Araucana chicken farming is very popular among the poultry farmers. Colored eggs production is the main reason of such high popularity of these birds. The breed is very beautiful and also good for meat production. It is actually a dual-purpose breed of domestic chicken.
Exact origin of the Araucana chicken is not clear. But many people believe that the Araucana chickens were originated from Chile. Today, it is a pretty rare breed with much controversy and numerous challenges.
The main reason of breeding Araucana chicken is their ability to lay exceptional colored (blue) eggs. It is actually a dual-purpose breed and suitable for both meat and eggs production.
There are many color varieties of Araucana chicken available. Common color varieties are Black, White, Silver Duckwing, Golden Duckwing and Black Breasted Red.
However, as it is a dual-purpose breed, so starting commercial Araucana chicken farming business for both meat and eggs production will be profitable.
How to Start Araucana Chicken Farming
Starting Araucana chicken farming business is just like starting and operating a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. The Araucana chickens are very strong and hardy birds and they generally require less caring and other management.
So starting Araucana chicken farming business commercially will be relatively easy. Even the beginners can also start this business. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Araucana 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 Araucana 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 price in the market. While the day old chicks are much cheaper. We recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase chicks from any of your nearest chicken breeding centers or existing farms. Just ensure that the chicks are of very good quality. You can ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
A good, comfortable and secure housing system is a must for Araucana chicken farming business. A good house not only helps the birds to grow better and stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house.
You can use easily available and low cost materials such as wood and bamboo for building the house, or the house can be of full concrete setup depending on your budget.
Try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. As a heavy breed, a mature Araucana chicken will require around or up to 5 square feet housing space.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Araucana chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to grow better but also helps to stay healthy and stay free from health problems. So always try to feed your chickens with good and nutritious food.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feed of your own. Whichever you prefer, just ensure that the feed is nutritious and healthy for the birds.
You can ask for help from an expert while choosing the feeds for your chickens. Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds the Araucana chickens are 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 rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Araucana chickens are extremely 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 quality products. Inspect your birds on a regular basis for any signs of disease or illness and take necessary steps if you notice anything uncommon.
Vaccinate your chickens timely and keep good contact with a vet in your area. Always provide your birds with nutritious food and enough fresh and clean drinking water.
Marketing
Chicken products have very good demand and value in the market. So you will probably be able to easily sell the products in your 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 Araucana chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
