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Support the production of fertile game bird eggs

URN: LANGa13
Business Sectors (Suites): Crofting and Smallholding,Game and Wildlife Management
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview

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This standard is about supporting the production of fertile game bird eggs. It relates to the work activities that you undertake to  support game-breeding stock and the production of viable game bird eggs.

This standard is for those who work in game conservation and it can be applied to any wildlife management area or game farm involved in the production of game bird eggs.

To meet this standard you will be able to:
• handle game birds and establish them in breeding  areas
• care for game birds in a breeding area
• collect, clean and store game bird eggs ready for incubation.

For you to fully understand the content of the standard, and the activities it describes, it is important that you are able to understand the terms used within the standard. See the Glossary for some definitions that should help you with this.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. carry out activities to support the production of fertile game bird eggs safely, in line with the relevant health and safety requirements
  2. prepare breeding pens to secure and protect game birds
  3. prepare and maintain equipment and facilities in a clean and hygienic condition
  4. prepare caught-up or transferred-over wintered stock
  5. handle game birds with due regard for their health and welfare, to avoid injury and minimise stress
  6. prepare and establish game birds in breeding pens at a specified male to female ratio to support the production of fertile game bird eggs 
  7. maintain game bird welfare requirements through the efficient application of resources
  8. observe the behaviour of game birds and report on any signs of stress or disorder
  9. remove, record and report any mortalities within breeding stock
  10. collect game bird eggs in a manner that minimises disturbance to the breeding stock and maintains the quality of game bird eggs
  11. remove and report on non-viable game bird eggs
  12. grade, clean and sort game bird eggs
  13. store game bird eggs to maintain their viability
  14. dispose of mortalities, non-viable game bird eggs and other waste in accordance with the relevant legal and organisational requirements
  15. maintain accurate records as required by the relevant legislation, codes of practice and organisational requirements

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the relevant health and safety requirements associated with the production, collection and storage of game bird eggs
  2. the relevant legislation and codes of practice for the production, transport and welfare of game birds
  3. how to prepare and maintain breeding pens to facilitate breeding
  4. the breeding ratios for game birds and how to identify and sex breeding stock
  5. the normal behaviour of game birds and the signs that indicate stress and disorder
  6. how to select and age breeding game birds and how age can affect egg production
  7. the welfare requirements of breeding stock
  8. the breeding specifications and their implications
  9. the appropriate male/female ratios for breeding stocks
  10. the likely causes of mortality when breeding game birds
  11. the precautions that can be implemented to minimise feather picking and damage caused during fighting
  12. how to fit specs and brails and why they are used on breeding stock
  13. when eggs should be collected and how to collect and handle the eggs
  14. why it is important to minimise disturbance to breeding stock during egg collection
  15. egg viability and its importance to the breeding process
  16. how to sort eggs and identify those that are non-viable
  17. why eggs are sanitised before storage
  18.  the egg storage requirements
  19. the relevant legal requirements controlling the disposal of mortalities, non-viable game eggs and other waste
  20. the relevant legislation, codes of practice and organisational requirements for the completion of records

Scope/range

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Prepare pens to protect them from:
• pests and predators
• adverse environmental conditions
• theft 

Prepare and maintain equipment and facilities used for:
• egg collection
• egg cleaning
• egg storage

Prepare one of the following:
• caught-up game bird stock
• transferred-over wintered stock (closed flock)

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Game birds – Pheasant, partridge, duck

Closed flock – A breeding stock that is maintained in captivity throughout its life

Resources:
• food
• water
• grit
• medication

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANGa13

Relevant Occupations

Estate Worker, Gamekeeper, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

game birds; eggs; breed; pheasant; partridge; duck