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You are thinking about going into poultry farming, but you are not sure if would be profitable for you, and should you do it. Well, don’t worry, because in this article we will tell you everything you need to know about how profitable the poultry farming business really is.
Poultry farming can be a very good and profitable business if you put your efforts and principles into action.
Continue reading our article because we will explain how profitable poultry farming really is, and how much money you can earn from it.
If you would like to know how to start poultry farming, go read our article which will tell you everything you need to know about it.
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What is Poultry Farming?
Poultry farming is the raising of birds mainly for meat and eggs, but also feathers. Chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese are the primary type of poultry birds. In some places, guinea fowls and squabs attract local interest.
Chickens are the most farmed poultry birds. According to Compassion in World Farming – Poultry, there are more chickens in the world than any other bird. More than 50 billion chickens are reared every year as a source of food, for their eggs and meat.
Chicken specifically raised for meat are known as broilers whereas those raised for eggs are known as layers.
Is a Poultry Farm Profitable?
Like any business, poultry farming is as profitable as the efforts and principles put into play. It will take you more than a few hundred birds, some quality food, and shelter to start a poultry farm. If you are seeking entrepreneurship, a poultry farm will give you that and more. Building a poultry farm from scratch will prove a safe and profitable investment in the long run.
Over time, the tastes towards meat-based sources of proteins have shifted from beef to chicken. The notion is that chicken meat is healthier and more affordable. Poultry production is considered one of the most profitable sectors of the American economy.
Even with the tremendous increase in poultry products and the resulting increase in poultry farms, there still is plenty of room for business. It is expected that the global demand for chickens and different poultry products will continue to increase in the coming decades.
Poultry farms are profitable because almost everything is of value and can be utilized. The meat and eggs are both for consumption. Feathers are valued elements in the manufacture of pillows and decorations.
Poultry farms are relatively easy to build and maintain. Unlike animals such as cattle and sheep, poultry birds require less space to grow. They are also easier to take care of. Your food demand in the poultry farm is less demanding. The birds eat almost anything from leftovers to vegetables.
Starting your poultry farm could be a highly profitable venture. Provided you uphold the market’s demand policies and are diligently dedicated to the business.
How Many Chickens Do You Need to Make a Profit?
To kick start your venture, 200 – 300 poultry birds will do you good. As a newbie, this micro-farm has the potential to grow dependent on how much effort you will channel into the business. The fastest and easiest way to start making a profit is by raising chicken for eggs.
With 300 birds laying eggs, you should expect a net income of 2,000 dollars every month. It is inclusive of the additional costs. Costs involved vary from buying the chicken, quality feed, and vet checkups against pests and diseases.
As you test the waters and grow your capacity, there is a limitless room for growth. Working towards specific growth targets for your farm will keep you on your toes. You must work tirelessly to ensure your agribusiness takes off.
Aim for a bigger farm with much more poultry birds. You will be mesmerized by what economies of scale can do in poultry farming!
How Much Money Can You Make Selling Chickens?
Your poultry farm is blooming! You’ve hatched chicks and your business is growing exponentially. You can sell your day old chicks from $5 – $15 each. Purebred birds will get you top dollar.
As your business grows, you will have a steady stream of growing birds. You can sell your pullets. It takes four to six months for your chick to mature. They are ready to lay eggs. They will fetch you $25-$30.
Your roosters have continued to increase and you don’t need to keep all of them. You can sell them alongside the old chicken for meat. You will make the most depending on the birds’ weight multiplied by the price per lbs in your region.
Selling chicks and pullets is an effective way to multiply your profits. It takes lesser time and the returns are high.
What are the Most Profitable Birds to Raise?
1. Chickens
Chickens are by far the most profitable birds to raise. Due to the chicken meat preference, raising chickens will set your business in the right course.
Mass production of chicken meat and eggs started in the early 20th century. By the middle of that century, the demand for meat production outstripped egg production. Chicken meat production has ever since taken the nature of the specialized industry.
We have an article about how to choose and breed chickens for beginners if you are interested in starting with them.
2.Turkey
Turkey is a poultry bird that warrants income flow. By breeding turkey flocks, one tom (an adult male turkey) is an equivalent of 8 to 10 hens.
The modern hybrid turkey is too large for natural breeding. It requires artificial insemination. Depending on the breed, raising a turkey takes 12 – 19 weeks. The amount of feed ranges from 35 to 80 lbs. Raising turkeys on a large scale requires environmentally controlled conditions in rearing houses.
Duck
Duck raising is mainly practiced on a limited scale. You can set it up as a small-farm enterprise. These poultry birds are easily transported. You can raise them in closed confinement. They convert some waste products and scattered grain to nutritious and profitable eggs and meat. Each duck could give you 300 eggs per year.
Goose
Goose raising could bring in profits not only from the eggs and meat but also from the feathers. You could use a special force-feeding process to enlarge your ducks’ livers and sell them as the foie gras delicacy.
Guinea fowl
Guinea fowl meets the market weight of 2 – 3 lbs within 10 – 18 weeks. You could raise these poultry birds as a sideline in your poultry farm. These birds are consumed as gourmet items.
Conclusion
Poultry farming is a good and profitable business. Why not give it a shot?
Start by handling a small number of birds and strive to grow your business capacity.
In the long run, the sweet reward of diligence will be continued growth. From the economies of scale, your income will grow steadily.
