Preparing game rearing and release pens involves more than checking the boundary. Birds need suitable shelter, accessible feed and water, and equipment that works reliably from the moment they arrive.
Moving birds also requires planning. Suitable poultry transport crates, careful handling and a prepared destination help make the transition easier to manage.
This guide covers equipment checks, release-area preparation and practical considerations when choosing transport crates.
Planning Your Rearing & Release Areas
Rearing accommodation and release pens serve different purposes. Choose a setup appropriate to the species, stage of development and management system rather than applying one design to every situation.
Before ordering equipment, consider:
- The species and number of birds.
- Available space and habitat.
- Shelter, drainage and exposure.
- Access for inspections, deliveries and maintenance.
- The location of feeding and drinking points.
- Water supply and storage.
- Boundary condition and predator protection.
- How birds will arrive and be unloaded.
Pheasants and partridges have different release requirements. Follow species-specific guidance and seek specialist advice when planning a new site.
Preparing Game Bird Release Pens
Inspect the site well before the expected arrival date. Allow time to repair damage, replace components and test water and fencing systems.
For woodland pheasant release pens, habitat matters as well as equipment. A mix of sunny areas, low cover and suitable roosting provides different opportunities for birds to shelter and settle.
Avoid concentrating activity in one small area. Consider how birds will move between cover, feeding points and water.
Assess stocking levels against available habitat and current specialist guidance. Sensitive habitats may need additional protection or a different site altogether.
The GWCT release pen guidance provides further advice on habitat and environmental impacts.
Checking Fencing, Netting & Gates
Walk the complete boundary and check it from ground level upwards.
Look for:
- Holes, loose edges and damaged mesh.
- Unsecured joins and fixing points.
- Rotten or unstable posts.
- Gates that do not close properly.
- Sharp wire or damaged materials.
- Fallen branches and storm damage.
- Gaps around corners, gateways and changes in ground level.
Where overhead netting forms part of the design, inspect its condition and supports. Choose mesh and materials suitable for the intended birds and application.
Remove discarded wire, broken fittings and other items that could cause injury.
Feeders & Drinking Points
Have feeding and drinking equipment ready before the birds arrive.
Use equipment suitable for the birds’ size and familiar to them where possible. Discuss any changes in feeder or drinker type with the supplier or rearer before moving birds.
Plan the distribution of equipment as well as its capacity. Several accessible points can help avoid concentrating birds around a single location.
Check that:
- Feeders are stable and dispensing correctly.
- Feed remains protected from avoidable contamination.
- Every drinking point supplies water.
- Pipework and connections are secure.
- Leaks and persistent wet areas have been addressed.
- Equipment can be reached easily for cleaning and inspection.
Browse Ellmor’s Feeders and Drinkers.
Water Systems & Replacement Components
Test the complete system rather than checking only that a storage tank is full.
Inspect valves, pipework and drinking points, including those furthest from the supply. Confirm that pressure and connections match the equipment requirements.
Keep a record of the components installed. Photographs, model details and pipe dimensions can make replacement parts easier to identify.
Plan an alternative suitable water supply in case the main system fails.
Electric Fencing & Monitoring
Where electric fencing is used, inspect and test it before birds arrive.
Check the energiser supply, connections, conductors and earth system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Clear vegetation that is affecting performance and use a purpose-made tester.
Electric fencing supplements other protective measures; regular boundary inspections remain necessary.
Monitoring equipment can help show activity around a site, but it does not replace direct checks of the birds, water supply and physical condition of the pen.
Choosing Poultry Transport Crates
Choose transport crates intended for the species, size and number of birds being moved.
A suitable crate should be secure, well ventilated, cleanable and designed to allow loading and unloading without injury.
When comparing crates, consider:
- Internal dimensions and usable space.
- Door size, position and operation.
- Ventilation openings.
- Floor condition and suitability.
- Secure catches and closures.
- Manufacturer instructions for carrying and stacking.
- Compatibility with the vehicle and loading arrangement.
Crate dimensions alone do not establish a suitable bird capacity. Bird size, journey conditions, ventilation and applicable transport requirements must also be considered.
Browse Ellmor’s Poultry & Game Bird Transport Crates.
Mondial Poultry Transport Crates
Ellmor lists the Mondial Plastic 2 Door Crate, manufactured by Carfed Italy.
The listed external dimensions are 80 × 58 × 27cm, with spring-operated top and end gates.
Before ordering, confirm suitability for your birds and intended use. Treat any stated bird capacity as guidance to assess against the actual birds and transport conditions, rather than a target to fill every crate.
Contact Ellmor if you need help comparing the crate’s dimensions and access arrangements with your requirements.
Inspecting & Cleaning Crates
Check each crate before use.
Remove crates with broken doors, damaged floors, sharp edges or insecure catches from service. Confirm that ventilation openings are unobstructed.
Clean crates and relevant vehicle surfaces between loads using appropriate methods. Follow disinfectant instructions for suitability, dilution, contact time and rinsing.
Keep cleaned equipment separate from dirty crates so it is not contaminated again before loading.
Planning Poultry & Game Bird Transport
Prepare the destination before catching begins and coordinate the journey with the receiving team.
Only transport birds that are fit for the intended journey. Arrange competent handlers and minimise avoidable handling and delays.
Plan for:
- A suitable vehicle and secure loading arrangement.
- Ventilation throughout the load.
- Protection from rain, wind and excessive heat.
- Access for inspection.
- Safe loading and unloading.
- Delays or vehicle problems.
Do not obstruct ventilation with covers or surrounding equipment. Take particular care while stationary, when airflow and temperature conditions can change.
Keep loading, transit and unloading time to the minimum consistent with safe handling.
Transport Rules & Movement Checks
Transport requirements depend on the journey, its purpose and where it takes place. Commercial movements may require authorisation, competence certification and transport documentation.
Check the current official requirements before arranging a journey, including any disease-related movement restrictions. Do not assume that a short journey removes all welfare duties.
Start with the government’s animal transport guidance, which includes links to the relevant national guidance.
Arrival & Settling In
Have the receiving team, access route and equipment ready before the vehicle arrives.
Unload carefully and avoid unnecessary waiting in crates. Confirm that birds can find the prepared feeding and drinking points, then monitor how they settle.
Check for injuries, unusual behaviour or difficulty accessing water. Seek veterinary advice where concerns arise.
Inspect the site again after arrival, including gates, water connections and any areas disturbed during unloading.
Biosecurity & Release Requirements
Build cleaning, footwear, equipment and visitor arrangements into the management plan.
Check current bird flu guidance before moving or releasing birds. Restrictions can change, so use the official guidance for the destination and the area of origin rather than relying on a previous season’s arrangements.
In England, check whether gamebird release licensing or protected-site requirements apply. Different arrangements apply elsewhere in the UK.
Useful starting points are the government’s gamebird bird flu guidance and gamebird release licensing guidance.
Rearing, Release Pen & Transport Checklist
☐ Site suitable for the species and planned number of birds
☐ Habitat, shelter and drainage reviewed
☐ Boundaries, gates and netting inspected
☐ Feeders prepared and accessible
☐ Every drinking point tested
☐ Electric fencing tested where fitted
☐ Suitable transport crates selected and inspected
☐ Crates and vehicle cleaned appropriately
☐ Journey and receiving arrangements confirmed
☐ Bird fitness and handling arrangements checked
☐ Current movement and release requirements checked
☐ Arrival inspections and ongoing checks planned
Equipment from Ellmor
Ellmor supplies poultry and game-rearing equipment, including feeders, drinkers, water-system components, electric fencing equipment and transport crates.
For help choosing products, tell us the species and approximate number of birds, their stage of development and the equipment you already use.
Call 01630 685 257 or browse our Poultry & Game Rearing range.
