Running your ownbusiness, big or small, can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. For some, thepath has led them to poultry farming. Owning a poultry farm can be a lot ofhard work, but it can also be very satisfying. Poultry farming has provenalready that it can be very lucrative. If you have the appropriate space andthe knowledge, starting a small poultry farm could be a great source of incomefor your family.
Poultry farming is abroad term that basically means you raise different types of domestic birds forthe purpose of selling the meat commercially. As a poultry farmer, you may alsosell the eggs and feathers the birds produce. For those who are new to poultryfarming, there is a lot to know and learn about raising chickens. Chickens arepopular poultry farming birds because they offer a good source of animalprotein beyond pork, beef and fish. Chickens are already integral to humanlife.
Beginners Guide ToStarting A Poultry Farm
In order to make a goodamount of profit, each type of farming business needs to follow specificoperational principles. Before you begin your poultry farm, it is essential tolearn more about the business. To be successful, you have to understand thereis a lot of hard work involved with farm work in QLD. Below are some of the topthings you need to consider before getting started with your poultry farm.
1. Investment- GettingYour Poultry Farm Started
A poultry farm can beeasy and hard at the same time. As with any business, getting started willrequire an initial investment. If you already have money set aside, you will beready to begin. If not, you will need to apply for a loan at your local creditunion or bank. Some lenders offer specific loans for starting a new poultryfarming business. Getting started shouldn’t cost a lot of money if you planaccordingly.
2. Type of Production
Before you start buyinganything to get your farm started, it is important to determine the type ofpoultry farm you want. For example, raising broiler chickens can be great formeat production and producing eggs to sell. Think about your target marketbefore you choose what type of poultry products you want to sell the most.
3. Select Farm Location
The location you chooseto run your farm is crucial for success. The location you choose needs to haveeverything needed to run your business. Some people decide to run their chickenfarm on their own property. This can be great because it cuts down on yourinitial investment costs and allows you to keep a constant eye over your farm.If you set up your farm too far from where you live, it may be difficult tofind the time to keep up with everything. Additionally, avoid setting up yourfarm in residential areas. Poultry farms can create a lot of offensive odorsthat your neighbors may not approve of.
4. Construct Your FarmFacilities
Once you have thelocation picked out, you will need to construct a solid house and grazing areafor your birds. There are three basic types of poultry housing systems you canchoose from. Intensive, extensive and semi-intensive. If you are running apoultry farm for commercial production, the most convenient option is anintensive system because it allows you to raise your birds in a cage system oron the floor. If you chose broiler poultry, they will need just under threesquare feet of space each. Do not forget that your birds will also need theproper lighting and ventilation in their housing.
5. Gather NecessaryEquipment
There’s a lot ofnecessary equipment you will need to purchase in order to run your poultry farmeffectively. Below are some of the most common pieces of equipment you willneed to get started:
•Waterers
•Feeders
•Cages
•Nests
•Incubators
•Egg Trays
•Perches
•Lighting Instruments
•Coops
•Crates
•Heaters or Brooders
•Waste Disposal System
•Ventilation System
6. Farm Hands
Depending on how big ofa poultry farm you want to run, you will mostlikely need to hire some people to help run it. When you are first startingout, you will most likely have a small number of birds that you can manage byyourself very easily. As time goes on, you can determine whether or not youwill need help as you grow your business. Before you decide to grow yourbusiness, ensure there is cheap labor available near your farming area thatwill make growth possible.
7. Purchase Chickens
Your next step insetting up your poultry farm is to buy your chickens. Be sure you choose atrusted breeder to buy your chicks from. As a new poultry farmer, it is best tostart with day-old chickens instead of older chickens. For those with noexperience in raising chickens, it is best to start with a small number andwork your way up.
8. Learning To Feed YourChickens And Care For Them
You will not be able tomake money if you can’t properly feed your chickens to create good meat orusable eggs to sell. Most of your farming expenses will go towards feeding yourchickens. Most feed stores will offer poultry feed for the type of chicken youare raising. You will also need to ensure your chickens stay free of anydiseases. Poultry birds are more prone to diseases and you need to be preparedfor a possible outbreak. Keep your birds vaccinated and always keep fresh foodand water in their housing.
9. Marketing
No matter how good abusiness is, it cannot be successful unless it is marketed properly. Expertsrecommend finding marketing opportunities before you begin your business. Yourbusiness cannot be profitable if you are not able to market your poultry andcreate an income. If you find you’re able to sell your poultry products easily,you will be able to grow your business quickly.
