Approximately 5 million chickens are farmed each week for restaurants, shops and supermarkets. The chickens live in large sheds. One day old chicks are placed onto the shed floor, on a bedding of wood shavings and straw. These chicks are free to move about in the sheds and have access to plenty of food and water. Fans bring fresh air into the poultry sheds. Many chicken sheds offer natural day light and perching bales. The chickens are grown to different weights from 1.75kg and 2.4kg taking between 33 and 41 days to grow. he farmer will work with a veterinarian to help look after the health of the chickens. An animal nutritionist also provides the farmer with advice about how to provide the right diet for the chickens.

In this story the Food investigators learn about breads from different countries and make their own different shaped bread rolls. This is one of six stories which forms a new resource to support cross-curricular/inter-disciplinary learning for primary schools in the UK. Teachers’ notes, worksheets and interactive whiteboard activities are also available to support the story. The resource is brought to you from www.foodafactoflife.org.uk

5 1/2 million chicks can be hatched each week at the Hatchery. On delivery, the eggs are moved into the hatchery egg room where they are stored at 18°C. The eggs are loaded into the setters where the chick inside the egg will be able to grow. The eggs are held at 37.5°C and regularly turned. The temperature around the eggs is closely monitored by computers. Eggs are removed from the setters 18 days later and transferred to the hatching trays. The hatching trays are put into an area called the hatchers for three days. After 21 days the chicks hatch out of their shells. The chicks are sorted by hand into different sizes and they are checked to ensure they are healthy. They are counted into chick boxes which are then taken through a spray cabinet where they are sprayed with medicine to protect the chicks from diseases. The chicks are then transported to farms where they will continue to grow.

In this video you will see pullets, or young chickens, laying eggs which are carefully selected, stored and then transported. This is the second stage in the production of chicken for restaurants, shops and supermarkets. Suitable for children aged 8-11 years of age.

A video looking at front of pack and traffic light labelling.

A video looking at foods high in fat, salt and sugar.

A video looking at the oils and spreads section of the Eatwell Guide.

A video looking at the government guidelines on hydration.

A video looking at where food comes from.

A video looking at where food comes from.

A video looking at where food comes from.

A video looking at where food comes from.

A short video looking at where food comes from.

A short video looking at where food comes from.

A short video looking at where food comes from.

A short video looking at where food comes from.

A short video looking at where food comes from.

A short video looking at where food comes from.

A short video looking at where food comes from.

A short video looking at where food comes from.