Ancona chicken farming is pretty popular, because it is a good egg laying breed of domestic chickens. It is extremely hardy and prolific and very good for commercial production. Today the breed is available throughout the world.
The Ancona chicken is actually a Mediterranean poultry breed which originated near the city of Ancona, Italy. It was developed from a mixture of early Leghorns and other breeds. And the breed has got it’s extreme hardiness and prolificacy from it’s mixed ancestry.
Some people also call the Ancona chicken as ‘Black Leghorns’, mainly because of their black feathering. They are about the same size or a little heavier than the Leghorn chickens.
Once (after development) the Ancona chicken breed was very popular and was one of the prime egg producing chicken breed in Europe. The breed is still popular in the United States and Britain. But today it is uncommon in it’s native area, Italy.
There are actually two varieties of Ancona chicken available namely the single comb variety and the rose comb variety. Both varieties are excellent egg layers. And there is also a bantam variety of this breed available.
However, as these birds are excellent eggs producer so starting commercial Ancona chicken farming business will be profitable. On average, a hen generally lay around or up to 220 eggs per year.
How to Start Ancona Chicken Farming Business
Starting Ancona chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. The Ancona chickens are extremely hardy and active and they generally require less caring and other management.
So 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 Ancona chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Chickens
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, disease free and healthy birds for starting Ancona chicken farming business. The Ancona chickens are very common and popular throughout the world. So you will probably be able to easily purchase these birds.
You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the price and availability in your area. Generally the mature birds are sold at a very high price. On the other hand, the day old chicks are much cheaper.
We recommend starting with day old chicks. This will save you money and you can look after the chicks from the beginning.
You can purchase the chicks from any of your nearest chicken breeding centers or any existing farms. You can also search your local online classified websites for purchasing Ancona chickens.
Housing
Making a good and comfortable house is very important for Ancona chicken farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to stay safe from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions. So try to build a good, comfortable and safe housing system for your chickens.
You can build the house either with easily available materials such as bamboo and wood or the house can be of full concrete setup. Actually the type of the house depends on your budget.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. Because good ventilation system helps to reduce gas from inside the house and as a result your birds remain healthy.
Build the house in such a way so that you can easily clean it. As a medium sized breed, a mature Ancona chicken will require around 5 square feet housing space.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Ancona chicken farming business. Because good and nutritious food not only helps the birds to grow better but also helps them to stay healthy.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial layer poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds are nutritious enough for your birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Ancona chickens are also 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 rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Ancona chickens are extremely strong and hardy birds. And they generally require less caring and other management, as compared to many other chicken breeds. Although taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better.
Monitor their health on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps if you notice anything uncommon. Vaccinate your chickens timely and always keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because chicken products have very good demand and value in the market throughout the world. SO you will be able to easily sell the eggs in your local market or any nearest town.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Ancona chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
