Nankin chicken farming is very popular, mainly because of it’s smaller size. It is true bantam chicken breed and naturally it has no large counterpart. It is a dual purpose breed and valued for both of it’s meat and eggs production.
The Nankin chicken is one of the oldest bantam chicken breed originating somewhere in Southeast Asia. And the breed has been known in England since at least the 1500s.
The Nankin chicken breed was named for the ancient inland seaport of Nanjing (previously known as Nanking), which is located on the Yangtze River in east-central China.
Once the Nankin chicken breed was very popular in England. And it began it’s decline in numbers during the mid 1800s. The breed was widespread throughout Europe by the 18th Century.
The Nankin chicken breed played a very important role and used for developing numerous bantam chicken breeds. It was used in the development of Sebright chicken breed. The Nankin hens were used to brood pheasant, quail and partridge eggs in England.
The Nankin chicken breed is recognized by the American Bantam Association, and it has been accepted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection as of 2012.
Today, the Nankin chicken breed is a very rare breed. And the status of this bred is considered Critical by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
However, as the Nankin is a true bantam breed and as it is a dual purpose bird, so commercial Nankin chicken farming will be a good and profitable business.
They are smaller sized birds, so they will require less food, care and other management. And at the same time, you will help this breed to recover it’s population.
How to Start Nankin Chicken Farming
The Nankin chickens are smaller in size, but they are relatively strong and hardy birds. So starting commercial Nankin chicken farming business is relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Nankin 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 Nankin chicken farming business. Purchasing good quality chickens is very important, because good quality birds ensure good and maximum production.
You can purchase either day old chicks or mature chickens depending on the price and availability in your area. The mature birds are generally sold at a very high price in the market. On the other hand the day old chicks are much cheaper. So we recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase the chicks from your nearest chicken breeding centers, poultry chick suppliers or any existing Nankin chicken farms. Just ensure that the chicks are strong, active and healthy. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a very good, comfortable and secure housing system is very important for Nankin 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.
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 enough for the birds.
Good ventilation system is a must, because it helps to reduce harmful gases from inside the house and keeps your birds healthy. So install good ventilation system inside the house.
Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. The Nankin chicken is classified as a smaller sized breed. So around 4 square feet of housing space will be good for each bird.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Nankin chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the food is good and nutritious for your chickens.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
The Nankin 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 it will help to produce better quality products.
Breeding
The Nankin chickens are 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 Nankin chickens are generally very strong and hardy birds. So they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better and produce more.
Monitor your bird’s health on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps as soon as possible. Vaccinate them timely and always 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. 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 steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Nankin chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
