UK egg consumption has increased in recent years, with an average UK consumer now eating 2.2 eggs per week, while free-range egg sales have doubled since 2004, now representing 67% of retail egg sales. This steady growth has made diversification into free-range egg production an attractive option. Here’s what those thinking about getting into poultry should consider.
Moving into free-range layers is a significant investment in terms of time and money, as it typically takes between two and four years from applying for planning permission to the first pullets arriving.
Wynnstay can support new entrants looking to get into free-range egg production from the early stages, by providing initial costings and assessing whether it will be feasible for their business.
We provide a 12-month projection of costings and cash flows based on current industry data, to help customers decide whether it will be a viable option for their farm business. We are as conservative as possible with our estimate, as it can be a volatile industry, with significant fluctuations in both feed and egg prices.
We also support with site walks to assess whether the infrastructure needed is feasible and there’s sufficient area for building laying sheds with roaming areas to meet free-range standards. For example, the current RSPCA Freedom Foods regulation is 2,000 birds per hectare, meaning 40 acres are needed for a 32,000-bird unit.
Additionally, we check whether an artic lorry will be able to access the site for egg collection, as this can be a sticking point for some farms.
Planning permission
Once there is confidence that it is feasible to build a free-range layers unit, achieving planning permission is the first major milestone.
We can put customers in touch with a planning agency to handle all preparations for attaining planning permission, such as site design, environmental mapping and manure management plans.
There are now a variety of multi-tier systems available for free range layers. I recommend thinking through the pros and cons of each system, as the final choice comes down to personal preference and what will work for an individual farm.
The systems are designed to allow free movement of the hens by integrating different levels and perching with easy access to food, water and nest boxes. They also promote ease of management, as hens can be viewed and reached easily and there are protected areas where any eggs laid on the system can roll to.
However, there are differences in how easily the birds can access the various elements, as well as how easy it is for farm staff to reach equipment to conduct regular checks and maintenance.
It is essential to look for longevity in terms of equipment quality, as the systems generally cost £600,000 or more. Chicken muck tends to be very corrosive on metal and you always get wear and tear on the egg and muck belts, drinker lines, motors and lighting.
It’s a case of thoroughly researching the company, going to the factory to see how the equipment is made and finding out about the after-sale service, as you’ll need assurance that they can repair promptly if something goes wrong. It’s also easy for equipment costs to creep up. We can support with reviewing quotes and checking for anything non-essential.
Sourcing pullets
Once the shed is built, the electrics and water supply are running and the equipment is installed, it is beneficial to get pullets in as soon as possible to start gaining income following the investment.
Timing is crucial. Pullets take 15 weeks to rear and should ideally be ordered six months in advance. Pullets can be sourced from various places. We usually recommend rearers who have the capability to match the producer’s system, because when hens are transferred from the rearing shed to the laying house they need to quickly recognise where the food and water is.
Pullet rearing company Wot-a-Pullet can transform rearing sheds to mimic the laying house with placement of feed and water, ramps, platforms and lighting. This ensures a seamless transfer of the pullets and makes a huge difference to the hens and their progress into lay.
Early lay nutrition
Once the birds are in situ, nutrition is the major input to optimise to ensure future productivity. Diets must be matched to breed, system type and the stage of the laying cycle, to enable the eggs produced to satisfy packer requirements. Optimum nutrition for the first month after arrival is critical. Birds require the correct level of protein, energy and calcium to enable them to recover from a potentially long journey and continue to develop and exceed breed targets.
The final aspect to consider is how to ensure that the whole system and set up will achieve audit standards, as non-conformance will result in the packers being unable to collect the eggs.
We provide advice throughout the process to ensure our customers will be equipped to meet both the British Lion and RSPCA Freedom Foods standards in areas like pest control, welfare and hygiene. By partnering early, the Poultry Team at Wynnstay can support and advise producers in in all aspects of the production cycle. Getting it right from the start helps get the best results not only from the first flock, but all subsequent flocks too.
To speak to a member of the Poultry Team, click here.
