Keeping animals and being a for a living has always been tough work. Both back in the day when traditional tools and solutions were all people had and nowadays when there are modern machines that do a lot of the work, farming is a difficult calling. However, it is worth choosing as a career because farmers are self-sufficient, it is a rewarding job, and also an honest one. Modern farmers are usually well off if they know what they are doing. With a little bit of luck and the right kind of help from their government’s incentives, raising animals and selling the produce can be all one needs.
This is particularly true for poultry farming. In comparison to larger farm animals like livestock (cattle), keeping around poultry is easier and requires less work, fewer facilities, and less overall area. You can do it small scale or large scale and you will feel the benefits. Meat and eggs are the two most obvious products you have from it but there are so many other things that can be done.
If you are interested in poultry farming but have no idea how or where to start, we have you covered. In this article we talk more about it and bring to you the most important tips and basics for beginners. Read on to find out more and be sure to check out TEXHA for additional information.
1. Know What It Implies
First and foremost, you will need to educate yourself on the subject matter and get to know what it actually is. At its core, this type of farming refers to the of different types of domestic birds for commercial purposes. Production of meat, eggs, and feathers is why people do it, both to have their own and to sell to others for profit. The most common type of poultry farming involves chicken so most of what we talk about here today will involve chickens. However, it will hardly hurt you to know more about turkeys, ducks, and geese just in case you ever want to expand your farming business and try out some new things. A good way to learn about everything is to talk to an expert, or find a mentor who has been through it all already and ask them for help/advice.
2. Start with Chickens
Chicken is the most common type of domestic poultry farming bird in the world and everyone knows it. As such, the whole industry revolves around it basically with most equipment and machinery being in some way oriented towards them. It is the easiest to start with chickens and then branch to other types. Chickens are cheaper and easier to raise in comparison to other birds, and particularly pigs and cattle.
Numerous cuisines revolve around chicken meat and it is an integral part of cultures all over the world. There is a reason why their meat is widely present regardless of where you go, and why people compare other tastes and flavors to it. It is familiar and best of all, healthy. Starting things out includes buying starter chicks, which you should always buy from a trusted and experienced supplier who has good reputation within your community.
3. It Is Exciting, Challenging, and Never Boring
Poultry farming, or any farming for that matter, is sadly not as exciting for younger generations as some other career choices. However, not everyone is willing or build to sit behind a screen all day or be in a closed office space doing mundane work. If you are looking for excitement at work where every day brings something different and where are numerous sides to the whole business, poultry farming may be it. You will be both outside and inside. There is modern technology involved, but also some good old-fashioned down-and-dirty work. You will hardly get bored of it, but you will get tired. Basically, it is a rewarding life that is definitely not for everyone. Because of this, if you are not serious about it, it would be best to try something else.
4. It Is Profitable
Speaking of how rewarding it is, poultry farming is quite profitable. Managing the farm and making sure all of its different aspects are running smoothly is the main prerequisite for your success as a domestic bird raiser. It is not enough to do everything well with the birds and have enough produce to sell. There also needs to be a good marketing strategy and a real sales strategy of your business. Harvesting is one thing and selling it all for profit is another. If you are in it to meet the animal nutrition demand of your home, you will probably make it. On the other hand, doing it on a larger, commercial scale implies devoting your life to it and making it your main job. Large amounts of money are waiting for you if you do it right.
5. Find a Good Location
Selecting a proper location is very important for a poultry farm. It needs to have access to medical facilities, roads, a clean water supply, and enough power to run everything. Most importantly, it needs to have adequate security both from theft and wild animals. This means that the best place for it is in the countryside, outside of your town or city. Another crucial matter is having a market within a reasonable distance where you can sell your products. On average, the most successful poultry farms are located not too far from the closest town. This gives you enough clearance to stay within the regulations and laws, as well as good opportunities to find cheap land and labor.
6. Get the Equipment
A farm cannot be a farm without the right equipment, and there is a lot of individual things you will need if you plan to raise chickens. Essentials for this new endeavor include feeders, waterers, nests, a ventilation system, cages, coops, incubators, perches, brooders (heaters), a waste disposal system, lighting, and egg trays. Once you have all of this, things become much easier. Managing the birds, allowing them to eat and drink healthily and enough, and giving them enough room to more around in a healthy environment is how you ensure good product quality later.
7. Employ Quality Workers
Find reliable, experienced workers and hire more as your farm grows.
8. Feed the Birds Properly
Around 70% of your production cost should come in poultry feed.
9. Keep them Healthy
Birds are quite prone to sickness and accidents so take good care of them.