Leghorn chicken farming is very common throughout the world. Because it is the most popular breed of chicken which is raised for both commercial and small scale production purpose. It is actually a laying breed and raised mainly for eggs production purpose.
The Leghorn chicken is actually a Mediterranean chicken breed originating in rural Tuscany, in central Italy. Initially (after development) the breed was known as ‘Italians’, and it was called as ‘Leghorn’ by 1865,
There are many color varieties of the Leghorn chickens are available (10 color varieties are recognized in Italy). But the white variety is most popular and other varieties are less common.
Today, white Leghorn chicken farming is very common and popular throughout the world. And they are raised commercially for eggs production in many countries.
The Leghorn chickens are prolific layers. So starting a commercial Leghorn chicken farming business will be profitable if you can manage everything perfectly.
How to Start Leghorn Chicken Farming
The Leghorn chickens are very strong and hardy birds. They can survive in almost all climates and they generally require less caring and other management. So starting, commercial Leghorn chicken farming business is relatively easy.
It’s just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Leghorn 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 Leghorn chicken farming business. The Leghorn chickens are very common and popular, so you will probably be able to easily purchase the birds.
Contact the poultry suppliers in your area (from where your local farmers used to purchase chicks) and ask them whether Leghorn chicken breed is available or not. If not, ask them whether they can arrange this breed for you.
You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the price and availability in your area. Purchasing day old chicks will save you a lot of money, but the mature birds are much expensive.
Ask for help from an expert in your area, if you are a beginner in poultry farming business. You can also search your local online classified websites for purchasing Leghorn chickens.
Housing
A good and secure housing not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions. So, always try to make a good, comfortable and safe house for your 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 house can be made of low cost and easily available wood and bamboo or full concrete setup depending on your budget. Just ensure that the house is comfortable and secure for your birds.
As a medium to large sized breed, a mature Leghorn chicken will generally require around 5 square feet of housing space. Read more information about layer poultry housing system.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Leghorn chicken farming business. Because good and nutritious 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 very good quality food.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial layer poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure the feed is nutritious and healthy for the birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds and always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Leghorn chickens are excellent breeders. And they will produce enough fertile eggs 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 hens.
Caring
The Leghorn chickens are generally very strong and hardy birds, and they require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better and stay healthy.
Inspect their health on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness, and take necessary steps as soon as possible 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 chickens 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 be able to easily sell your products in the local market.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Leghorn chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
