Chantecler chicken farming is popular in Canada. It is the first chicken breed developed in Canada. It is a dual purpose breed of domestic chicken which is valued for both meat and eggs production purpose.
Actually a monk from Quebec created the Chantecler chicken breed around the 1900s. Brother Wilfrid Chatelain (the monks of the Cistercian Abbey in Oka, Quebec) and his fellow monks wanted to create a practical chicken breed which is vigorous and of rustic temperament that could resist the harsh climatic conditions of Canada.
Numerous known and popular chicken breeds were used for creating the Chantecler chicken breed. For example the Cornish, White Wyandotte, Leghorns, Rhode Island Red and White Plymouth Rock chickens were used for creating this breed.
The breed comes mainly in white color, but there are also Partridge and Buff varieties exist.
The Chantecler chicken breed first admitted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in the year of 1921. And today the breed is pretty rare, even in Canada.
However, as it is a good dual purpose breed, so starting commercial Chantecler chicken farming can be profitable. Commercial production can help this breed to recover it’s population and at the same time you will make some good profits.
How to Start Chantecler Chicken Farming
The Chantecler chickens are relatively strong and hardy birds. They generally require less caring and other management. So starting commercial Chantecler chicken farming business is easy. It’s just like starting a chicken farming business with any other breeds.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Chantecler 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 Chantecler 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 prices in the market. On the other hand, the day old chicks are much cheaper. So we recommend starting your business with day old chicks.
You can purchase the chicks from any of your local poultry chick suppliers, chicken breeding centers or any existing farm. You can also consider searching your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure housing system is important for Chantecler 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 type of the house can be any depending on your budget. It can be of full concrete setup or can be made of easily available materials such as bamboo, wood etc. Just ensure that the house is safe and comfortable for the birds.
The Chantecler chickens are classed as a heavy breed. So a mature bird will require around 5-6 square feet of housing space. Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Chantecler chicken farming business. Because 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 good food. You can feed them either with commercial poultry feeds, or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds are good and nutritious for your birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water.
The Chantecler chickens are good for raising in both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will help you to reduce feeding costs and at the same time it will improve the quality of your products.
Breeding
The Chantecler chickens are naturally very good breeders, just like many other domestic chicken breeds. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in the flock. Generally one healthy rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Chantecler chickens are relatively strong and hardy birds. They generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring 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 them timely and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Chicken products have very good demand and value in the market throughout the world. So you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products. You will probably be able to sell your products easily in the 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 Chantecler chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
