Following a poultry farming for beginners guide will help you a lot for setting up your new poultry farming business and run it smoothly. As poultry farming has already proven to be lucrative business, so you may be willing to start a farm for your new source of income.
Poultry farming means raising various types of domestic birds commercially for the purpose of meat, eggs and feather production. But here we are describing poultry farming for beginners guide about chickens.
Chicken’s products are among the major source of animal protein, aside from beef, pork and fish. And chickens are already an integral part of human life. Small scale poultry production fulfill the animal nutrition demand for a family.
But large scale or commercial basis poultry farming offer an opportunity for the people to earn big amount of money. That’s why there are many poultry farms out there.
Poultry farming is a suitable business for the people who are passionate about livestock farming, keeping birds and who are comfortable with farm life. Poultry farming is a highly profitable business if you can run it properly under acceptable methods and conditions conducive for the birds.
Table of Contents
What is Poultry Farming for Beginners?
Actually each type of farming business has specific operational principles for making good profit. And when such principles are ignored by the farm management system, it results in serious loses.
So before starting, it is wise to learn more about the business. Take some time and try to understand why most of the poultry farmers make good profits and some of them fail.
Some of the farmers, especially beginners have been forced out of the business when they can not operate it properly and thus lose money. Successful poultry farming business is involved with lot of works and it’s easy at the same time.
But it’s not a lazy man’s business. You have to do everything timely and perfectly according to a plan. You have to learn and practice a lot about this business if you are a beginner. However, here we are trying to discuss details about poultry farming for beginners, and also the steps for starting and operating a successful poultry farm.
How to Start and Operate a Poultry Business as A Beginner?
Staring and operating a poultry farming business may seem difficult for a beginner. But don’t worry! It’s really very easy and simple to start and run a poultry farm.
Follow the step by step process for starting your new poultry farming business. Starting a poultry farming business is easy but it is involved with lots of regular work. Here we are tying to include all details you will need for starting and operating the business as a beginner.
Step 1: Learn Practically
First of all, try to learn more about poultry farm practically from an experienced poultry farmer in your area. Having practical knowledge is very important in operating a profitable farm. Also visit as many farms as possible in your area for learning.
Step 2: Complete a Training
If possible, try to complete a poultry farming training. Doing this will help you to learn more about this business practically. You can complete a poultry farming training from any of your nearest poultry training centers.
You can also complete a training online. Or visit your nearest agriculture extension office to learn more about the availability of training in your area.
Step 3: Check Local Zoning Regulations
You may need to obtain permits and licenses to start your poultry farming business in some areas. Regulations and requirements may vary by state and country, so it’s essential to research and comply with local laws and regulations.
Step 4: Make a Good and Effective Business Plan
Making a good and effective business plan is also very important. Try to include everything in your poultry farming business plan. As you are a beginner, so you can ask for help from an expert in your area for getting the plan ready.
Step 5: Have Your Investment Ready
Poultry farming requires investment. You can arrange the money by your own or you can apply for bank loan. Both govt. and non-govt. bank loans are available for starting poultry farming business.
You should contact your desired bank for the loan process. As a beginner, you should start with a minimum number of birds which will cost you pretty less money.
Step 6: Select a Good Farm Location
Selecting a good farm location for your business is very important. You should select such a location which has all required facilities and favorable for your business.
It can be slightly far from the town, where land and labor is pretty cheap. But don’t setup the farm too far from the town. Because most of the towns have high density population, and you have to target that market.
Also try to avoid setting up the farm in residential areas, because poultry farms produce offensive odor. While selecting the farm location, consider transportation system and medication facilities also.
Step 7: Determine Your Production Type
Determine the production type of your poultry farm before starting. You can raise broiler chickens for meat production purpose, and choose layers if you want to produce eggs commercially. You can also start your poultry farm for selling poultry products and breeding stocks directly to your local customers.
Step 8: Select Good Breeds
After determine your production purpose, select good poultry breeds according to your desired production. As a beginner, you can ask for help to your local farmers while selecting good breeds for your production.
Step 9: Purchase Good Quality Birds
Purchasing good quality and healthy birds is very important. Because good quality and healthy birds grow well and produce more. You can purchase birds for your farm from any of your nearest or local breeders. Ensure that the birds are healthy and active.
Purchase quality chicks from trusted breeder in your area and start caring them. Set the brooder ready before arriving the chicks from breeding house to your farm.
As a beginner, it is wise to start with day old chicks instead of older chicks. If you are a complete beginner without any prior experience, keep the number of chicks to minimum (anyhow not more than 500).
Step 10: Purchase Required Equipment
You need to purchase some equipment for your poultry farm. List of required equipment are listed below for running a poultry farm successfully.
- Feeders
- Waterers
- Nests
- Cages
- Coops
- Crates
- Incubator
- Egg tray
- Lighting instruments
- Perches
- Brooders or heaters
- Ventilation system
- Waste disposal system
Step 11: Construct a Good House
Construct a good house for your birds. Ensure all required facilities are available in the new house. There are three types of poultry housing system you can use.
Extensive, semi intensive and intensive. For commercial production, intensive system is most convenient. You can raise your birds in floor or in cage system.
On an average, broiler poultry needs about 2.5 square feet space and layer poultry needs about 4 square feet space. For example, if you want to raise 200 layers then you have to ensure about 800 square feet space is available.
About 4 square feet space is required per bird in cage system. Don’t forget to add proper lighting and ventilation system in the house.
Step 12: Provide Good Quality Feeds
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of poultry farming business. After constructing house and purchasing equipment and chicks, you have to spend a large amount of money for feeding your birds.
About 70% of your total project expenses will go towards the feeding. And the success in the business also depends on quality and adequate feeding. You can purchase the feed ingredients from the market and prepare the feed by yourself or purchase ready-made poultry feeds from the market.
Different types of commercial poultry feeds are available in the market for each type of birds. Please review the following webpages for more details about poultry feeding.
Broiler poultry feed
Layer poultry feed
Step 13: Consider the Availability of Labor or Manpower
Based on the number of birds, you need more or less manpower/labor. As a beginner, if you start with a minimum number of birds (200-500) then you can manage your farm by yourself easily. If you plan for raising more birds then you will need additional manpower. Ensure cheap labor is available in your selected area.
Step 14: Take Good Care and Practice Good Health Management
Taking good care of the birds is also a very important step for beginners. Good care ensures good health of the birds, and healthy birds ensure good production and maximum profits.
As we have mentioned above, you have to ensure proper medication system in your area. Poultry birds are prone to various types of diseases and you have to be ready for controlling them.
We know ‘prevention is better than cure’, so you have to be conscious and take proper care of your birds to keep them safe. Vaccinate them timely and always try to provide them fresh water and food. Also stock some required vaccine and medicine so that you can use them when needed.
Step 15: Treat Sick Birds
Always inspect your poultry birds on a regular basis so that you can ensure to spot a sick bird early and take necessary steps for treating it. If you can’t treat the sick bird earlier, then that disease can spread rapidly among other birds.
So, look for any unusual behavior or appearance early to keep your farm safe and risk free. You can also call a vet if you are not sure about the health conditions of your birds.
Step 16: Vaccinate Your Birds Timely
Vaccinating your birds timely is also very important for keeping your birds safe and free from health problems. Consult with a vet and learn about poultry vaccination schedule.
Step 17: Determine Your Marketing Strategies
Good marketing strategies influence the profit from your business. If you can sell your products in the market easily, then it will encourage you in getting more production.
We always recommend determining marketing facilities in your area before starting your poultry farming business. Because your business will not be much profitable if you can’t market your products properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are many questions people often ask which are related to poultry farming for beginners. Here we are trying to list the common questions about poultry farming for beginners. We hope you will find answers to your questions. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
How to start small poultry farm at home?
Starting a small poultry farm at home is very easy. First of all, select a good place, make a shelter, purchase good laying hens or chicks, feed them nutritious food and take good care of them.
What are the requirements for poultry farming business?
Good housing, nutritious feeding, medication and vaccination and good care are the major requirements for poultry farming business.
What are the poultry farm rules and regulations?
Generally, you don’t need any license or permission for starting a poultry farm. But this rule can vary from place to place. And it is wise to consult with the government body before starting a poultry farm in the residential area.
What are the different types of poultry farming?
Broiler and layer are the main two type of poultry farming. Broiler farming is done for meat production, and layer farming is done for eggs production.
What are the poultry farming equipment list?
Shelter, incubator, feeder, water pot, heater, nests, eggs handling nest, fencing, flooring etc.
How to start a local poultry farm?
First of all, learn practically, then select the right type of poultry bird, chose whether meat or egg you want to produce, set up farm location, make a good business plan, gather capital and finally start the farm.
Which poultry is most profitable?
Chickens are the most popular poultry birds, and raising chickens is considered as the most profitable poultry farming business.
How much does it cost to start a small poultry farm?
Exact cost depends on numerous factors, and it’s very tough to tell the exact amount. And it also vary from place to place. So, please consult with an expert for good recommendations.
How much does it cost to start a small poultry farm in South Africa?
South African people often ask this question. On average, it costs between R20,000 to R50,000 to start a chicken farm poultry business in South Africa.
What are the four types of poultry?
Chicken, turkey, duck, geese are the common 4 types of poultry. The four types of poultry is also classified as American, Mediterranean, English, and Asiatic.
Do poultry farms make money?
Yes, definitely! Poultry farming is a profitable business, and that’s why it is popular throughout the world.
How much money is needed to open a poultry farm?
It’s not possible to tell the exact amount. It depends on numerous factors. Please consult with an expert before starting.
How do I sell my poultry?
You can easily sell your poultry in the local market. You can also sell them to dealer, nearest town, hotels, restaurants, using social media or by using online classified websites.
Is poultry a good business?
Opening and operating a poultry farm can be a lot of hard work, but it can also be very satisfying. It is a very profitable business, and it can be a great source of income.
How much profit does a poultry farmer make?
It’s very tough to tell the exact number, because it depends on numerous factors. But if you can raise a large number of birds, then profits will be much higher.
How to start chicken farming for eggs?
Starting a chicken farm for eggs is very easy. First of all, select a good place, make a shelter, purchase good laying hens or chicks, feed them nutritious food and take good care of them. And soon you will notice your hens have started laying eggs.
How to start a poultry farming business?
Starting a poultry farming business is really very easy and simple. Just follow this poultry farming for beginners guide for starting and operating a successful poultry farming business and make maximum profits.
What is poultry farming?
Poultry farming is the practice of raising domesticated birds, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, for their meat or eggs.
How do I start poultry farming as a beginner?
To start poultry farming as a beginner, you need to select the right breed of birds, prepare a suitable housing and feeding system, and manage the health and hygiene of the birds properly. You also need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses, and develop a marketing plan for your products.
What is the best breed of chicken for beginners?
The best breed of chicken for beginners depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular breeds for beginners include Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Sussex. These breeds are known for their hardiness, egg-laying capacity, and friendly temperament.
How much space do chickens need in a coop?
Chickens need at least 2-3 square feet of floor space per bird in the coop. For outdoor space, they need at least 10 square feet per bird in a fenced area.
What should I feed my chickens?
Chickens require a balanced diet that includes a mix of grains, protein, vitamins, and minerals. You can feed them commercial poultry feed, or make your own feed using ingredients such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and oyster shells.
How do I prevent diseases in my poultry flock?
To prevent diseases in your poultry flock, you need to maintain good hygiene practices, provide clean water and food, and regularly inspect your birds for signs of illness. You can also vaccinate your birds against common diseases, and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect any health issues.
How do I market my poultry products?
You can market your poultry products through various channels, such as farmers markets, online marketplaces, and direct sales to restaurants and stores. You can also develop a brand and marketing strategy that highlights the quality and uniqueness of your products.
What are some common challenges in poultry farming?
Some common challenges in poultry farming include disease outbreaks, predator attacks, feed and water management, and marketing and sales.
