Free-range egg supplier to local trade

Cafes, bakeries, delis, farm shops, restaurants and households who want traceable local eggs.

Wholesale price per dozen or tray to trade customers, with higher retail prices on direct sales. Regular weekly orders give steady income.

• Poultry care and flock health
• Organising deliveries and orders
• Dealing with business customers

• Flock registration and egg marketing rules (grading, packing, stamping and labelling) can apply at this scale, so check what applies to you
• Free-range labelling has strict conditions, so check them before using the term
• Bird flu housing orders can affect free-range claims and income
• Planning permission may be needed for new buildings or a larger flock
• Cleanliness and food safety, plus public and product liability insurance
• Feed costs and hen mortality can squeeze margins

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on flock size, housing, packing area and delivery set-up. Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many customers you supply and how many hens lay.

Flock registration and egg marketing rules, such as grading, packing, stamping and labelling, can apply at this scale, so check what applies to you. Free-range labelling has strict conditions, so check them before using the term. Planning may apply to new buildings.

Bird flu housing orders can affect free-range claims and income. Feed costs and hen mortality can squeeze margins. Check cleanliness and food safety requirements and public and product liability insurance. Estimates suggest at least around 15 hours a week.