Iowa Blue chicken farming is popular in the areas where this breed is available. It is a great dual purpose breed which is raised and valued for both meat and eggs production purpose. Today the breed is quite rare in it’s native area.
Exact origin of the Iowa Blue chicken is unknown. But the breed was developed in the early 1900s near Decorah, Iowa, United States. And it is the subject of folk legend that is said to have involved the mating of a White Leghorn hen and a pheasant.
Despite the name, the breed is not actually blue according to poultry standards. And the Iowa Blue chicken breed has never been recognized officially by any breed standard.
During the 1960s, several hatcheries around Iowa sold the breed. But the Iowa Blue chicken nearly disappeared after those hatcheries either closed or stopped selling them.
Some dedicated breed enthusiasts have preserved the breed into the 21st Century. And since then they have been trying to distribute the breed to any interested parties in an effort to restore the breed. Total population of this breed has increased and now it is available in many countries around the world.
However, as these birds are good dual purpose birds, so commercial Iowa Blue chicken farming can be a very good business. You can help this breed to increase it’s total population, and at the same time you can earn some good money from this business.
How to Start Iowa Blue Chicken Farming
Starting Iowa Blue chicken farming business is just like starting and operating a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. You can raise these birds even if you are a beginner.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Iowa Blue 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 Iowa Blue 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. On the other hand, the day old chicks are much cheaper. We recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase the chicks from any of your nearest poultry suppliers, chicken breeding centers or existing Iowa Blue chicken farms (if there is any). You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure housing system is very important for Iowa Blue 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 on your budget. It can be of full concrete setup, or can be build with easily available and low cost materials such as wood and bamboo. Whatever the type is, just ensure that the house is comfortable and safe for the birds.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. The Iowa Blue chickens are classed as a heavy breed. So each bird will require around 5 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Iowa Blue chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to grow better, but also helps them to stay healthy and produce more.
You can feed your chickens either with commercial poultry feeds or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds are good, nutritious and healthy for the birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to feed your chicken with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
The Iowa Blue chickens are suitable for raising in both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will help to reduce feeding costs, and at the same time your birds will produce very good quality products.
Breeding
The Iowa Blue chickens are naturally very good breeders, just like many other domestic chicken breeds. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in the flock. Generally one healthy rooster is enough for breeding around 10 hens.
Caring
The Iowa Blue chickens are relatively strong, hardy and active birds. They will generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will help the birds to stay healthy and produce more.
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 both meat and eggs of the chicken have very good demand and value in the market.
So you will probably be able to sell the products easily in the local market. Although you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Iowa Blue chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
