Overwinter main image web - ForFarmers UK

Overwintering range

Marsdens has a range of carefully formulated overwintering diets, designed to keep your birds in the best condition ready for next season.

When poults are scarce and costly, it pays to invest in your existing stock ahead of the breeder season. Marsdens has a range of carefully formulated overwintering diets, designed to keep your birds in the best condition ready for next season.

Overwintering birds with MARSDENS

Marsdens Covert Release Pellet

Supports final stages of growth at release. High protein – for growing birds.
Available as a 2.5mm and 3.5mm SC pellet.

Marsdens Overwintering Pellet

Suitable for mature birds to hold them on the shoot and supplement natural diet. Includes a vitamin premix and mixed source of protein. Balanced nutrition prevents birds from straying.
Available as a 2.5mm and 3.5mm SC pellet.

Marsdens Conditioner Pellet

To feed mature breeding candidates from around 20 weeks of age. Typically fed late September through to late February. Fed ad lib as the sole diet for birds being prepared for breeding.
Available as a 3.5mm pellet.

And to keep your birds where you want them to be, supplement feed with a HOLD’EM mix

Practical considerations for overwintering

AI: A critical risk for biosecurity

  • Follow strict biosecurity rules as set out by DEFRA.
  • Use netting to protect your birds from wild bird visitors.
  • Consider your location - e.g. near water or migratory routes adopt more robust mitigation, or consider whether overwintering is right for you.


Stocking density and environment: pay careful attention

  • Over stocking can lead to:
    - feather pecking – feather cover is important for temperature control and FCR.
    - increased competition for nutrition and water- provide plenty of feeders and drinkers.
  • Keep hens feet dry and clean over the winter months by providing shelter.


Preparation for: breeding

  • Introduce the bird to the environment they will breed and lay in.
  • For cage system introduce the bird to the environment from October if you are able to.

Follow your overwintering nutrition with MARSDENS breeding regime.

Get in touch with our Game feeds specialists

Contact your local specialist for advice and how we can help your business this season.

Contact us
CTA block game feeds 1140 x 1520 px 1