Rhode Island White chicken farming is not as popular as Rhode Island Red chicken farming. But the Rhode Island White chicken is a great dual purpose breed which is valued for both meat and eggs production purpose.
The Rhode Island White chicken breed was originated from the Rhode Island of United States. It is actually the white colored variety of one of the most popular American chicken breed, the Rhode Island Red.
The Rhode Island White chicken breed is not as popular as the Red Variety. But the White variety is extremely useful and productive birds. They are outstanding for both eggs and meat production purpose.
Mr. J. Alonzo Jacoy of Peacedale, Rhode Island developed this breed in the year of 1888. And he made the breed known to the public in the year of 1903, and also offered individuals for sale.
Mr. Jacoy developed the Rhode Island White chicken breed by crossing the White Wyandottes with Partridge Cochins and Rose Comb White Leghorns. Despite their very similar names and shared place of origin, the Rhode Island White chicken is actually a distinctly different breed from the Rhode Island Red chicken.
However, as the Rhode Island White is a dual purpose chicken breed, so starting commercial Rhode Island White chicken farming business for both meat and eggs production will be profitable.
How to Start Rhode Island White Chicken Farming
Starting Rhode Island White chicken farming is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. These birds are relatively strong and hardy. So starting commercial Rhode Island White chicken farming business will be easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Rhode Island White chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing. You can start this business even if you are a beginner.
Purchase Chickens
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy and disease free birds for starting your Rhode Island White chicken farming business. Because purchasing good quality birds is the key to successful Rhode Island White chicken farming business.
You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the price and availability in your area. The mature birds 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 chicks from any of your nearest poultry chick suppliers, chicken breeding centers or any existing Rhode Island White chicken farm. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
You have to make a very good, comfortable and secure housing system for your chickens. 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 you must have to build a very good house for your chickens. 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 and wood.
Install good ventilation system inside the house. Good ventilation system helps to remove gas from inside the house and keeps your birds healthy. And also ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air inside the house.
Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. The Rhode Island White chickens are classed as a heavy breed, and a mature bird will require around or up to 5 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Rhode Island White chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to grow better, but also helps them to stay healthy and produce more. So always try to feed your birds with enough good quality foods.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that it is nutritious and healthy for your chickens.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds, and always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
The Rhode Island White chickens are good for both confined and free range system. Allowing them to roam freely will help you to reduce feeding costs and at the same time it will improve the quality of your products.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Rhode Island White chickens are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in your flock. Generally one healthy rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Rhode Island White chickens are very strong and hardy birds, and they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional care will help the birds to grow better and produce more. So always try to take good care of your birds.
Monitor the 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 the chickens have very good demand and value in the market throughout the world. 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 Rhode Island White chicken farming business. Raising Rhode Island White chickens is very easy, even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!