St David's Game Bird Services

St David's Game Bird Services St David’s Game Bird Services
We are a group of dedicated game bird vets that strive to improve every aspect of game bird health and welfare.

St David’s Game Bird Services is a service run by dedicated Game vets to offer the highest standard of care for game birds in rear and release as well as providing advice on bio security and welfare legislation. Our main office is based outside Exeter in Devon though we have national coverage operating from 13 bases across the UK and Ireland. Practice Locations:
Nutwell Estate, Exmouth, EX8 5AN T:

+44(0)1392 872932
Bampton, Tiverton, EX16 9NG T:+44(0)1392872932
Fonthill, Berwick St. Leonard SP3 5UA T:+44(0)1747820094
Far Peak, Northleach, GL54 3JL T:+44(0)1285 720516
Condover, Shrewsbury SY5 7NH T:+44())1743 718325
Tirril, Penrith CA10 2JH T:+44(0)1609 749155
Maxwell House, North Yorkshire DL7 9LN T:+44(0)1609 749155
Grange, Newcastle West T;+353 (0)69 69540
Ballymena, Co. Antrim, BT43 7DX T:+44 (0)2887722225
Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT71 67A T:+44(0) 28 87722225
Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire AB51 0AD T:+44 (0)1392 872932
Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian, EH25 9RG T:+44 (0)1392872932

The business operates by a "hands-on," evidenced based and customised approach as we believe that many disease processes in game are a reflection of management and practice and there are many aspects of an operation that can be controlled to reduce disease challenges. We offer on site post mortem examinations at competitive rates as well as offering the ability to bring birds to one of our centres. Diagnosis is made at the time of the visit or after laboratory testing and medication is offered with advice on how to administer the product effectively. If you want to talk to any of our game vets feel free to contact our main office on 01392 872932 or drop us an email: [email protected]

Throughout this rearing season, we have experienced long periods of hot weather, which have brought their challenges. Ho...
31/08/2026

Throughout this rearing season, we have experienced long periods of hot weather, which have brought their challenges. However, with careful management, we’ve seen few losses due to heat stress.

The warmer conditions have highlighted some additional challenges, and we’ll be taking lessons from this year forward, particularly as we prepare for hotter summers potentially becoming the norm.

On the disease front, the challenge has remained low, with robust control programmes helping to mitigate the risk of disease transmission to chicks.

As another rearing season wraps up, we're already starting to reflect on this season, look at lessons learned and note any adjustments that must be made next year.

27/08/2026

We were previously seeing relatively low levels of worms on release sites, but with the change in weather, this has started to increase, so it’s important to stay on top of worming.

Vet Tom Jenkin takes a closer look at gapeworms, what we’re seeing, particularly on release sites, the signs to look out for, and the preventative measures that can help reduce the risk.

At release, birds are more likely to be exposed to parasites such as worms, which can put additional pressure on their immune system and increase the risk of disease.

If you are concerned about your birds, give us a call.

On release sites, we've been seeing low levels of worms due to the warmer weather. Keeping on top of worming is vital, a...
22/08/2026

On release sites, we've been seeing low levels of worms due to the warmer weather.

Keeping on top of worming is vital, as physical signs aren’t always present.

Worms can be diagnosed via a faecal egg count, post-mortems, or a gut scrape.

You may need a vet visit for any prescription medication. To arrange a visit, contact your local vet or call us on 01392 872932

When it comes to overwintering birds, prevention is always better than cure. Disease challenges can have a significant i...
20/08/2026

When it comes to overwintering birds, prevention is always better than cure.

Disease challenges can have a significant impact on:
• Egg quality
• Chick quality
• Overall flock health

Generally, we advise that vaccinations are started around 12 weeks, with two vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart, and boosters may be required depending on your site.

Vaccination programmes will vary depending on your site and risk level.

We also recommend blood testing your overwintered birds, as this will stop the spread of diseases such as Mycoplasma Gallisepticum from being passed from hen to chick.

If you would like more advice on vaccinating your overwintered birds, give us a call on 01392 872932 or email us at [email protected]

Our laboratories are fully equipped for diagnostics and routine testing. We offer bacteriology and other diagnostic test...
18/08/2026

Our laboratories are fully equipped for diagnostics and routine testing.

We offer bacteriology and other diagnostic tests, providing rapid results and faster diagnosis to help disease prevention and control.

For more information about the services we offer, give us a call on 01392 872932

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!Trusted Game is the only UK-wide assurance scheme that ...
16/08/2026

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!

Trusted Game is the only UK-wide assurance scheme that is written and delivered by vets. It promotes self-regulation/best practice and aims to drive continual improvement across the industry.

Book now – call your vet or your local branch to get your visit arranged.

Released birds are struggling with the constant heat, desperate, hungry predators, and the lack of vegetation and insect...
14/08/2026

Released birds are struggling with the constant heat, desperate, hungry predators, and the lack of vegetation and insects.

Poults also supplement their diet with plenty of insoluble plant material, but there simply isn't the same volume available as in previous years. Make sure grit is readily available, as the vegetation present is thick and dry.

It's also worth putting out additional feeders and drinkers, particularly off the rides in shaded areas and under cover.

Wishing everyone a great season ahead as we mark the Glorious Twelfth! We are able to provide a range of services for Gr...
12/08/2026

Wishing everyone a great season ahead as we mark the Glorious Twelfth!

We are able to provide a range of services for Grouse clients. Give us a call on 01392 872932 if you want to discuss how we can support you and your site.

10/08/2026

Next year’s breeding stock has already been tested for mycoplasma and given the all clear. Ready to go!

08/08/2026

We suggest cleaning your sheds and equipment with TopFoam®, that comes in a ready-to-go HyBag®, ideal for game sites. You just pull the trigger and get to work, so no tricky settings - just the TopFoam® detergent at the right concentration every time!

• The highest foaming detergent we’ve ever tested!
• Exceptional cleaning power – cuts through manure, feed, proteins, fats
• Alkaline – important for breaking down fat and grease
• Sticks well – even to vertical surfaces

To find out more, get in touch with our field services team on 01392 872932

Address

Nutwell Estate, Lympstone
Exmouth
EX85AN

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+441392872932

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