What we look at on site
A site visit gives us the facts before any equipment is chosen. We look at the house or processing area, access roads, loading points, power supply, water reticulation, drainage and the general condition of the building. If you are in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State or KwaZulu-Natal, we plan the visit around your farm schedule so downtime stays low.
For poultry houses, we check stocking density targets, ventilation paths, drinker and feeder lines, floor levels, cage rows, egg collection space and how easy it will be to clean and service the equipment. For processing rooms, we assess flow from receiving to dispatch, hygiene zoning, wash points and the space needed for handling tables, chilling areas and support equipment. A good visit saves money later because it reduces changes during installation.
How to book the visit
Booking is simple. Send us your site location, a short description of what you are building or changing, and any drawings or photos you already have. If you do not have drawings yet, that is fine, we can still work from measurements and a sketch. Our team in Jet Park, Boksburg handles bookings for projects across South Africa.
- Email your request to info@johnfmarshall.co.za with your name, farm or site name and a contact number.
- Tell us whether it is a new build, an upgrade, a retrofit or a processing room fitout.
- Share the number of birds, houses or lines you plan to install, if known.
- Let us know about access limits, security checks or times when the site can be visited.
- If you are under load-shedding or have weak water supply, mention it early so we can plan around it.
Once we have the details, we confirm a suitable date and assign the right person from our team. That may include operations, technical sales, projects or service support depending on what needs to be assessed.
What happens during the assessment
During the visit we measure key areas, check the route for moving equipment into the site and note any practical limits such as low roof height, uneven floors or narrow doorways. We also look at whether the layout will allow efficient movement for staff, birds, crates, feed and spares. Where needed, we will point out likely problem spots such as poor airflow, standing water or areas that are difficult to wash down.
We do not just take measurements and leave. The point is to understand how the equipment will work once it is installed and how it will be maintained over time. In coastal areas, for example, we often consider humidity and corrosion risk. Inland, dust and heat can be the bigger issue. Each site has its own conditions and the equipment should match them, not the other way around.
The information you should have ready
You do not need a full technical pack, but the more we know the better we can advise. Bring whatever is available, even if it is only a rough plan and a few photos on your phone. If you already have a municipal approval requirement, we can work with the building layout and service positions that must be kept in place.
- Site address and GPS pin if possible
- Basic dimensions of the building or room
- Power availability, phases and any generator backup
- Water source, pressure and storage details
- Any existing equipment that will stay in use
- Your target bird numbers, processing capacity or daily output
If you are planning a phased upgrade, tell us what must stay operational during the work. That helps us plan the order of tasks and avoid unnecessary interruptions.
New build, retrofit or expansion
Different projects need different approaches. A new build allows us to plan the house layout from the start, with proper spacing, service routes and room for future growth. A retrofit needs more careful measuring because the existing structure may limit the type of cages, feeders, drinkers or handling equipment that can be used. Expansion projects often need a mix of both, with new equipment tied into older systems.
For turnkey poultry projects, a site visit is the first step in deciding what can be done now and what should be left for a later phase. It also helps us avoid over-specifying equipment, which can push up costs without adding value. Practical fit matters more than a long list of items.
After the visit and next steps
After the assessment, we compile the practical requirements and advise on the next step, whether that is equipment selection, house layout work, installation supervision, operator training or a maintenance programme. If spares or service items are needed, we can include those in the plan as well. For processing areas, we also look at fitout details that affect cleaning, movement and daily operation.
You will get clear feedback on what is suitable for the site and what changes may be needed before supply or installation starts. This keeps the project moving and helps your team make decisions with real site information, not guesswork.
For a booking, email info@johnfmarshall.co.za and tell us where the site is, what you want to achieve and when you would like us to visit.
