From the game farm

Many keepers, particularly on larger shoots, will already have finalised this year’s order with their game farmer. Customer loyalty is strong in the shooting world, so most tend to stay with a trusted supplier. But what if you are setting up a new shoot or are looking for a different supplier? How can you judge prospective suppliers? Rearing gamebirds is regulated by a statutory welfare code and a plethora of legislation covering everything from waste management to animal transport. Your main concern will be the quality of the birds, but there is a lot more to consider. Here are 10 questions to help make an informed choice. 

Are you a Game Farmers’ Association member? While nothing can provide a cast-iron guarantee, membership of a trade organisation is recognised positively in most business dealings. Members declare on joining that their business complies with the Defra code of practice for the welfare of gamebirds reared for sporting purposes. 

Are you a member of any assurance schemes? Members of an assurance scheme such as Trusted Game will have to meet certain standards. This gives you peace of mind that your chosen supplier is working with a third-party auditor or their vet to make sure their birds enjoy high welfare standards and that legal obligations are observed. 

Biosecurity 

Can I come and have a look round? Provided you are flexible about when to visit – a game farm is a very busy place in the rearing season – and observe sensible biosecurity requirements, there is no reason for you not to be welcomed on site. Most game farmers are proud of the birds they rear and will be happy to show them off to you. 

Where do you source your stock from? Some game farms have their own breeding stock and hatchery. Others buy in eggs if they have a hatchery, or chicks if they don’t. If they are buying in, where from? Understanding this side of the business will help you to assess the risks to the supply chain. 

What type of feeders and drinkers do you use on the rearing field? The transition from rearing field to release pen is one of the most stressful events in a poult’s life and the easier you can make it the better. 

What type of food will the birds be on when they are delivered? Avoid unnecessary stress by keeping your poults on the same ration for the first few days. If you want to use a different food, change after a few days when the birds have settled in. 

What vet do you use? If they operate in your area, consider using the same vet. Continuity of veterinary care will be a big advantage if your birds have any health issues post-release. 

How long are the birds crated for and what time of day do you deliver? In daylight, the longer the birds are in the crates, the more stressful the experience will be for them. Overnight travel can help reduce the dangers posed by longer journeys. The earlier in the day they are delivered, the more time they have before their first night in the pen. 

What are your thoughts on wing clipping? There are pros and cons to wing clipping. Think carefully about how this affects both you and the birds, and discuss it with your potential supplier. 

Will there be a deposit to pay and what are the payment terms? Having a clear understanding of what is expected by both parties to the agreement is vital. 

Once committed, communication is important, especially as you get closer to delivery. If you have made the right choice, you will probably be dealing with the same supplier for many years. Whoever you choose, be realistic in your expectations. No one is immune to problems – it’s how they are dealt with that separates the best from the rest.