Commercial Lakenvelder chicken farming is popular for eggs production. It is a medium size egg layer and it is a very old breed. Today the breed is available in many countries and many farmers are raising them commercially for eggs production.
The Lakenvelder chickens are thought to have originated from the Nordrhein-Westfalen area of Germany. And they are thought to be named after the town of Lakenvelt.
The Lakenvelder chicken breed was first recorded in 1727. The name Lakenvelder means white spread over and black field. And these chickens are also known as ‘Shadow on a Sheet’.
And the black-and-white pattern of the Lakenvelder chicken is similar to the coloring of the Lakenvelder cattle and goats, which originated in the same area.
However, the Lakenvelder chickens are good egg layers. And commercial Lakenvelder chicken farming can be a good business if you can manage everything perfectly.
How to Start Lakenvelder Chicken Farming
Starting Lakenvelder chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. The Lakenvelder chickens are pretty strong and hardy birds. So you will be able to raise them easily, even if you are a beginner.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Lakenvelder 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 Lakenvelder chicken farming business. You can ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner.
You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on your budget and availability in your area. The mature birds are generally sold at a very high price, while the day old chicks are much cheaper.
We recommend purchasing day old chicks from any existing chicken breeding centers or existing farms in your area. You can also search your local online classified websites for searching this breed.
Housing
Building a good, comfortable and secure housing system is very important for Lakenvelder 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 try to make a comfortable and safe house/shelter for your chickens. The house can be made of bamboo and wood or it can be of full concrete setup. It actually depends on your budget.
Install good ventilation system inside the house. Because good ventilation system helps to remove gas from the house and thus your birds will remain healthy. Also ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house.
Try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house on a regular basis. As a medium sized breed, a mature Lakenvelder chicken 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 Lakenvelder chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to grow better, but also helps them to stay healthy and free from health problems. So always try to feed your chickens with nutritious food.
You can feed your chickens either with commercial poultry feeds or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that it is good and nutritious for the chickens.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Lakenvelder chickens are also naturally 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 or up to 10 mature hens.
Caring
The Lakenvelder chickens are naturally very strong and hardy birds and they can tolerate almost all climates. So, they will require relatively less caring and other management. Although taking additional care will help the birds to grow better 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 chickens and 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. So you will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local 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 Lakenvelder chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
