New Hampshire chicken farming is popular for both meat and eggs production. Because it is an excellent dual purpose breed of domestic chicken which is valued for both meat and eggs production and is very popular among the poultry keepers.
The New Hampshire chicken breed was originated from the New Hampshire state in the United States and it is also known as New Hampshire Red chicken. It is not a pure breed, and was actually developed from the Rhode Island Red chicken breed.
The breed was developed around 1915 in New Hampshire, initially as a commercial breed for meat production. But today they are now so different that they are their own breed. They produce more meat and fewer eggs as compared to the Rhode Island Red chickens.
The New Hampshire chicken breed was first standardized by the American Poultry Association (APA) in 1935. After the development of this breed, it was very popular in the United States, and later it became popular in some other countries such as United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands etc.
However, the New Hampshire chickens are very good for meat production and they produce large brown colored eggs. So, they are good dual-purpose birds and are good for commercial production purpose.
How to Start New Hampshire Chicken Farming
Starting New Hampshire chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. The New Hampshire chickens are very strong and hardy birds. So raising them commercially will relatively be easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful New Hampshire chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Chickens
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy and disease free birds for starting New Hampshire chicken farming business. You can purchase either mature birds or day old chicks for starting your business.
Search your local chicken breeding centers or any existing farms for purchasing this breed. Ask for help from an expert while choosing purchasing birds, if you are a beginner. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good and comfortable housing system is important for New Hampshire 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.
So, try to make a good, comfortable and secure house for your birds. Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of enough fresh air and light inside the house. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house.
The New Hampshire chickens can be raised in both confined and free range system. For confined system, each mature bird will require around 5 square feet housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of New Hampshire chicken farming business. Because good food helps the birds to stay healthy and grow better.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the food is nutritious and healthy for the birds. You can ask for help from an expert for better recommendation.
Allowing your chickens to roam freely will reduce feeding costs and it will also improve the quality of the products. And always try to provide your chickens with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the New Hampshire chickens are also very good breeders. And they will breed easily and produce fertile eggs if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in your flock. Generally one mature rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The New Hampshire chickens are calm, docile and curious in nature. They are also very strong and hardy birds. So they will require relatively less caring. Although, taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better and stay healthy.
Monitor your chickens for any signs of diseases or illness in a regular basis. And take necessary steps if you notice anything wrong. Vaccinate your birds timely, and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Chicken products have very good demand and value in the market. So, you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products. You will probably be able to easily sell your products in your local market or any nearest town. But it will be better if you set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful New Hampshire chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
