Andalusian chicken farming is less popular business, because this breed is not widely available throughout the world. It is a very beautiful breed and is one of the oldest of the Mediterranean poultry breeds.
The breed was developed from Spain, and it took it’s name from the Andalusia province. Their blue color actually came from a hybrid cross between the black and white varieties.
To be absolutely certain of getting blue offspring, you need to cross a white cock with a black hen. And that’s it how Andalusian chicken was developed. It is usually referred to as the ‘Blue Andalusian’, and was also known as ‘Blue Minorca’.
The Andalusian chicken is symmetrical and compact with a stately carriage, just like other Mediterranean poultry breeds. There is also a bantam version of this breed available.
However, today the Andalusian chickens are raised for eggs, show and ornamental purposes. You can start commercial Andalusian chicken farming business if you can easily sell show and ornamental birds in your area.
How to Start Andalusian Chicken Farming Business
Starting Andalusian chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. The Andalusian chickens are very strong and active breed, 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 Andalusian 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 from any of your nearest poultry chick suppliers or existing poultry farms. You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the availability and price in your area.
Generally the mature birds become expensive, while the day old chicks are much cheaper. So you can start with the day old chicks. Ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner. You can also search your local online classified websites for purchasing birds.
Housing
Arranging a good housing/shelter facility is very important for Andalusian 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 house type can be any depending on your budget. It can be of full concrete setup or you can build it with easily available and low cost materials such as bamboo and wood. Whatever you use, try to make the house secure, comfortable and good for the birds.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of enough air and light inside the house. And try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean it. A mature Andalusian chicken will require around 5 square feet housing space.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Andalusian chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to grow better and produce more. So, always try to feed your chickens with enough good and nutritious food as per their demand.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial layer poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure it is nutritious and good for the health of your birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide your chickens with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Andalusian chickens are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce enough eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in your flock. Generally one mature rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Andalusian chickens are hardy and very active birds. So they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better and produce more.
Inspect their health 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 chicken products (both meat and eggs) 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. Try to determine whether show and ornamental birds have good demand and value in your area. This will help you to make good profit from this business. You should start with other chicken breeds if you can’t market show and ornamental birds in your area.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Andalusian chicken farming business. You will be able o make good profit from your business if you follow the above mentioned steps. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
