Poultry farming is a great home business and a lucrative source of income. It can be run with minimal effort by a family with a large enough backyard. Poultry Farming requires only a few hours of time and investment in a day, with largely routine and repetitive chores. It is a great allied income in families where multiple people can pitch in to maintain the coop. It also doesn’t require large capital investment or a big workforce, which are some of the most common challenges faced by entrepreneurs. It is a well-oiled machine that churns good returns with minimal investment. If you’re looking to set up a poultry farming system in your home, here are a few basic requirements to get started:
Chicken Coop
A Chicken coop is your flock home and place of rest. Most importantly, it is where they feel safe to lay eggs, brood and nest. The chicken coop you choose needs to be large enough not just for your current flock with also for the chicks that are soon to hatch. Ensure the coop has ample space for chickens to strut about. Choose a warm and cosy corner for the nesting boxes to ensure a sense of safety. The coop should also be tall enough to factor in a roosting plank for the chickens to sleep on. If you’re wondering, “Where can I get my chicken coop at the best price?”, the answer is simple. Reach out to a reputed manufacturer of chicken coops to get every factor of an efficient chicken coop right. A chicken coop can make or break your poultry farming business. Begin right by choosing the optimal coop for your business.
Chicken Feed
Starting a chicken coop will require you to keep plenty of chicken feed handy. Remember, chickens multiply quickly. So ensure you have ample stock of chicken feed not just for your current flock but also the chicks that will hatch soon. Will fed chickens are well-bred chickens. Keeping a good stock of feed ensures your flock doesn’t go hungry.
Strong Fencing
The last thing you want is rodents and other predators to make their way to your flock. Invest in a sturdy and thorough fencing job that keeps away common territorial threats to your chickens. For added security, consider adding a metal barbed wire to the fence that prevents rodents from biting their way in. Frequently check your fence and wires for any cuts or weak spots. Remember, even a little room is enough for predators to sneak in and wreak havoc on your coop. Keep the vigil up with a strong fence and regular upkeep. Some backyard chicken coop owners even go as far as to set up an electric fence to protect their livestock. Consider this if you have large and strong predators in your area that can surpass a mesh or a fence.
Soil Check
Undergo a thorough soil check in the area you wish to set up the backyard chicken coop. Soil that isn’t tendered can have poisonous worms, seeds and other debris that can cause harm to poultry. A comprehensive soil check will also ensure you identify any snake holes and burrows in the space, which if left unattended can be fatal for chickens. Cleaning the soil is like starting on a fresh slate. Don’t miss this preparation tip in setting up a chicken coop. It is a sure-shot way to avoid many contingencies and risks in the future.
Well begun is half fine. Tick off the above pointers to ensure you begin poultry farming on a strong note.