their natural habitat.
It is essential that we take into account the specific needs of each species of bird we keep and try to recreate natural conditions in our facilities as much as possible.
It is also essential to take measures to prevent parasites and escapes and to provide an appropriate habitat for each species.
In terms of hygiene, we must maintain impeccable conditions in our facilities to prevent disease and infection. It is important to comply with the recommended prophylactic measures, such as quarantine and treatment against parasites.
It is essential to stress that it is preferable to limit the use of antibiotics to necessary cases and under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian. Excessive use of antibiotics can have negative effects on bird health and contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, which is a serious public and animal health problem.
It is important to respect the natural biological cycle of our birds, in particular by not exceeding the number of broods per year observed in the wild.
As breeders, we have to take account of the birds’ natural reproductive rhythm and not push them to reproduce excessively. This means respecting the resting and breeding periods specific to each species and not artificially manipulating conditions to increase the number of broods beyond what is naturally expected.
Respecting the natural breeding cycle helps to preserve the health and well-being of the birds, avoiding excessive exhaustion and encouraging more balanced reproduction.
In summary, as breeders, we have a responsibility to provide an appropriate environment that meets the physiological and behavioural needs of our birds. This includes appropriate temperature and humidity conditions, as well as a comfortable environment that allows the birds to express themselves naturally.
We must also ensure that we provide the right food for each species, taking into account their specific nutritional requirements. Rigorous hygiene is also essential to maintain the health of our birds and prevent disease.
It is important to limit the use of antibiotics and to use them responsibly, following your vet’s recommendations and reserving their use for situations where they are really necessary. This will minimise the negative effects on bird health and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
This charter aims to promote and guarantee the welfare of animals, recognising their intrinsic value and encouraging good treatment and care practices. It is based on the following principles
- Respect for the dignity and integrity of the animal: every animal has the right to be treated with respect and consideration, recognising its nature and specific needs.
- Satisfaction of physiological and behavioural needs: animals must have access to appropriate food, fresh, clean water, adequate shelter, environmental conditions appropriate to their species and veterinary care.
- Prevention of suffering and pain: animals must not be subjected to cruel, violent or inhumane treatment. Painful practices such as abandonment, mistreatment, neglect or mutilation are strictly prohibited.
- Promotion of health and welfare: Animals must benefit from appropriate veterinary care, disease prevention measures, vaccination programmes and treatment against parasites. They must also be protected from extreme environmental conditions.
- Freedom to express their natural behaviour: animals must be allowed to express their natural behaviour, such as exploration, physical activity, rest and social interaction, as far as possible.
- Awareness and education: it is essential to raise awareness and educate pet owners about the principles of good animal care in order to promote a greater understanding of, and commitment to, animal welfare.
Species protection :
Invasive species:
Invasive species are living organisms (plants, animals, micro-organisms) intentionally or accidentally introduced into ecosystems from which they are not native. These species have the ability to reproduce rapidly and proliferate aggressively, with harmful consequences for biodiversity, ecosystems and the economy.
Invasive species can cause damage by competing with native species for resources, disrupting food chains, degrading natural habitats and transmitting diseases. They can also have economic effects, particularly by causing losses in the agriculture, forestry and tourism sectors.
The prevention and management of invasive species are important issues for the conservation of biodiversity.
It is essential to recognise and prevent the introduction of invasive species and to promote the protection of native species and fragile ecosystems
Livestock farming:
Breeders ensure the traceability of specimens kept in a controlled environment, in accordance with the regulations in force. This is an act of species protection.
Breeders are responsible for ensuring that the specimens they keep in captivity comply with current regulations. This means keeping accurate, up-to-date records, identifying animals individually, documenting the origin and movements of specimens, and complying with animal welfare standards and health requirements.
The traceability of specimens means that they can be tracked from birth or acquisition through to breeding and eventual sale. This helps to prevent trafficking in protected species, illegal trade and practices detrimental to the conservation of species.
By complying with current legislation and ensuring the traceability of specimens, breeders contribute to the protection of species by avoiding the marketing of specimens taken from the wild and by promoting the conservation of captive populations. This is an important commitment to preserving biodiversity and combating the illegal trade in animal species.
By adhering to this charter, we undertake to respect these fundamental principles and to actively promote animal welfare and the protection of species in all our practices and decisions.