Catalana chicken farming business was very common and popular after it’s development. But today the breed is pretty rare. Commercial production can save this breed and you can also make good profit from this business.
The Catalana chicken is actually a dual purpose breed of domestic chicken and valued for both meat and eggs production.
The Catalana chicken breed was developed in the district of Catalonia (near Barcelona), Spain. And it takes it’s name from Catalonia and the breed is also known by many other names such as El Prat, Buff Catalana, Catalana del Prat Leonada, or just Prat.
The breed is thought to have been developed over a long period of time using the Castillian chickens with Asian stock during the second half of the nineteenth Century.
The Catalana chickens gained popularity in Argentina and some other Latin American countries after it’s development. But their popularity is limited to the southern countries because they are not cold hardy birds.
However, as a dual-purpose breed commercial Catalana chicken farming for both meat and eggs production can be profitable. You can start the business if you can arrange this breed, and also if you live somewhere with warm climates.
How to Start Catalana Chicken Farming Business
Like many other Mediterranean poultry breeds, the Catalana chickens are also very strong and hardy birds. So starting commercial Catalana chicken farming business will be easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Catalana 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 Catalana 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. On the other hand, the day old chicks are much cheaper. So you can start with day old chicks.
You can purchase the birds from any of your nearest poultry chick suppliers or any existing farms. Just ensure that the chicks are very hardy and active. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure housing system is important for Catalana chicken farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy and productive, but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions.
So making a good house for your birds is very important. You can build the house either with easily available materials or the house can be of full concrete setup. It actually depends on your budget.
Install good ventilation system while making the house. And ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house.
Try to build the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. As a heavy breed, a mature Catalana chicken will require around or up to 5 square feet housing space.
Feeding
Feeding your birds with good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Catalana chicken farming business. Because good and nutritious food not only helps the birds to grow well but also helps them to stay healthy and free from health problems.
So always try to feed your chickens with good quality and nutritious food. You can feed them either ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the food is healthy and nutritious for your birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Catalana chickens are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in the flock. Generally one mature rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Catalana chickens are strong, hardy and active birds. And they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better and produce more. So try to take good care of them.
Monitor your bird’s health 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 always try to 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. You will probably be able to easily sell your products in your local market. Although you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common steps for starting and operating a successful Catalana chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
