Red Shaver chicken farming is pretty popular in it’s native area. And today the breed is also available in some other countries. It is actually a dual purpose breed of domestic chicken which is raised and valued for both meat and eggs production purpose.
The Red Shaver chicken breed was developed in Canada. Actually, Canada doesn’t have much chicken breeds, unlike it’s neighbor. Canada has only two chicken breed. One is Red Shaver chicken and another breed is Chantecler chicken.
The Red Shaver chicken breed was developed mainly for home or small farms rather than commercial use. And today it is raised as a good dual purpose breed which is good for both meat and eggs production.
However, as it is a good dual purpose breed, so starting commercial Red Shaver chicken farming business can be profitable if you can manage everything perfectly.
How to Start Red Shaver Chicken Farming
Starting Red Shaver chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. The Red Shaver chickens are very strong and hardy birds. So starting commercial Red Shaver chicken farming business will be relatively easy.
You can start this business even if you are a beginner. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Red Shaver 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 your Red Shaver chicken farming business. Because good and healthy birds are the key to successful chicken farming business.
You can purchase either mature birds or day old chicks depending on the price and availability in your area. The mature Red Shaver chickens are generally sold at a very high prices in the market, but the day old chicks are much cheaper. So we recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase the birds either from any of your local poultry chick suppliers, chicken breeding centers or any existing Red Shaver chicken farms. Just ensure that the chicks are healthy and disease free. You can also consider searching your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure housing system is very important for Red Shaver 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 house for your birds.
The type of the house can be any depending on your budget. It can be of full concrete setup, or you can build the house with easily available and low cost materials such as bamboo or wood. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable enough for the birds.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. Good ventilation system helps to remove gas from inside the house, and thus keeps your birds healthy.
The Red Shaver chickens are classed as a heavy breed. And each mature bird will require around or up to 5 square feet of housing space. But they will require more space if you allow them to roam freely.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Red Shaver chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to grow better, but also helps them to stay healthy and produce more.
You can feed your chickens either with commercial poultry feeds or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the food is good and nutritious for your chickens. Ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated foods. And always try to provide them with enough fresh and clean drinking water as per their demand.
The Red Shaver chickens are good for raising in both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will help you to reduce feeding costs. And at the same time your birds will produce better quality products.
Breeding
The Red Shaver chickens are naturally very good breeders. Your birds will breed easily and produce fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in your flock.
Generally one mature and healthy rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Red Shaver chickens are naturally strong, hardy and active birds. So they will require relatively less caring and other management. Although taking additional care will help the birds to grow better and stay healthy.
Monitor your birds on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps if you notice anything uncommon. Vaccinate them timely and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because both meat and eggs of chickens have very good demand and value in the market throughout the world.
So you will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local market. Although you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Red Shaver chicken farming business. It’s very easy and simple to raise the Red Shaver chickens. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
