The Dekalb White 500 Egg Club has seen remarkable growth, now boasting over 20 members as more producers reach the impressive milestone of 500 eggs. This initiative not only recognizes the dedication of these producers but also highlights the capabilities of the Dekalb White breed.
In honor of those who have nurtured their flocks for over 100 weeks, Joice and Hill has launched a ‘Hall of Fame’ brochure showcasing these achievements. This initiative thanks the expanding number of producers for their faith in Dekalb White chickens.
Transitioning to an All-White Operation
Among the latest additions to the club are David and Lynda Jones from Powys, Wales. Upon the arrival of their first flock last September, they initially managed a mix of white and brown layer breeds, allowing for a unique side-by-side performance comparison. Just three months later, they transitioned to exclusively raising white birds.
This journey began with the acquisition of a Harlow 12,000 flatbed poultry house, launching their egg production with a flock of British Blacktails. Over time, their operation expanded to five houses. The original flat structures were adapted into multi-tier units capable of housing 32,000 birds, although one shed still remains in its original form as they plan for future conversions. The production system they selected—Big Dutchman—has proven to be a robust choice, offering a high-quality, durable solution.
Advantages of the Dekalb White Breed
Lynda expressed the clear benefits of managing the white birds: “The Dekalbs began laying significantly sooner and achieved full production well before the browns. After completing a full cycle with the white birds, I can confidently say they require less management, leading to fewer issues like dirty eggs. The overall experience is more positive for our team, allowing us to focus on bird welfare rather than problems.”
Assistant farm manager Heather Brick emphasized the importance of building a relationship with the birds: “Observing their behaviors is key. You can glean a lot just by listening to them. Effective husbandry hinges on awareness, and I genuinely find that the Dekalb Whites afford us more time with the birds.”
Given the critical role of water quality, Lynda underlined the vital role of their partnership with Applied Bacterial Control, which has implemented auto-flushing systems in all sheds, ensuring fresh water is always available at sunrise.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The Joneses believe the advantages of raising white birds extend beyond operational efficiency: “Longer laying cycles with fewer turnarounds contribute positively to both environmental sustainability and the financial health of producers.”
Other members in the 500 Egg Club include Melcoe Park Farm in Tiverton, Devon, where an impressive average of 511 eggs per hen was recorded at 98 weeks, with one house achieving 530 eggs. Additionally, Helen Ridley of Talbot Farms recently concluded a flock of Dekalb Whites that produced an astonishing average of 542.4 eggs per hen over a 103-week cycle.
In her own words: “The Dekalb White birds, hatched by Joice and Hill, are incredibly robust and have presented noticeably fewer challenges throughout their lifecycle.”
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