Although less common, some chicken farms handle both meat production and egg-laying. You can choose this option if desired, but it may require twice as much equipment and physical labor.
Meat production farmers can also utilize every part of the chicken when selling their products, including the bones, which has the potential for higher revenue. [2] X Research source
Egg or meat processing: Processing poultry products for taste, quality, and safety Marketing poultry products: Promoting poultry products through advertisements to increase revenue Chicken breeding: Raising and selling chickens for pet owners or other farmers
If you want to start an egg-laying farm, for example, you may want to choose a layer breed like Rhode Island Red, Hamburg, or Sussex chickens. [4] X Research source You can find a list of popular chicken breeds and their specialties at https://chickenbreedslist. com/.
The further you move from your city or town, the cheaper the land will be. If you can’t find land near the city limits, look for land in the countryside where you’ll have plenty of space to farm.
If you choose agriculture or poultry science, add a business minor (or vice-versa) to take classes on marketing, leadership, and other relevant topics. Get your degree online if you don’t have time for a traditional four-year degree.
If you’re running an meat productions farm, for example, you could include your plans for raising and butchering chickens, revenue goals or the first year, and plans for marketing your poultry products in stores. Business plans are useful for attracting investors or business partners down the road.
Bring a business outline, evidence of your credit history, pay stubs, and anything else requested by the bank to your meeting. Start with a loan for the minimum amount of equipment and chickens for your farm. You can always get a larger loan as your business grows.
Brooders Cages Coops Crates Egg trays Feeders Incubator Lighting instruments Nests Perches Waterers or heaters Waste disposal system
Start with a small farm so you don’t have to pay workers until your chicken farm business is successful.
Build the chicken coop or cage at about 3 sq ft (0. 28 m2) per chicken. [11] X Research source Clean the chicken coop or cage regularly to prevent the chickens from spreading diseases.
You can also give chickens corn, halved grapes, or cabbage as a treat, but avoid feeding them these treats more than several times a week as it’s less healthy than chicken feed. [14] X Research source
If you notice that you’re spending too much on chicken feed, for example, shop around with different suppliers to find cheaper feed. You can also hire an accountant or financial advisor to keep your records organized for you.
Creating a logo for your business can also provide visibility for your brand.
Creating a logo for your business can also provide visibility for your brand.
If you need to hire more workers, try to hire those with years of experience in poultry farming for better stability. [17] X Research source
If you’re running a chicken breeding farm, for example, you may want a loan to buy better egg incubators.
