Scots Dumpy chicken farming is very easy, because it is a very easily handled breed of domestic chicken. It is actually a good dual purpose breed which is raised and valued for both meat and eggs production purpose.
The Scots Dumpy chicken breed was originated in the Highlands of Scotland. And it is a very ancient native breed of Scotland. The breed was known by many different names in the early of 20th Century. Those names include Bakies, Creepies, Dadlies, Hoodies or Stumpies.
The Scots Dumpy chickens are one of the two traditional fowl of Scotland, with Scots Grey Chicken. And the breed was first exhibited in London in the year of 1852.
The Scots Dumpy chickens have four main color varieties. And the color varieties are Black, Cuckoo, Dark and Silver-Grey. And some other color varieties have been developed recently. There is also a bantam variety of this breed.
Today the Scots Dumpy chicken is a rare breed. It is classed as an endangered breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
However, as the Scots Dumpy chickens are good dual purpose birds, so starting commercial Scots Dumpy chicken farming business will be profitable. And at the same time you can help this breed to increase their population.
How to Start Scots Dumpy Chicken Farming
The Scots Dumpy chickens are very hardy and strong birds. So starting commercial Scots Dumpy chicken farming is 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 Scots Dumpy 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 Scots Dumpy chicken farming business. Purchasing healthy and good quality birds is very important, because good quality birds is the key to successful business.
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 prices in the market. While the day old chicks are much cheaper. So we recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase the chicks from any of your nearest poultry chick suppliers, chicken breeding centers or any existing Scots Dumpy chicken farms. Just ensure that the chicks are good and healthy. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a very good, comfortable and secure housing system is very important for Scots Dumpy chicken farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions.
The type of the house can be any depending on your budget. It can be of full concrete setup or you can build the house with low cost and easily available materials, such as bamboo or wood. Just ensure that the house is good and comfortable for your birds.
Install good ventilation system inside the house. Good ventilation system helps to remove gas from inside the house and keeps your birds healthy. And also ensure flow of sufficient amount of clean and fresh air inside the house.
Try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. The Scots Dumpy chickens are classed as a heavy breed. So a 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 Scots Dumpy chicken farming business. Because 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 ready-made/commercial poultry feeds, or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds are good 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.
The Scots Dumpy chickens are good for raising in both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will help you to reduce feeding costs and at the same time it will help to increase the quality of the products.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Scots Dumpy 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 and healthy rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Scots Dumpy chickens are relatively strong, hardy and active birds. So 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 keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because both meat and eggs of the chicken have very good demand and value in the market 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 Scots Dumpy chicken farming business. These birds are easily handled and raising them is very easy. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
