Modern Game chicken farming is popular in many countries throughout the world, especially in it’s native area. It is not raised for it’s utility traits, rather it is raised for exhibition or ornamental purpose.
The Modern Game chicken was developed mainly for exhibition purpose. And today the breed is kept mainly for ornamental or exhibition purposes. They were developed in Great Britain from breeding the Malay chicken and Old English Game chickens during the 1850s.
The Modern Game chickens are striking birds and they were bred as a sleeker version of the gamecock which was used for fighting. The Modern Game chickens were not bred for fighting, despite being classified as a game chicken.
The Modern Game chickens reached their high popularity in the early 1900s and then were selling at high price. But throughout the late part of the 19th Century, they declined in popularity.
Although they have increased in demand and popularity lately, especially the bantam variety. Today, there are many color varieties of the Modern Game chicken available and a bantam version is also available. And the breed was included in the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1874.
However, the Modern Game chickens are very strong and hardy birds. And commercial Modern Game chicken farming will be a profitable business if you can easily market game or ornamental birds in your area.
How to Start Modern Game Chicken Farming
Starting Modern Game chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. The Modern Game chickens are very strong and hardy birds and they generally require less caring and other management.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Modern Game 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 commercial Modern Game chicken farming business. Healthy birds are the key to successful business.
You can either purchase 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 price 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 Modern Game chicken farms. Just ensure that the chicks are healthy, alert and active. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure housing system is a must for Modern Game 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 while building the house. Good ventilation system helps to remove harmful gases from inside the house and keeps your birds healthy.
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 low cost and easily available materials. Just ensure that the house is safe and comfortable for the birds.
Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. The Modern Game chickens are classed as a large breed. And as they are ornamental birds, so arranging up to 8 square feet of housing space per bird will be good.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Modern Game chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow well and produce more. So always try to feed your birds with very good quality and nutritious food.
You can feed your birds either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the food is healthy and nutritious for the birds. You can ask for help from an expert if you are new in this business.
Never feed your birds with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
The Modern Game chickens are very good for raising in free range system. And raising them in free range system 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 Modern Game chickens are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce enough 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 Modern Game chickens are very strong and hardy birds, as compared to many other domestic chickens. So they will require relatively less caring and other management. Although taking additional care will help the birds to grow well and produce more.
Monitor their health on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps as soon as possible if you notice anything uncommon. Vaccinate your birds timely and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products such as meat and eggs, is not a problem. Because both meat and eggs of chickens have very good demand and value in the market. But marketing game or ornamental chickens can be different. So you should determine the marketing strategies before starting Modern Game chicken farming business.
These are the common steps and ways for Modern Game chicken farming business. The Modern Game chickens are very strong and hardy, and raising them is very easy. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!