Commercial Norfolk Grey chicken farming is less popular. That’s why it is a rare breed of domestic chicken. It is actually a dual purpose breed which is valued for both meat and eggs production purpose.
The Norfolk Grey chicken breed was actually originated from the town of Norwich, in Norfolk, England in around 1910. Frederick W Myhill of Hethel created Norfolk Grey chicken as an utility bird under the name Black Maria.
The breed was originally crated before 1914, possibly as early as 1908. And the name ‘Norfolk Grey’ was unfortunately reminiscent of funerals and was quickly dropped and the breed took the name ‘Norfolk Grey’ instead.
The Norfolk Grey chickens were said to have been developed by crossing the Birchen English Game with Partridge Wyandottes or possibly Birchen English Game with Duckwing Leghorns. The breed is classed as a heavy breed, and there is a bantam version of this breed available.
However, as it is a dual purpose breed, so starting commercial Norfolk Grey chicken farming will be a good and profitable business. These birds are good for both meat and eggs production purposes.
How to Start Norfolk Grey Chicken Farming
Starting Norfolk Grey chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. These birds are very strong, hardy and active. So raising them is very easy, even the beginners can also raise them.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Norfolk Grey 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 your Norfolk Grey chicken farming business. Good and healthy birds are the key to successful Norfolk Grey chicken chicken farming business.
You can purchase either mature birds or day old chicks depending on the price and availability in your area. The mature birds are generally sold at a very high prices in the market. But the day old chicks are much cheaper. We recommend starting with day old chicks.
Purchase the chicks from any of your local poultry chick suppliers, chicken breeding centers or any existing farms. Ensure that the chicks are strong, active and healthy. You can also consider searching your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure housing system is very important for Norfolk Grey chicken farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay safe from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of clean and fresh air inside the house. And try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. The Norfolk Grey chickens are classed as a heavy breed. So each mature bird will require around or up to 5 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Norfolk Grey chicken farming business. 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 prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds are good, healthy and nutritious for your birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
The Norfolk Grey chickens are naturally very good breeders. 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 or up to 10 hens.
Caring
Along with feeding good quality food and arranging good housing system for the birds, the Norfolk Grey chickens also require special caring for better growth. Monitor your birds on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. Vaccinate them timely and always keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Chicken products have very good demand and value 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 Norfolk Grey chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
