Braekel chicken farming is a common and old practice. Because it is one of the oldest European chicken breeds. It is a dual purpose breed and raised for both meat and eggs production purpose.
The Braekel chickens were originated from the Brakel region of Belgium. And the breed is also known by some other names such as Brakel, Everyday Layer, Nuns Hen, Farmyard Hen and The Grey Neck.
The Braekel was a very popular chicken breed and was available on every smallholding, around hundred years ago in it’s native area. During that time, the breed was raised mainly as a dual-purpose chicken breed.
Braekel chickens were admired and kept by the people because they provided a good table bird (the meat having a slight game flavor) and laid well.
Total population of the Braekel chicken breed is relatively less as compared to other common chicken breeds. Actually it is still a pretty rare breed. Hard times during and after the Second World War caused serious decline in the number of viable flocks, the breed was pushed to it’s limits of near extinction.
However, as it is a good dual-purpose breed, so starting commercial Braekel chicken farming will be a good and profitable business. And at the same time you can help this breed for increasing their total population.
How to Start Braekel Chicken Farming Business
Starting Braekel chicken farming is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. The Braekel chickens are strong and hardy birds, so you will be able to raise them easily.
You can easily raise them even if you are a beginner. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Braekel 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 Braekel chicken farming business. For commercial production, you can purchase day old chicks.
Because the day old chicks are much cheaper, but the mature birds are generally sold at a very high prices in the market.
So we recommend starting with day old chicks. You can purchase the chicks from any of your local poultry suppliers, chicken breeding centers or existing Braekel chicken farms. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Make a good, comfortable and secure shelter/housing system for your birds. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to stay free from predators and adverse weather conditions.
You can make the house either with easily available and low cost materials (such as wood, bamboo, straw etc.) or the house can be of full concrete setup. It actually depends on your budget.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. Good ventilation system is a must, because it helps to reduce gas from inside the house. And your birds remain healthy.
Try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. The Braekel chickens are classed as a large breed. So a mature bird will require around 5 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Braekel chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to grow better, but also helps them to stay healthy and free from health problems. So always provide your birds with enough good food.
You can feed your birds either with commercial poultry feeds or you can prepare the feed of your own. Just ensure that the food is good, nutritious and healthy for your birds.
The Braekel chickens do very well in confinement, but they will produce better quality products if you allow them to roam freely in the pasture. And it will also help you to reduce the feeding costs.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated or polluted feeds. And always provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Braekel chickens are also very good breeders. Your hens will produce fertile 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 Braekel chickens are active, hardy and very strong birds. So they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better and stay healthy.
Monitor your birds regularly for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps if you notice anything wrong. Vaccinate your birds timely, and keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products (both meat and eggs) is not a problem. Because chicken products 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 Braekel chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
