Commercial Rhode Island Red chicken farming is very common among the poultry keepers. Because it is a very popular and common breed of domestic chicken and it’s available in many countries around the world.
The Rhode Island Red chicken is actually a dual purpose breed and it was developed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the mid 1840s. It is good for both meat and eggs production, and is well suited to commercial production.
The Rhode Island Red chicken is among the most popular chicken breeds for backyard flocks. The breed was mainly kept for eggs production, but they are also very good for meat production. And they are also good as show birds.
The Rhode Island Red chicken breed is highly popular among the poultry farmers, mainly because of their hardiness and egg laying abilities. And as these birds are prolific egg layers, so they are used in the creation of many modern hybrid chicken breeds.
However, as these birds are prolific egg layers and also good for meat production, so starting a commercial Rhode Island Red chicken farming business will definitely be profitable. That’s why it is among the top and most popular chicken breed for commercial production.
How to Start Rhode Island Red Chicken Farming?
The Rhode Island Red chickens are very strong and hardy birds. So, starting commercial Rhode Island Red chicken farming business is just like starting a commercial chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Rhode Island Red chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
1. Purchase Chickens
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality and healthy birds for starting Rhode Island Red chicken farming business. You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the availability in your area.
The Rhode Island Red chickens are common and available in most of the areas around the world. So, you will probably be able to easily source the birds. Consider purchasing the birds from any of your nearest chicken breeding centers or any existing farms.
Ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner. And you can also search your local online classified websites for purchasing birds.
2. Housing
Making a good house is important for Rhode Island Red 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 very good, comfortable and safe housing system for your chickens. The house can be made of easily available ingredients (like bamboo and wood) or concrete type. Whatever you choose, ensure that the house is comfortable for the chickens.
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 Rhode Island Red chickens are classed as a heavy breed. So they will generally require around 5 square feet of housing space.
3. Feeding
This is the most important part of Rhode Island Red chicken farming business. Because adequate and quality feeding not only helps the birds to grow better but also helps them to stay healthy and prevent most of the health problems. So, quality feeding is a must.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Whatever you choose, just ensure that the feeds are good and nutritious for your chickens.
The Rhode Island Red chickens are good for both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will help the birds to produce good quality products and it will also reduce the feeding costs.
Along with feeding the birds with very good quality feeds, provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
4. Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Rhode Island Red chickens are also 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.
5. Caring
The Rhode Island Red chickens are very active and strong. And they are docile and calm in nature, but the roosters can be a little bit aggressive sometimes. They generally require less caring and other management. Although, taking additional caring will help the chickens to grow better and stay healthy.
So, try to take good care of your birds. Monitor them regularly for any signs of diseases or illness and take necessary steps as soon as possible. Vaccinate them timely and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
6. Marketing
Chicken products have very good demand and value in the market. So, you will probably be able to easily sell the products in your local market. Although, you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Rhode Island Red chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you a lot! Good luck and may God bless you!
