Commercial Pekin chicken farming is less popular, because it is a bantam breed of domestic chicken. And the breed is raised mainly as pets or for ornamental purposes. They are true bantams and they have no large counterpart.
The Pekin chickens were originated from Peking (now known as Beijing) in China. They have been mistaken for a bantam Cochin mainly due to some physical similarities and origins. But actually, they had no relationship to the large Cochin chicken breed and they looked quite different.
Even the Pekin chickens come from a different place (Peking in China). So they were renamed as ‘Pekin Bantams’, after much debate over many years.
The Cochin Bantams and Pekin chickens are much similar in appearance, but the breed standards of this two breed are slightly different. The Pekin chickens are short and they often only 20-30 cm tall.
However, the Pekin chickens are very good as pets and also for ornamental purposes. You can start commercial Pekin chicken farming business if there are good demand and value for pet and ornamental chickens.
How to Start Pekin Chicken Farming Business
Starting Pekin chicken farming business is not like starting a chicken farming business with any other chicken breeds. Because the Pekin chickens are ornamental breeds, and they generally require special caring and management.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Pekin 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 chickens for starting Pekin chicken farming business. Today, the Pekin chickens are common and available in many countries around the world. So you will probably be able to easily purchase the birds.
You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the availability and price in your area. Generally the mature birds sold at a very high price. On the other hand the day old chicks are much cheaper. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good house is a must for Pekin chicken farming. Because a good house not only help the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to stay safe from predators and adverse weather. So try to make a good, comfortable and secure house for your chickens.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. And if possible make a run for your chickens.
The Pekin chickens are smaller sized birds. So they will require relatively less space. Around 4 square feet housing space will be enough for each mature bird.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Pekin chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to grow better but also helps them to stay healthy. So always try to feed your chickens with enough good and nutritious food.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds are nutritious for your chickens.
The Pekin chickens generally do well in free range system. So you can arrange a pasture for your chickens. This will help you to reduce feeding costs. And always try to provide your chickens with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Pekin chickens are also 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 hens.
Caring
The Pekin chickens require special caring, as they are an ornamental breed. Always keep their house clean, and try to clean it on a regular basis.
Feed them with good quality and nutritious food, and never feed them with contaminated foods. Vaccinate them timely and keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
You should start commercial Pekin chicken farming business, if you can easily sell pet or ornamental chickens in your local or any nearest market. So determine your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Pekin chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
