Advice & FAQs
If you're raising Boschveld chickens, setting up free-range housing, exploring export options, or seeking guidance on our honey and pecan products, you'll find practical answers here.
Chickens
Breed, Appearance & Ordering Birds
Answers to the most common questions from prospective buyers — from breed selection and minimum order quantities through to collection, delivery and what to expect on your first order.
How does the Boschveld chicken look?
The Boschveld chicken is a red-brown chicken with white feathers in between.
What is the Boschveld chicken and why is it different from commercial breeds?
The Boschveld is a South African indigenous breed developed specifically for low-input, free-range farming conditions. It is heat-tolerant, disease-resistant and dual-purpose, producing both eggs and meat without the intensive feeding and housing requirements of commercial hybrids.
What is the minimum order quantity for day-old chicks?
Minimum order quantities apply and vary by season and availability. Contact our team via the Contact page for current minimums and stock availability.
Do you deliver chicks, or do buyers collect?
We offer both collection from our farm and delivery to selected regions. Delivery arrangements, costs and lead times are confirmed at the time of order — contact us to discuss your location and requirements.
How far in advance should I place an order?
We recommend placing orders as early as possible, particularly during peak season. Availability can vary; submitting an enquiry through the Contact page allows us to confirm stock and provide an accurate lead time.
Can I visit the farm before buying?
Farm visits can be arranged by appointment. Please contact us in advance so we can prepare appropriately and ensure biosecurity protocols are followed.
Do you supply vaccinated chicks?
Vaccination status and health protocols are included with each order. Full details are available through the enquiry process.
What is the price of the chickens?
Please click HERE to see the Pricing page.
Chickens
Raising, Feeding, Housing & Equipment
Practical answers on feeding, housing, health and production for smallholders and commercial free-range farmers raising Boschveld birds for the first time or scaling up an existing flock.
How do I take care of my chickens?
Please click HERE to see the Chicken Raising Guide page.
What do Boschveld chicks eat in the first weeks?
Day-old chicks require a high-protein starter crumble for the first 4-6 weeks to support healthy growth. Boschveld birds are adaptable and can transition to a grower ration and foraging earlier than many commercial breeds once they are feathered.
How much space do Boschveld chickens need?
As a free-range breed, Boschveld chickens perform best with access to outdoor ranging space. A minimum of 1-2 square metres per bird inside the house is recommended, with significantly more outdoor space for optimal production and bird welfare.
At what age do Boschveld hens start laying?
Boschveld hens typically begin laying between 20 and 24 weeks of age, depending on nutrition, day length and management. They are known for consistent laying across a longer productive period than many exotic breeds.
Are Boschveld chickens more disease-resistant than other breeds?
The breed was developed under African field conditions and shows strong natural resistance to many common poultry diseases. Routine biosecurity, vaccination and good flock management remain essential regardless of breed.
What housing works best for Boschveld chickens?
Boschveld chickens thrive in both fixed housing and mobile cage systems. Mobile cages offer the advantage of rotating pasture access and reducing disease pressure. See our Housing & Mobile Cages page for detailed specifications and options.
How do I manage a mixed flock for both eggs and meat?
The Boschveld's dual-purpose nature makes it well suited to mixed management. Cockerels are typically processed at 12-16 weeks while hens continue into a laying cycle. The Raising Guide covers flock separation, feeding adjustments and transition management in full detail.
Chickens
Exporting Boschveld Stock
Key information for international buyers interested in importing Boschveld genetics. Questions cover the export process, documentation, certifications and how to begin an enquiry.
Can Boschveld chickens be exported internationally?
Yes. We work with international buyers to export Boschveld hatching eggs and day-old chicks to qualifying countries. Export is subject to veterinary and import regulations applicable in the destination country.
What documentation is required for an export order?
Export orders require veterinary health certificates, country-specific import permits and compliance with DALRRD (South Africa's Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development) export regulations. We guide buyers through the documentation process.
Which countries do you currently export to?
We have experience exporting to a number of African and international markets. Eligible destinations depend on current bilateral veterinary agreements. Contact us via the Export page to discuss your country's requirements.
How long does the export process take?
Lead times vary depending on destination country import permit processing, seasonal hatch schedules and logistics coordination. We recommend initiating contact at least 8-12 weeks before your intended delivery date.
Is there a minimum order for export?
Minimum quantities for export are higher than domestic orders due to logistics and certification costs. Specific minimums are confirmed during the enquiry process.
How do I start an export enquiry?
Submit your details and country of import through our Export page. Our team will respond with a qualification assessment and outline the steps from there.
Honey & Pecan Products
Honey & Pecan Product Questions
Everything you need to know about our honey and pecan range — ingredients, allergens, shelf life, pack sizes and how our products are made and stored. We focus on quality, natural ingredients and honest information.
What honey products does Boschveld offer?
Our range includes naturally harvested honey in gift jars, the Couple Pantry Pack and the Family Pantry Pack, as well as pecan products and bulk order options. Each product is described in detail on the Honey & Pecan Products page.
Do the products contain nuts or other allergens?
Yes. Our pecan products contain pecans, which are tree nuts and a recognised allergen. This allergen is clearly labelled on all packaging. Customers with nut allergies should not consume our pecan-containing products.
What are the ingredients in the honey range?
Our honey is 100% natural with no added sugars, preservatives or artificial flavourings. Ingredients and sourcing details are listed on individual product pages and on packaging labels.
What is the shelf life of the honey products?
Properly stored natural honey has an exceptionally long shelf life. We recommend the following shelf life:
Unopened: 6 Months
Opened: 1 Month
How should the honey and pecan products be stored?
Store honey at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not refrigerate. Pecan products should be kept cool and dry and consumed within the best-before date indicated on the label.
Does honey crystallise, and is that normal?
Crystallisation is a natural process in pure, unprocessed honey and is a sign of quality, not spoilage. To re-liquify, place the jar in warm water (not boiling) and stir gently until the crystals dissolve.
What pack sizes are available?
The Couple Pantry Pack and Family Pantry Pack come in 250g jars. Gift jars and bulk order quantities are also available in 60g and 250g jars - see the Honey & Pecan Products page or contact us for bulk pricing.
Honey & Pecan Products
Ordering, Delivery & Gifting
Practical information for retail customers and corporate buyers on how to place an order, delivery options, gifting and what to expect. For enquiries not answered here, our team responds promptly via the Contact page.
How do I place an order for honey or pecan products?
You can buy our pantry packs on our Honey Shop page. To place a bulk order or order gift jars, submit an enquiry through the Contact page and our team will confirm availability, pricing and delivery or collection arrangements.
Where do you deliver?
We deliver nationwide via The Courier Guy. We dispatch from our Pretoria premises Monday to Saturday.
Collection is also from Monday to Saturday.
What does delivery cost?
We offer nationwide delivery via The Courier Guy, with pricing determined by weight.
Details are available on the checkout page.
How long does delivery take?
Orders received by 18:00 are intended for dispatch the following day. Waybill details are supplied for tracking. The stated delivery expectation is within 72 hours, depending on location.
Bulk & Gifting Jar orders require a 5-working-day lead time.
Is my order packaged safely?
Glass jars are individually wrapped in protective material and packed in a sturdy outer box. We take care to ensure products arrive intact. If you receive damaged goods, please contact us within 48 hours with a photo, and we will arrange a replacement.
Do you ship outside South Africa?
At this stage, we ship within South Africa only.
What is the minimum order for a bulk purchase?
Bulk order minimums vary by product. Contact us for minimum orders for the 60g jars; for 250g jars, the minimum is 24.
Submit a bulk enquiry through the Contact page, and we will provide a tailored quote based on your volume and product selection.
Can I collect my order from Pretoria?
We run delivery routes on certain days each week, quantity dependant.
Contact us once your order is confirmed to see whether you are on our route that week.
What is your returns or exchange policy?
If a product arrives damaged or incorrectly supplied, please contact us within 48 hours of receipt with photographic evidence and we will arrange a replacement or credit. We do not accept returns on food products unless they are faulty.
