Plymouth Rock chicken farming is very popular among the poultry keepers. Because it is a very good and highly productive dual purpose chicken breed which is raised for both meat and eggs production.
The breed was originated in the United States and also known by some other names such as Rocks or Barred Rocks. Today the Plymouth Rock chicken is considered as a great breed for small farm or for raising in backyard.
The Plymouth Rock chickens are extremely cold hardy, and they come in a variety of colors. The first Plymouth Rock chicken was barred and other varieties were developed later. Later, most of other varieties of this breed were developed from crosses containing some of the same ancestral background as the barred variety.
Name of the Plymouth Rock implied a barred bird, early in the development of this breed. But as more varieties were developed, it become the designation for the breed.
The breed was developed in the middle of the 19th Century in New England and was first exhibited as a breed in 1849. It is an outstanding farm chicken breed which is much popular for their hardiness, docility and excellent production of both meat and eggs. But the main reason of it’s popularity is it’s qualities.
The Barred Plymouth Rock chicken was one of the foundation breeds for the broiler industry during the 1920s. The breed is also raised for genetic hackle used extensively as a material in artificial fly construction.
Today, the breed is very popular in the United States, and also in some other countries. Most of the poultry keepers raise the Plymouth Rock chicken as a dual purpose breed. And they are valued for both of their meat and eggs production ability.
However, as it is a dual purpose breed so starting commercial Plymouth Rock chicken farming will be a profitable business. Because the breed is good for both meat and eggs production.
How to Start Plymouth Rock Chicken Farming
The Plymouth Rock chickens are very strong and hardy birds. They generally require relatively less caring and other management. So starting a commercial Plymouth Rock chicken farming business is relatively easy and simple.
You will be able to raise these birds easily even if you are a beginner. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Plymouth Rock chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Birds
First of all, you have to purchase good quality, healthy and disease free birds for starting Plymouth Rock chicken farming business. Today the Plymouth Rock chickens are available in many countries. So you will probably be able to purchase the birds easily.
You can start your farm either with day old chicks or with mature birds. You will need to take extra care of the chicks if you start with day old chicks. But this will save you a lot of money, because the mature birds are generally sold at very high prices.
Purchase the birds from any of your nearest Plymouth Rock chicken breeding centers or existing farms. Ask for help from an expert while purchasing the birds, if you are a beginner. You can also search your local online classified websites for purchasing chickens.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and safe house is important for Plymouth Rock chicken farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house.
The Plymouth Rock chickens can be raised in both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will ensure very good quality products (meat and eggs).
The Plymouth Rock chickens are classed as a heavy breed. And f you raise them in confined system, then each bird with require around or up to 5 square feet housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Plymouth Rock chicken farming business. So, always try to feed your chickens with enough fresh, good quality and nutritious food.
For commercial production, you can feed your chickens with ready-made or commercial poultry feeds. Or you can also prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that it is nutritious and of very good quality.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated or polluted feeds. And you can occasionally provide them with greens, vegetables, fruits or kitchen wastes. And always provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Plymouth Rock chickens are also very good breeders. So, you don’t have to worry much about their breeding if you want to produce fertile eggs.
Just keeping a good ratio of hens and roosters will ensure production of fertile eggs. Generally one mature rooster is enough for successfully breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Plymouth Rock chickens are very strong and hardy birds (especially, they are extremely cold hardy). So they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional care will help them to stay healthy and grow better.
So try to take good care of your birds. Check for any signs of injury or illness daily and take necessary steps if you notice anything uncommon. Vaccinate them timely and always keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Both hens and roosters are generally calm in nature and they will live happily with people and other animals around them. They are docile and friendly and generally do very well, even when confined. But they will be much happier if they can roam freely on pasture or in a garden. The hens seldom go broody and are pretty good mothers.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because chicken products have very good demand and value throughout the world. So you will probably be able to easily sell your products in your local or any nearest market. Although, you should set your own marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Plymouth Rock chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
