Every aspect of the breeding program has been carefully considered at Bettws Hall and the most up to date technology and equipment is in place enabling us to produce the finest quality partridge chicks for national, temperature controlled delivery.

The following information gives a brief incite into the care and attention we give all our stock at Bettws Hall not to mention our customers who buy from us too.

Egg Production

As with pheasants the whole life of a partridge is greatly influenced by the quality of the egg produced by the hen in the outset. For example a dirty egg could lead to a slow hatch, thus a weak chick, an under-performing poult and then a weak flying bird.

It is therefore imperative to ensure the welfare and even happiness of the hens is maintained to enable them to produce the best, clean and stress free eggs, giving the resultant chicks the best possible start in life.

Eggs are produced mainly from our own over wintered stock here at Bettws Hall thus greatly reducing problems which may occur when purchasing from the continent i.e. Disease, Dock Strikes and Welfare issues. Although we do have a small number of overseas suppliers, these are closely monitored.

Raised Pens

Partridge egg production has not really altered in the past fifty years. A breeding pair is kept in a run which is raised so their manure falls away below leaving a continually clean floor. The welfare of the birds is of paramount importance and their feed and water are closely monitored to ensure they are in peak condition. Should they require any medication, this can easily be administered through their clean water and food supply. The eggs are easily collected along one side of the pen, minimising bird stress from human interaction. The runs have perches, scratching blocks and dusting areas as well.

Lighting is used to gradually increase the daylight hours which enables the hens’ performance to peak earlier.

Eggs from France

Although we have a significant egg production at Bettws Hall we also import eggs from selected suppliers in France. However, our suppliers have to meet stringent quality, fertility and delivery criteria as well as ensuring breed quality.

Eggs are collected at the end of each day to ensure freshness and brought to the Hatchery for grading and subsequent cool storage. The grading team look at the eggs and check there size, colour and if any cracks are apparent. The eggs should be even in size and have a brown mottled appearance. If the eggs are too small, white or cracked then they are rejected. Only the best, ‘Grade A’ eggs, are selected and then placed in the incubator trays ready to be set.

Pre-Heating & Fumigation

Once the eggs have been ‘trayed off’ and placed in the incubator trolleys they are wheeled into the Pre-Heating room 12 hours before incubation is due to start. The temperature in the room is increased and large fans circulate warm air throughout the room.

At this time the eggs are also fumigated to kill any bacteria on the outside of the egg. This process further reduces any disease or infection within the hatchery and incubators so the chicks are delivered in perfect condition.

12 hours later the eggs will have reached the optimum temperature and are ready to be set in the incubators.

Incubation

Pheasant eggs are always set on Thursdays and from setting to hatching will take 23 days. We use a collection of Buckeye and Bristol machines for optimum performance which are computer controlled, ensuring a consistent 37.7°C. temperature and humidity throughout the process.

Hatching

When the eggs have been incubated for 20 days they are transferred to hatching trays and placed into the Hatchers for a further three days. These machines have an increased moisture content, enabling the chicks to break-though their shell with greater ease. This ensures the chick has more vitality from the start.

The duration of whole process means that the Hatchery comes alive every Monday morning in the hatching season!

Counting

Once hatched the chicks are then graded by a team of experienced staff to ensure that only the strongest and best chicks are delivered to our customers. The chicks then proceed from the grading table to the automatic counter.

Our unique Breuil Chick Counter system, which is the first of its kind in the UK, quickly and easily counts and boxes 204 partridge chicks per box. It guarantees a correct count every time, every time and eliminates any human errors. You therefore you get what you pay for, including an additional 2% free of charge with every order.

Delivery

Deliveries are made immediately and nationwide in our fleet of temperature controlled vans. This enables us to get fresh chicks to you and in the brooders within 12 hours of hatching.

We have delivered chicks to the top of Scotland, including the Islands, throughout the country and down to the toe of Cornwall. So please do not think you might be too far away for the Hatchery.