The Day-Old Chick to Laying Hen Cycle

Earlier this July, Peter Cumbers, Joice and Hill Sales Director, accompanied hatchery staff on a hugely valuable and enlightening two-day series of farm visits, hosted by Country Fresh Pullets. The itinerary was designed to show the hatchery team the journey day old chicks undertake, after leaving their care at the hatchery. The visit demonstrated all the contributing stages to successful laying flocks – including, feed milling, rearing farms, and laying farms.

The Joice and Hill staff were Anna Richardson, Hatchery Manager, Jamie Reeves, Hatchery Vaccination Supervisor and Jade Said, Internal Sales Assistant.

On day one Steve Carlyle gave a presentation on the company’s operation, followed by a tour of the Lloyds feed mill. In the afternoon, hosted by Mark Williams and Ben Hartley, the team visited a rearing farm to see 7-day old chicks.

Steve Craddock, Rearing Farm Manager, Jamie, Ben, Jade and Anna


Following an enjoyable evening, Friday morning involved visiting a rearing farm to see the progress of birds, at 8 weeks old. The visit concluded with a visit to a 32K free range farm, again hosted by Mark Williams and Ben Hartley. The team were delighted to see a flock of 71-week-old Bovans still laying at 90% with excellent egg quality and feathering.

Andy Brisbane, Laying Farm Owner, Jade, Jamie, Anna and Ben

Mark Williams getting the cocktails in!