Potters Poultry – Looking Ahead to 2021

We’re now a few weeks into 2021, which has given us time to reflect on what we would like to achieve this year. From new starters to new equipment, here’s what Potters Poultry has in store for 2021.

Saying hello to new faces

At the beginning of January, we welcomed Arianna Nasserjah to the USA team, a graduate from Iowa State University, she will join the pullet side of the business as Live Sales and Production Manager.

Arianna’s background includes a BSc in International Agriculture with an emphasis on poultry and specialising in animal science. For the past three years, she has been gaining experience and knowledge in all aspects of the layer sector – and we’re sure she’ll be a great addition to our North American Potters Team.

Arianna will be responsible for working closely with our pullet growers, ensuring we consistently rear top quality, high welfare pullets.  She will also be monitoring the performance of these flocks in lay, helping our customers to maximise their productivity.  We look forward to seeing our US pullet division go from strength to strength with Arianna’s input and expertise.

We’re also welcoming a new face to Potters Poultry UK. At the end of March, Iain Campbell is joining us as Pullet and Equipment Sales Representative. He is currently a Key Account Manager for ForFarmers and has UK-wide recognition and a strong knowledge of the Poultry Industry.

Iain has an outstanding record of success in poultry feeding and nutritional management, as well as an extensive background in various business roles including construction, sales management, marketing, business development and winning key accounts to achieve strategic objectives – to name a few!  Alongside this, Iain currently serves on industry-wide committees and serves within producer associations.  All the team at Potters are very excited about what a great addition Iain will be to our team and look forward to welcoming him in March.

New equipment

At the end of 2020 we launched our LowMax Aviary, and we are looking forward to seeing installations of this throughout 2021. However, our team of highly skilled engineers and CAD designers are always working closely with our fields team to see what new products would be of benefit to Potters and our customers.

We wouldn’t want to share any trade secrets at this stage so watch this space!

Our goals for 2021

This year, we want to continue supporting our rearers and customers at the highest level, through what continues to be very different and challenging times for everyone in the global poultry industry.

We will continue to offer high quality, high welfare products to our customers both in the UK and internationally; whilst offering a second to none back up service!

To find out more about Potters Poultry and our services, head to our website.

Over the past few weeks, the Potters Poultry teams have been getting into the festive spirit with our own version of the 12 Days of Christmas. We’ve joined forces with the USA team to put a poultry twist on the classic lyrics and whether it’s been eight families farming or twelve hens a laying, our countdown has been spreading Christmas cheer to all our customers.

Here’s a round-up of the 12 days:

1. On the first day of Christmas Potters gave to me, an Open Aviary.

Our open aviary is low and open, meaning all birds can be seen and managed from floor level.

2. On the second day of Christmas Potters gave to me, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

At Potters our amazing teams are always here for our customers around the clock, on hand with support and advice.

3. On the third day of Christmas Potters gave to me, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

We consider ourselves to be the one stop shop for all your poultry needs. From aviaries and drinker lines and everything in between.

4. On the fourth day of Christmas Potters gave to me, four feed chains, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

When it comes to our equipment and pullets every detail counts, therefore we make sure you never forget the essentials.

5. On the fifth day of Christmas Potters gave to me, five Avinests, four feed chains, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

Our Avinests are strong and simple nesting systems which are designed for longer life and years of trouble-free use.

6. On the sixth day of Christmas Potters gave to me, six floors a lifting, five Avinests, four feed chains, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

Keeping the nest floors functional and clean at all times is critical to ensure first quality eggs are maximised. Our rack and pinion floor lift system is designed and engineered to ensure continuous smooth operation.

7. On the seventh day of Christmas Potters gave to me, seven pads for nesting, six floors a lifting, five Avinests, four feed chains, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

We only provide the best for our customers’ hens at Potters, making them very inviting and comfortable, increasing egg numbers and ensuring quality is maximised.

8. On the eighth day of Christmas Potters gave to me, eight families farming, seven pads for nesting, six floors a lifting, five Avinests, four feed chains, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

Family is extremely important to us at Potters. Did you know Justin and Olivia are the third generation of Potters to run our family business?

9. On the ninth day of Christmas Potters gave to me, nine slats for resting, eight families farming, seven pads for nesting, six floors a lifting, five Avinests, four feed chains, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

We are very passionate about the high-level of welfare that our equipment provides to our pullets and our customers’ hens.  Our slats are designed to guarantee comfort for birds of all ages.

10. On the tenth day of Christmas Potters gave to me, ten chicks a cheeping, nine slats for resting, eight families farming, seven pads for nesting, six floors a lifting, five Avinests, four feed chains, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

When rearing pullets, the most important factors to consider are feed, water, temperature, air quality and light. We’ve learnt if you get all of these factors right, they should grow into healthy and resilient, strong pullets.

11. On the eleventh day of Christmas Potters gave to me, eleven blocks for pecking, ten chicks a cheeping, nine slats for resting, eight families farming, seven pads for nesting, six floors a lifting, five Avinests, four feed chains, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

A hen that is not provided with adequate enrichment and mental stimulation is more likely to start behaving badly in lay through actions like feather pecking and bullying. We provide all of our pullets with a variety of enrichments to keep them stimulated.

12. On the twelfth day of Christmas Potters gave to me, twelve hens a laying, eleven blocks for pecking, ten chicks a cheeping, nine slats for resting, eight families farming, seven pads for nesting, six floors a lifting, five Avinests, four feed chains, three drinker lines, two helping hands and an Open Aviary.

For almost 60 years Potters have been rearing high quality pullets producing fantastic results for our customers.

Head to our Instagram or Facebook to check out our 12 Days of Potters videos or watch the full video below.

We want to wish all our team, customers, and their families a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Our tips for maintaining your poultry equipment

Correct equipment maintenance is essential – not only does it ensure everything from your nests to your feed system lasts as long as possible, but it also minimises costly breakdowns which can wreak havoc for your business.

With teams based in the UK and US, where farmers must also consider the impact extreme weather conditions can have on the equipment, we’re in a unique position to look at the challenges farmers face when it comes to maintaining their equipment.

Here, we sit down with our maintenance team to share their tried and tested tips to help our customers and fellow farmers.

Lighting

It is key to ensure the lighting is working consistently throughout the house as dark spots can encourage floor eggs. Make sure to replace any faulty/broken bulbs as soon as possible, while the automated on/off times should also be regularly checked to ensure they are operating as set.

Egg collection

Regular cleaning and maintenance of all transfer points, and all the rollers, is essential to ensure smooth operation of the egg collection system. If you have a Lubing conveyor, ensure the drip feed lubricator is working correctly and manually lubricate the chains, to prevent a breakdown. The last thing you want is a broken egg belt; especially if it is full of eggs!

Manure belts

Manure belts should be run at least three times per week. Whilst running they should be tracked to keep optimal alignment, whilst welded joins and edges should be observed. Damaged or torn manure belts should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. After every operation, the belt scrapers and drive mechanism should be cleaned thoroughly, to avoid a build-up of manure.

Manure belt cross manure removal

Attention should be given to the cleaning of the scraper at the drive and return roller, as well as the drive mechanism. Keeping the entire conveying system clean and removing anything that may damage or cause corrosion will ensure trouble free operation.

Nests (flat deck or Multi-tier)

Keeping your nest floors clean and in good working order is critical for ensuring egg quality and maximising numbers. The floor ejection mechanism and the position of the limit switches should be checked and adjusted if needed. Any damaged nest mats or curtains should be replaced as soon as possible.

Chain Feeding System

Check the function of all chain feeder circuits on a regular basis, as any breakdown of the feeding system can be stressful and detrimental to the hens. Any contamination should be removed promptly to avoid damage to the corners and disruption to the feed programme.

All bearings, the chain wheel and the chain guide shoe should be checked for wear and tear and replaced as necessary.  Greasing the contact areas between the sprockets and drive gear with lubricating grease will help maintain smooth operation. Particular attention should be given to greasing the corner axles after turnaround to avoid rust at the seat of the bearing. The pre-tension of the feed chain may need adjusting, particularly 4-5 weeks after the birds have been housed.

Nipple Drinking System

Any breakdown with the drinking system, whether that be a flood or zero water flow, can be harmful to the hens and requires immediate attention.  To avoid such breakdowns, spot tests of the nipple drinkers in each drinker line should be carried out, checking for air locks and good functionality. Keeping good horizontal alignment is key to maintaining good flow and avoiding pipes splitting etc, so attention should be paid to the height of the line down the full length of the shed adjusting the drop cables where necessary.

Drive Units

Maintaining functionality of all motors is paramount for the smooth operation of the equipment they drive. Lubricate all roller chains and wheels in the drive unit with oil.  Check pre-tension of the roller chains and re-tension if needed. Clean the cooling grills and ventilator cowls of any motors to avoid overheating.  Gear motors should be visually checked for leakage.  Protect the motors against water when cleaning and if wet cleaning, lubricate the chain drive if needed.

 If you have any concerns over the condition of your equipment, get in touch with our maintenance team who will be happy to help.

The importance of enrichment for your hens in rear and lay

Stimulation and enrichment for your hens is vitally important – and can play a key role in reducing bullying and bad behaviour. With over 50 years’ experience in the poultry industry here at Potters Poultry, we are experts in how to care for your hens throughout their life. Here’s our handy guide to enrichments.

The importance of using enrichment for your hens

A hen that is not provided with adequate enrichment and mental stimulation is more likely to start behaving badly in lay through actions like feather pecking and bullying. Studies have shown that hens are stimulated by visual enrichment, particularly those involving movement. Those that are provided with enrichment exhibit less fear when they are transferred to unfamiliar environments.

What is an enrichment?

It’s likely you’re already giving your hens enrichments without realising it. Any activity that encourages natural behaviours can be considered playing. Therefore, any item that encourages activity is an enrichment.

What types of enrichments are there?

There any many different types of enrichments, including:

Social enrichment – although it may seem obvious, hens are social animals and it’s important they have interaction with others. Where this isn’t possible, enrichments such as mirrors or CD’s are a good alternative option.

Nutritional enrichment – hens enjoy foraging and tasty treats, so nutritional enrichment is always useful. Items such as Pecking blocks and footballs are great tools to prevent boredom. At Potters we use a product called Avipeck in our rearing houses, which is made of whole grains and grit to provide a source of interest.

Visual enrichment – this is a really fun one. Hens love something a little different, so objects like a xylophone can keep them entertained for hours. Other visual enrichments include hanging empty disinfectant containers from the equipment with dots drawn on them.  They love pecking at the dots!

Tactile enrichment – this is a great form of enrichment to encourage hens to interact with their environment and redirect problematic behaviour. Examples include colourful balls.

It’s important to note that every flock is unique, and therefore they may react to enrichments differently. As a result, make sure to observe their interactions with the enrichment tools as they are added to the hen’s environment and monitor to prevent any discomfort or fear.

To find out more information on how Potters Poultry can provide enrichment to your hens in rear get in touch with our team on 01788 536161.