Starting a Commercial Layer Farm

Here's a list of links that should help you get started. If you have any questions or queries about any of the terms used below, please feel free to have a look at our Definitions page.

1. The Animal Welfare (Layer Hen) Code of Welfare 2005 details minimum standards for all hen production systems. A copy of this code can be found here.

2. You will need a Risk Management Programme (an RMP) if you are going to produce eggs for sale. A RMP is designed to identify, control, manage and eliminate or minimise hazards and other risk factors so that the resulting Animal Product is fit for intended purpose, under Part 2 of the Animal Products Act. Details of the RMP can be found at the New Zealand Food Safety Authority's website (Eggs).

3. A copy of the Egg Producers Federation Code of Practice can be found at the link below. This code of practice covers a range of issues associated with egg production. Click here to view the Code of Practice.

4. You will need to decide whether to purchase and rear day-old chicks, or alternatively, to purchase point-of-lay hens from a rearer. If you have no experience with poultry production, it would be advisable to purchase point-of-lay pullets from a rearer. (A point-of-lay pullet is a young hen 16 -18 weeks old who has not yet started to lay eggs but will do so in the next 2-3 weeks).

There are two hatcheries supplying day old chicks in New Zealand: Golden Coast Commercial (06 367 8732), who supply Hyline breed laying hens, and Bromley Park Hatcheries (09 236 8011), who supply Shaver breed laying hens. You could contact the two companies for further information about breeds etc. The companies will probably also be able to provide you with the details of rearers from whom you can purchase point-of-lay pullets.

5. EPF membership is automatic for farmers who purchase over 100 day-old chicks annually from a hatchery, but if you do decide to purchase point-of-lay pullets rather than day-old chicks, please make sure that you inform us (the EPF) of your contact details and formally apply for EPF membership. You can contact us on (09) 520 4300, or by email at info@pianz.org.nz.

6. You will need to feed your chickens a nutritionally sound diet to ensure they are kept in good health and produce well. Information on feed suppliers in your area can be found at www.nzfma.org.nz, the New Zealand Feed Manufacturers website.

7. The Egg Labelling Guide is a summary of the egg-related section of the Food Standards Code, which governs what needs to be displayed on the packaging of eggs. Click here to view the Egg Labelling Guide.

8. You may need to get resource consent for the farm. Harrison & Grierson do resource consent work for the industry and have industry knowledge to assist you. They can be contacted on (09) 917 5009.

If you have any further questions or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the office, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, on (09) 520 4300.