The Five Freedoms and Beyond: Prioritizing Animal
Welfare in Poultry Farming
Animal welfare is key to poultry health, beginning with the Five Freedoms: freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain or injury, fear and distress, and the ability to express natural behaviour. These are often addressed through proper housing design and consistent access to feed and water.
Public awareness, industry commitment, and government regulation have elevated welfare standards through best practice codes and certification schemes. This includes a growing focus on cage-free systems, lower stocking densities, and environmental enrichment.
Enrichment is especially critical in confined systems, allowing birds to express natural behaviours like foraging, perching, roosting, and dustbathing. Despite its importance, it is often overlooked. Producers must treat enrichment as essential, not just a compliance task.
Effective enrichment must be tailored to the system, use safe materials, and be rotated regularly to maintain engagement. Done well, it improves welfare, reduces stress, supports healthy social behaviour, and prevents issues like pecking.
Lasting change depends on active farmer involvement— without it, welfare initiatives risk remaining superficial.
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10 Keys to Happier Living: Awareness – Live Life Mindfully
The mind often wanders, which can reduce happiness. Mindfulness helps us notice where our attention is and gently bring it back. Regular practice improves selfawareness, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Mindfulness reduces rumination, self-judgement, anxiety, and depression—boosting resilience and wellbeing. It also enhances focus, memory, learning, and creativity by promoting an open, accepting mindset.
Support: RABI – Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution RABI’s volunteer network supports the farming community across England and Wales, tackling isolation, promoting wellbeing, and strengthening community connections. Together, we help sustain the backbone of agriculture.
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Salmonella Testing Made Easy
Salmonella testing is a legal requirement, and the Lion Code mandates additional sampling. Newbridge Scientific simplifies the process—use our kits, post your samples, and we handle the rest.
We hold ISO 17025 UKAS accreditation for Salmonella testing, using approved methods, and are certified by DEFRA, BEIC, and the Poultry Health Scheme.
Why choose Newbridge Scientific?
- Fast turnaround times
- Expert client support
- Same-day result uploads to DigiFlock
- Saturday report releases
- Reliable, accredited testing
Testing begins the day samples arrive, with results typically ready in 4–5 days. You’ll receive confirmation upon sample arrival, plus updates on presumptive results.
Visit www.newbridgescientific.com for submission forms and more information. As part of Poultry Health Services, we also offer expert veterinary advice. Thank you to our loyal clients—we welcome all new enquiries
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AgriCure Farm Supplies – Your Partner in Farm Hygiene
Starting a new crop or poultry cycle? Ensure your farm is clean, safe, and ready.
We offer:
- DEFRA-approved disinfectants
- Expert advice on dilution and use
- Tailored cleaning plans
- Competitive prices and reliable service
- Full range of farm consumables and PPE
Contact us today for pricing and expert support. AgriCure Farm Supplies—helping your farm perform at its best.
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Wellbeing at PHS
At PHS, we’re proud to have our own Wellbeing Champion, Lucia, along with Mental Health First Aiders Meaka and Sam across our branches. Each month, we share a little light-hearted wellbeing with you.
Fun Fact: A garden snail has up to 14,000 microscopic teeth—some species have over 20,000!
Recipe: Simple chicken chow mein recipe – BBC Food
Just one thing: Have a laugh! Did you know laughter rally is good medicine? Listen here to learn how laughter can boost your memory, reduce pain and keep your blood vessels healthy! Listen here BBC Radio 4 – Just One Thing – with Michael Mosley, Have a Laugh
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Social Media
Social media is a great way for us to keep you up to date with what’s going on at PHS. We also like to share the occasional funny post, so if you’re a scroller then look us up! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter (@Poultryvets), and LinkedIn.
Our new promo code!