Minorca chicken farming is pretty popular. It is an old breed of domestic chicken which is raised for many different purposes. It is good and raised for eggs, show and ornamental purposes. The breed is also pretty good for raising as pets.
The Minorca chicken breed was originated from Spain in 1780s and it was named after the island of Minorca. The breed is also known as Red Faced Black or Red Faced Black Spanish chicken.
The Minorca chicken is considered as the largest and heaviest of the Mediterranean poultry breeds. It is well known as exhibition birds in many countries around the world. And in some countries, the breed is well known and very popular for eggs production.
Today the Minorca chickens which are available throughout the world were created by the British from indigenous Minorcan birds. Different attempts were made for modifying some of the physical characteristics of this breed (including the position of neck, body size and the size of the combs and earlobes).
Many color varieties of the Minorca chickens are available. But the black variety is most common and popular. There is also a bantam version of this breed available.
However, as a multi-purpose breed the Minorca chickens are very good for raising as show birds, ornamental birds and as pets. And obviously the breed is very good for eggs production. So, commercial Minorca chicken farming can be profitable if you plan for eggs production.
How to Start Minorca Chicken Farming
Starting commercial Minorca chicken farming is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. The Minorca chickens are pretty strong and hardy birds and they will require relatively less caring and other management.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Minorca chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Chickens
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, disease free and healthy birds for starting Minorca chicken farming business. Today the Minorca chickens are available in many countries around the world. So you will probably be able to easily find these birds.
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 price. But the day old chicks are much cheaper.
Purchase the chicks from any existing farms or poultry breeding centers. You can also search your local online classified websites. Ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner in this business.
Housing
Building a good house is important for Minorca chicken farming business. Because a good house not only keeps the birds healthy, but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions. So, try to make a good, comfortable and secure house for your chickens.
You can use either easily available materials such as bamboo or wood for building the house or the house can be of full concrete setup. It actually depends on your budget.
Install good ventilation system inside the house and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. On average, a mature Minorca chicken will require around or up to 5 square feet housing space.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Minorca chicken farming business. Good food not only helps the birds to grow better, but also helps them to stay healthy and free from diseases. So always try to feed your chickens with good and nutritious food.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial layer poultry feeds or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the food is nutritious and healthy for your birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always provide them with enough fresh and clean drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Minorca chickens are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce 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 Minorca chickens are strong, hardy and active birds. And 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 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 chicken products have very good demand and value in the market throughout the world.
So you will be able to easily sell the eggs in your local market. And determine the demand for show and ornamental birds in your area before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Minorca chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
