Chickens, geese, and turkeys are some of the different species of poultry that farmers raise and sell meat and eggs from.If you want to become a poultry farmer, you have to get work experience or a qualification first.Once you are ready to start your own poultry farm, there are many important decisions to make, facilities to build, and pieces of equipment to buy to get your farm up and running.Feed your birds, get vet check ups, and clean the poultry house to keep your flock healthy and productive.
Step 1: You can get a feel for the industry by visiting local poultry farms.
You can use a search engine to find out where the local poultry farms are located.Ask the farmers if you can visit their farm and chat with them about the business.Asking as many questions as you can will give you an idea of what the day-to-day running of a poultry farm is like.What are the everyday tasks that are needed to care for the birds?Which type of feed do you use?You can visit during different times of the day and season to see how the flock changes over time.
Step 2: If you want to get hands-on experience, look for work in the industry.
There are entry-level positions within the poultry industry.Ask people in the farming community about opportunities for you to get in.This will allow you to see if being a poultry farmer is right for you, without the large commitment of running your own farm.High school and college students can apply to work on poultry farms in the summer.Farmers who can't find a paid position will offer free training and free labour.While getting work experience, try to experience as many aspects of poultry farming as possible.Feeding, monitoring the health of the flock, transporting the birds correctly, cleaning and keeping records are some areas to gain experience in.
Step 3: If you want to run a farm, you should get a degree in poultry science.
There are degrees in poultry science, animal science and agriculture that can help you gain knowledge about the field.Meat production, nutrition, genetics, and farm management are some topics covered in these courses.A formal education isn't the only way to get into the industryMany poultry farmers have high school diplomas.
Step 4: Pick a location for your poultry farm.
The location that you pick needs to be a balance between being far enough away from town so that land costs are reduced, yet close enough to town to target customers, and keeping transportation costs low.In the US, most of the poultry farms are located in the Corn Belt, Delta, Northeast, and Southeast regions.If you want to set up a poultry farm in a residential area, avoid it.You will most likely be met with opposition due to the offensive smell of the business.
Step 5: If you have to, apply for a bank loan.
Sufficient funding is required when you are starting your own poultry farm to cover the costs of land, facilities, and equipment such as feeders, lighting, incubators and perches.The cost of staff will also be included.When you start small, you will be able to save money.As your profit increases, you can expand your farm.
Step 6: Pick the type of poultry you want to farm.
There are many different fowls to choose from.Many farms begin with one species and expand to include multiple species as the business progresses.Chicken farming is the most popular type of poultry farming.Chickens for meat need 2.5 square feet each, while chickens for eggs need 4 square Feet each.If you want to have 200 layers, you will need 800 square feet in total.Eggs, meat, and feathers can be made from geese.They require more space than chickens due to being larger birds.Different types of ducks are used for poultry farming.The birds need 4 square feet per bird.The eggs are 1.5 times the size of a chicken egg, and are produced more often by ducks.The fowl don't need any shelter at all.Eggs and meat can be used to reduce pests on farms.
Step 7: If you are farming chickens, choose between the two.
Chickens that you raise to sell meat.Chickens are raised to sell the eggs.There is an option to breed poultry and sell them.Many farms start with layers and expand to be part of more than one sector.
Step 8: If you don't have an existing facility, build a house for the birds.
Large sheds with windows are used to house the birds on poultry farms.If your birds will be outside, there needs to be doors for human access, a watertight roof, and ramps.It's important to include lighting and air quality in the house.
Step 9: Purchase the equipment you need.
There are many different types of equipment needed for a successful poultry farm.This usually includes feeders, waterers, cages, coops, heaters, and waste disposal systems.Depending on the species that you are farming and how you farm them, you will need specific equipment.Visiting existing poultry farms will give you an idea of the equipment you will need for your own farm.If you are unsure about what is required for your species, ask the farmers in your area.There are different types of feeders.Pan and jar, automatic bell, nipple, and manual drinkers are some of the waterer types.The temperature can be regulated by charcoal, kerosene, gas, infra-red, and reflectors.
Step 10: You can buy birds for your farm.
It is a good idea to start with a smaller stock number.If you want to gain more experience and profit, start with no more than 500 birds.It is recommended for beginners to purchase a day old chick instead of an older one.
Step 11: If you have over 500 birds, hire labour.
It is easy to start poultry farming with 200 to 500 birds.Extra help will be beneficial once you reach over 500 birds.You can advertise for poultry farm workers by word of mouth.If you want to let local high schools and colleges know that you are looking for employees, you can advertise in a local paper or on a website.The birds will receive optimal care if you have more employees on your farm.
Step 12: Purchase food for your birds.
Feed will be your largest expense once your initial construction and starting costs are out of the way.You can either buy the ingredients and make your own feed, or you can buy pre-made poultry feed from other farmers.70% of your expenses will be for feed.Depending on the species that you farm, there are many different types of feed.
Step 13: Every day, give birds access to food and water.
Fresh drinking water and at least one feed per day is what poultry will need.New birds should be able to find the food and water in the flock.Don't allow food or water to build up in the poultry house.Remove it and replace it.Don't make sudden changes to the amount of feed your birds get.Make changes slowly and ask the vet for advice.
Step 14: It's a good idea to check your flock for sick, injured, or dead birds regularly.
Immediately remove dead birds.Remove sick or injured birds from the flock to prevent the spread of disease.
Step 15: Get your vet to check you out on a regular basis.
Veterinarian checks are necessary to maintain the health of your flock.They will provide you with medicine to help you keep your flock healthy and prevent disease.Chickens, turkeys, or ducks are some of the different species of poultry that poultry veterinarians specialize in.
Step 16: The poultry house needs to be cleaned at least every spring.
Remove all of the birds from the house and either blow the dust off the floor or sweep it.Remove all of this litter with a wet-dry vacuum and then apply a low pressure sprayer.The building should be washed with a detergent and warm water.Air-dry the building after rinsing away all of the detergent.Put the birds in cages or an enclosure while you are cleaning.
Step 17: After every cleaning, make sure the poultry house is free of harmful organisms.
Disinfectants can be purchased from farm supply stores.Disinfectants can be sprayed using aerosols or a garden sprayer.Follow the safety and manufacturer's instructions for the correct application of disinfectants.
Step 18: There are sale-yards and processing plants where you can take your birds.
Put the birds in cages or crates that are suitable for transportation.The guidelines for travel crates and cages for chickens are 20 cm wide, 30 cm deep, and 25 cm tall.Birds that are sick or stressed are not good for travel.The crates need to be upright, well-ventilated, and have enough room for the birds to stand.Without food or water, poultry can't survive for more than 8 hours.You can check on the birds throughout the journey.
Step 19: Sell your poultry farm to make more money.
You can sell your products at a farmers market.Look for gaps in the market to connect with people.If free-range, organic eggs are hard to come by in your area, it could be a good opportunity for you.The more successful your farm is, the better your marketing is.Advertising can be done through signs, billboards, flyers, vehicle signage, notices up in your community, or adverts in a local paper.
Step 20: All aspects of your poultry farm should be kept detailed.
You will need to keep production/technical records.Wages for employees, building maintenance, equipment, feed, medicines, batches, and chick turn out and disposal must be included.All quantities, rates, units, invoices, and receipts need to be recorded where applicable.An accountant can help you with your financial records.