Are you thinking about starting your very own poultry farm, but aren’t sure where to begin?
Whether you’re starting a poultry farm to make money or just to feed your family, it’s important to understand that poultry farming is unlike any other type of farming out there. In order for your farm to be successful, there are some things you need to know before you get started.
Check out this poultry farming for beginners’ guide to discover the top pro tips for chicken farming.
1. Choose a Poultry Sector
Before you begin your farm, you first need to figure out which poultry sector you want to work in. There are two types of farming you have to choose from: layers and broilers.
With layer farming, you raise chickens for eggs. With broiler farming, you raise chickens for meat. While these are the two main types, you may also want to consider working in chicken breeding (hatchery), poultry feed production, or egg and meat processing.
2. Choose a Farm Location
After you’ve figured out which sector you want to work in, it’s time to choose a farm location. Just like any other piece of real estate, the location you choose will play a large factor in the success of your business.
Ideally, you want your farm to be a little bit out of town so that you can get the labor and the land at a cheaper price. However, you don’t want to buy a plot of land that’s too far out of the city. This will make it more difficult for you to reach your target consumers and you’ll end up spending more on transportation.
Additionally, you should look for something that has all of the facilities you need to run your farm. This way, you won’t have to spend extra money on building costs.
Many poultry farmers end up buying plots of land from farmers that are about to retire. This way, everything is set up for them and they can get their business off the ground a lot faster.
3. Get Your Finances in Order
At the end of the day, a poultry farm is still a business, which means before you get started, you need to get your finances in order. In addition to purchasing a plot of land, here are some things you’ll need to save money for:
- Feed for chicks
- Brooders or heaters
- Incubators
- Perches
- Drinkers
- Fences
Additionally, you’ll need money to pay your staff and laborers. Once you’ve figured out how much money you need to get things up and running, apply for a bank loan. Then, once you’ve secured a loan, you can go about hiring staff for your farm.
4. Purchase Your Chicks
Once you’ve purchased land and labor, it’s time to start buying your first chicks.
We recommend repurchasing chicks from reputable breeders in your area. If you’re new to poultry care, it’s a good idea to start with newborn chicks instead of older chicks. It’s also a good idea to start with a small number of chicks until you get the hang of things.
Poultry Farming for Beginners: Are You Ready to Start Your Own Poultry Farm?
Now that you’ve read this article on poultry farming for beginners, it’s time to start your very own poultry farm. Before you know it, your farm will be up and running!
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more farming tips and tricks.
