Cubalaya chicken farming is not common like many other domestic chicken breeds. It is an extremely rare breed which is used for many different purposes. It is actually a triple purpose bird and raised for meat, eggs and for ornamental purposes.
The Cubalaya chickens are gorgeous and very popular show birds, because they are very beautiful. They were actually originated from Cuba, where they were kept for meat, eggs and also for ornamental purposes.
In the United States, the Cubalaya chickens are typically kept for exhibition and ornamental purpose. The breed is actually a result of cross breeding between elaborately feathered European game fowls and oriental fowls brought over from the Philippines.
The Cubalaya chicken breed was first shown in the United States at the international Poultry Exhibition in 1939. And at the same year they were included into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection.
However, as the Cubalaya chickens are good dual purpose birds, so starting commercial Cubalaya chicken farming business will be very profitable. You can also sell ornamental birds.
Through commercial Cubalaya chicken farming business you can earn good money and at the same time you can also help these birds to maintain their population.
How to Start Cubalaya Chicken Farming
The Cubalaya chickens are strong, active and hardy birds. So they generally require less caring and other management. And you will be able to easily raise these birds, even if you are a beginner.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Cubalaya 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 Cubalaya chicken farming business. You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the price and availability in your area.
We recommend starting with the day old chicks. Because the mature birds are costly, but the day old chicks are much cheaper. And the day old chicks are also easily available.
You can purchase the chicks from your nearest poultry chick suppliers, chicken breeding centers or any existing Cubalaya chicken farm (if there are any). You can also consider searching your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure shelter or housing system is very important for Cubalaya 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 can be of any type depending your budget. It can be of full concrete setup or the house can be built of low cost and easily available materials such as bamboo, wood etc. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable enough for the birds.
The Cubalaya chickens are classed as a medium sized breed. So, each mature bird will require between 4 and 5 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Cubalaya chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to grow better and produce more. So always try to provide your birds with very good quality food.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds, or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the food is good, nutritious and healthy for the birds.
Never feed the birds with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
The Cubalaya chickens do very well if you allow them to roam freely in the pasture. Doing this will help you to reduce feeding costs, because the birds will consume most of their food from the pasture. And meat and eggs of the free range chickens are also of very good quality.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Cubalaya chickens are also 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 mature rooster is enough for breeding around 10 hens.
Caring
The Cubalaya chickens are very strong, hardy and active birds. They generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will help them to stay healthy and grow better.
Inspect their 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 keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because both meat and eggs of the chickens have very good demand and value in the market. So you will be able to easily sell your products in the local market. But determine the market of ornamental birds in your area if you want to sell your birds for ornamental or show purpose.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Cubalaya chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
