Our primary aim in rearing pheasant, partridges and ducks is to produce poults that are fit, strong and well hardened off and as such, best suited to acclimatise to life in the wild once they have been released. It is not easy to consistently produce good quality poults. This can only be achieved with quality chicks, the best feed, modern rearing equipment and high labour input. Day old chicks are
housed in small numbers in brooder huts. Here they are kept warm, with access to fresh water & food every few hours. The birds' early requirements for temperature, ventilation, lighting, food and water are met giving the chicks the best possible start. Temperature is reduced daily with the birds growing well up to ten days of age when they have access to night shelters where they come and go between the brooder hut and grass. at two weeks the chick has access to the rearing pen. This has all the weather contrasts of the season - rain, sun, winds etc. They thrive in these small batches with plenty of freedom and space to grow. Before the pheasant poults are 7 weeks and partridge poults are 12 weeks of age we introduce 3mm growers pellets and supplement the nipple drinkers, which were used for rearing, with bell drinkers so the birds learn to drink from open water sources. The poults are now well feathered and best prepared for release but before catching commences the birds are given a multivitamin to help with the stress of moving them. Poults can be caught late in the day and travel through the night to be at their destination by daybreak. Our policy of using four-wheel drive delivery vehicles ensures the poults are delivered quickly and easily, directly to the pens. We believe these factors help reduce stress and dehydration and ensures a smooth transition to their new home.
