Buckeye chicken farming is common and popular, especially in the western world. It is a fantastic dual purpose breed of domestic chicken which is raised and valued for both meat and eggs production purpose.
The Buckeye chicken breed was originated from Ohio, United States. It was developed by Mrs. Nettie Metcalf and named from Ohio’s nickname of ‘Buckeye State’. And this is the only chicken breed known to have been developed by a woman.
The Buckeye chicken is also the only one in the American class to have a pea comb. Mrs. Nettie Metcalf first bred and developed the Buckeye chicken breed in Warren, Ohio in the year of 1896.
She actually crossbred Barred Plymouth Rocks, Buff Cochins, and some black breasted red games for producing this breed. Her main goal was to develop a functional cold hardy breed that could produce well in the bitter midwest winters, and she was eminently successful.
The breed was admitted to the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in the year of 1904. And there is also a bantam variety of this chicken breed available.
However, as this is a dual purpose breed of domestic chicken, so starting commercial Buckeye chicken farming can be a profitable business. And the breed is suitable for both meat and eggs production purpose.
How to Start Buckeye Chicken Farming Business
The Buckeye chickens are relatively strong, hardy and active birds. They generally require less caring and other management. So starting a commercial Buckeye chicken farming business will be easy.
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 Buckeye 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 Buckeye chicken farming business. You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds for starting Buckeye chicken farming business.
We recommend starting with day old chicks. Because the mature birds are generally sold at a very high price in the market, but the day old chicks are much cheaper.
Purchase the chicks from any of your nearest chicken breeding center, poultry chick suppliers or any existing farms. You can also consider searching your local online classified websites.
Housing
Arranging a very good, comfortable and secure housing system is a must for Buckeye 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 make the house with easily available and low cost materials such as bamboo, wood, straw etc.
Install good ventilation system inside the house while building. Because good ventilation system helps to reduce the gas from inside the house, and keeps your birds healthy.
Also ensure flow of enough fresh air and light inside the house. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house.
The Buckeye chickens are classed as a heavy breed. So, a mature bird will require around or up to 7 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Buckeye chicken farming business. Good food not only helps the birds to grow better but also helps them to stay healthy and produce more. So always try to feed your chickens with very good quality food.
You can feed your chickens either with commercial poultry feeds or 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 your chickens with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Buckeye chickens are also very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs 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 Buckeye chickens are relatively strong, hardy and active birds. So they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional care will help the birds to grow better and produce more.
Monitor your birds on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps if you notice anything uncommon. Vaccinate your birds timely and keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because both meat and eggs of chicken have very good demand and value in the market. So you will be able to easily sell your products in the local market.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Buckeye chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
