Vaccination Programme - regularly updated Click to enlarge  Rearing Record - updated on weekly basis and sent to customers Click to enlarge
	We aim to have all of our chicks delivered on a Tuesday, which ensures they are at least 16 weeks 2 days old on delivery to the producer. This allows them time to settle before the onset of lay. We have intakes of a variety of breeds including the following: • Hy-Line Brown • Bovan Goldline • Lohmann Brown and Tradition • Isabrown and Warren • Rare Breeds – Speckledy, Hebden Black,    Black Rock, White Star etc. On arrival we take a sample of the chick box liners and send them for salmonella testing. We also send a random sample of culled chicks and any DOA’s for post mortem to ascertain their health status. We soon enter into a comprehensive vaccination programme covering the birds for all major strains of disease. We continually update this programme in accordance with veterinary advice to encompass new strains arising. The efficacy of our programme is checked via blood samples taken during the rearing period at key stages. All our birds are given 3 courses of proactive vitamins. This is to boost the birds’ growth and help them through any sub-clinical challenges they may experience at a young age. During the rearing period salmonella swabs are taken from the birds as well as the environment to prove a negative status. A worm test is also taken at 12 weeks of age which allows time for treatment (if necessary) prior to movement to the laying farm. We thoroughly encourage customers to visit their birds during rear as often as they would like to come. We strongly believe that this promotes a seamless transfer from the rearing to laying accommodation, minimising any stress for the birds. Throughout the rearing period, we update all our customers with their birds’ progress via  e-mail or post as often as required. Shortly after delivery of the birds, all our customers receive a detailed Flock History Pack with outlines everything that has occurred during the rear. This includes: • The rearing record • Feed intake sheet – indicates rations used • Vaccination Programme • All laboratory/vet analysis report forms • Lion Code and Freedom Foods certificates • Lion Code passport (copy also accompanies birds on delivery)