Choosing the right chicken breed is the foremost guarantee for the success of your poultry business.
Depending upon what you wish – more eggs, friendly chickens, tasty meat, or simply a fancy bird in your backyard, the choices are plenty.
It might get confusing at times to choose the right breed for your poultry business.
Nonetheless, this article should help you with your decision.
Keep reading to know more.
Climatic Conditions
The first thing to consider should be the climate where you’re living. It is noteworthy that not all chickens can survive in all sorts of climates.
For example, breeds like Andalusians, Leghorns, Penedesencas, etc., are great for hot and humid climates. In contrast, Australorps, Barred Rocks, Sussex, and Cochins are great for colder climates.
So, before you choose any breed, confirm if the species can survive in the climate where you live. Or in case you can provide for the right climate conditions using air conditioners or climate controllers, you should consider the cost of such a project too.
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Feed
Speaking of costs, one of the recurring expenses for breeding poultry birds is their feed.
Ideally, all breeds need calcium-rich feeds. The reason being, calcium helps with high-quality egg brooding and also keeps up their immunity.
But, the calcium content would also depend upon the age of your chickens. For example, you can feed high-calcium snacks for chickens if you have a mixed flock. On the other hand, if you have young chicks mostly, you should consider slightly lower calcium content feed.
Egg Brooding
Another thing to consider when choosing the right breed for your poultry is egg production. Generally speaking, the size, colour, and brooding frequency all need to be considered.
For example, if you’re looking for a higher egg yield, you can go for Australorp, Barred Rock, Leghorn, and Sussex.
Also, it is noteworthy that no hen would lay eggs every day. So, you need to breed a sustainable size to fulfil your family’s daily egg needs and your business.
Bird Temperament
Lastly, temperament is one of the most crucial things to consider when choosing the right breed for your poultry farm.
Not all poultry birds are calm and cuddly. Some are aggressive too.
Consider choosing a docile and calm breed if you have children at your home. Likewise, if you wish for a species that doesn’t peck you every time you are about to collect the eggs, go for Cochins, Faverolles, and Silkies. These breeds are famous for their docile and friendly temperament.
BONUS – Fancy Poultry Coop
For most poultry, birds are a source of business. However, for some, these birds are family pets too.
If you belong to the latter category of petters, you can actually go for a mixed coop. This way, you’d get to enjoy the company of different breeds and get to know more about them.
On this note, we wish you good luck in your choice of breed. We hope that this article has helped you gain much-needed insights into poultry birds and chicken breeds.
Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
